retali8

Ok so I've been in the market for a new computer and haven't been able to decide on what to buy. I finally decided I was going to just go with it and I found a GREAT deal on Circuit City's website.

Here's what I got.. (Laptop)

Toshiba Satellite® 15.4” Widescreen Notebook PC (A105-S4384)
TOS A105S4384

• Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5500
• Built-in 802.11 wireless
• 1024MB DDR2 memory
• Burns DVDs and CDs
• 160GB hard drive
• Media card reader

This thing is sleek, VERY fast, powerful, sexy and everything else I could want in a laptop. I know it will be harder to game unless I get external hook-ups but i'll figure that all out later.

The total came to 799.99 + tax after Rebates.
I did a 90 Days SAC through CC, so my initial payment is 1092.32 before after taxes (-235 in rebates).

I Also got a free All-in-one printer and some internet security crap to go with it.

Just thought I'd share with everyone.. tell me what you think!

Rincewind

I've really enjoyed my Toshiba Satellite. It gamed really well in its day. Now it's about four years old and doing taxes

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retali8

I do have a question though for people about laptops..

What are the DO's and DONTs on owning a laptop? I mean when it comes to keeping it plugged in all the time, turning it off when i leave, leave it on standby, etc. I want it to last as long as possible and treat it right so i need to know the best way to keep it running smoothly. I know its harder to replace laptop parts - especially after the 1 year MFG warranty. I want to get a 4 year warranty but i don't want to spend 300$ for it to be honest. Any suggestions on how to treat this baby right?

Priest

The only suggestion I would have, and this is coming from my experience with an old Toshiba (Listen to Rince, they pwn), make sure you know how hot your charger will get. I can keep mine on as long as I want as long as I keep a rotary fan aimed at it, but I melted an older one once for leaving it plugged in overnight. Of course, this is 1997 technology we're speaking about, so that may not be an issue anymore :P

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Vulcan

First thing you wanna do is turn off the Hibernate option and personally i never use the sleep mode when i close the lid. These all can cause problems eventually.

Turn off hard disks shutting off as well.

P.S. Moved to Hardware forums.

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Rincewind

Yeah, you want to make sure that you be aware of the heat the various parts of the laptop can generate (including the power box).

I agree with vulcan to forgo using hibernate, but only if you will be having long breaks in between using the laptop after you close it. If you're going to put your laptop away in a enclosed bag, make sure it has stopped running.

Almost every laptop has quirks either individually or as a batch. My rule of thumb on a laptop is if you have problems within the first 30 days, just return it and get a replacement. Bad laptops usually exhibit bad behavior within the first 30 days. Under no circumstances use a repair depot or warranty service if you still have the option of returning the unit for a full refund.

Additionally, the only thing I've ever had to replace on the laptop due to general wear is the battery.

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retali8

thanks for the info.. i think that i'll just leave it on but turn the monitor off.. i believe it's alright to leave it plugged in because of the lithium-ion battery it stops charging once it fills up. i just want to prolong the life as long as possible.. it will mainly be my home comp but i have a feeling i'll be traveling a lot with it so when i travel ill just keep it off

=Sarc=

If you have it plugged in a lot, you could take the battery out since the heat could shorten battery life. Keep it well-ventilated and you're good. Definitely check out the hibernation. It's a great way to shut down the laptop. It boots up faster too since it's just restoring the state you last left it.

For gaming, I hope you mean a desktop when you mean external hookups. It won't have the graphics power to do anything serious.

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retali8

well i went ahead and bought the 4 year warranty (299$)... it covers anything and everything other than if i damaged it myself by dropping it or something.

it does include battery and any other internal mfg problem.. so anyways.. 300 may be a lot of money but for 4 years im worry free..

War.mongeR1

On my Vaio, considering the replacement batteries cost $250. It was worth the purchase of the warranty for me. My batteries would need to be replaced about once a year. That warranty got me 4 new batteries. So for me a $250 warranty = $1000 in batteries. My warranty is now over and I guess I'll just replace the whole computer next time since nowadays a $500 laptop is better than my old thing.