You are focusing on the video memory - this is a total non-issue unless you are trying to game with it. The standard Intel video is more than adequate for what you are saying you would use it for. Good grief - the Asus I recommended has 6gb of memory - that's MORE than enough to go around!

I think Acer/Gateway/Emachines (all the same) is crap. The *ONLY* 3 brands of laptops I'm comfortable with are Asus, Lenovo, and Dell. Stay away from Acer (and its other names), HP, and Toshiba.

Not that Pentium - the Pentium "B" is actually a dual core based off of the core "i" series. It's not a bad processor but I still don't like that laptop.

 

Some of these guys know what they're talking about. You gottuh get past the hype and erroneous market boloney, there's allot of it out there.

It's best to rely on forums which are non bias and spell out the real facts for yuh. Do yourself a favor, hit up some comp forums. glc is a good one to listen to, -after all, he moderates one..

 

Which puts it in the class of Pentium D, one step above a Pentium. Still 3-4 generations behind. Again if you are going to pay that much, that is very old technology.

 

No, the Pentium B is current mobile technology. It's built on Sandybridge architecture.

http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Pentiu...le%20B960.html

 

We've had nothing but problems with Dells. 3 laptops (Dell latitude 610/620 - think that's the name- bought through the campus program) and 2 (2005 Dell XPS 600s bought new) desktops have all had issues. The HP ones and Compaqs have been fairly trouble free that replaced those 5 computers. I will be looking for a new one in the next year when my warranty runs out. Currently have a 2009 Dell Latitude E6400 and I've have a lot of things replaced. Trackpad, charger, various plastics (going back and forth to campus) and a harddrive. The HD was my fault. tripped over the freakin charger right after I got it

Not to hijack, but why not HP? A lot of people seem to have good luck with them. Asus I have been seeing a bit more of lately and I have heard the newer Dells have had better quality.

 

Would still much rather have an Core ix over any Pentium.

 

Of course, but I'm just trying to say that the Pentium B *IS* current, and it's considered the mainstream mobile processor now - with the Celeron being entry-level and the Core ix as being for power users. It's a Pentium in name only - it really is based on the Core i3 - less cache.

Heck - my Asus EeePC netbook with the single core Atom gets the job done. Sure wouldn't use it as a primary computer though.

Back to the Gateway in the original post - it's not worth the money.

I've been around the computer biz long enough to see what kind of track record most laptop brands have - HP/Compaq has a nasty tendency to crap out not long after the warranty expires. It's usually a failed motherboard.

 

Same here. I've had two laptops from them. Both were garbage, along with their customer service. I switched it up last time, and bought my MacBook. Haven't looked back since. It's more expensive, but the frustration it saves is WELL worth it in my eyes.

OP, does it have to be a laptop? If you're just using it at home, I'd look at desktops also. Or, if you have a nice tv, just get a MacMini, and have a GIANT desktop.

That's how my buddy rolls, and every time I go to his house, I am jealous of the simplicity.

 

Thanks guys.....have to keep researching. Yes I would like a laptop for mobility as well.....take care.

Jim

 

Yea, good idea and I don't blame yuh. - To many conflicting posts here, - from.. Well, - what can you expect, it's a truck forum.

Good Luck Jim.

 

I think I may have found a good one now. I was just looking at the Asus K53E-RBR9 at staples (was close to home).
It has the Intel i3 2350M with 8GB RAM and 750GB hardrive.

comes with windows 7 Home premium. Has HDMI output and cd\dvd as well......I would think most would approve of this? Price was 499.99 down from 649.99......How about this one????

Jim

 

That sounds very reasonable.

 

I'm in agreement...

 

really dont care for Dell have had this HP for 3 years drive an 18 wheeler on puter everyday has been great its a hp g61 paid about $400 from walmart does everything no problems plyrambler

 

Looks like a good deal Jim!