I would not rule out HP (unless about 10 more people say they suck). Actually, for 450 bucks, this looks like a pretty good computer (but then again, I started this thread, because I don't know). I could add a 128GB SDD to it, and still be doing alright. HP Probook 4530s for $450 looks like exactly what I need Xero, why do you say that about HP? What are your thoughts on a more business-oriented computer by HP?
Yeah, easily. HDD enclosures are pretty cheap and work well. You could buy an SSD kit that would include cables, a HDD enclosure, and a DVD that will run a program to copy your entire drive to the SSD. I'm running a Kingston SSD that came with all that, but instead, I used a program called Acronis which is one of the best softwares to copy a hard drive to another hard drive.
I just built two new boxes and with Win 7 and Office, various basic Outlook data etc they used about 30-35 gigs. Also external HDDs are more than your quote. Flooding is a b****. Make sure whatever enclosure you get has USB 3.0 or eSATA
How is the Kingston? Seems to be a pretty good value, in general, of the SSDs I've looked up. Crucial seems to be nice, too. Not bad price-wise, either.
Kingston makes pretty good hardware (SD cards, RAM, SSDs, etc.). I've never had a problem with any of their products, and they are generally cheaper than the bigger brands out there. They're affordable, reliable, and great average consumer products that come with good warranties. They won't be your newest, fastest SSDs, but you're talking a difference between seconds when it comes to SSDs. I recommend Kingston to the average consumer on a budget.
I found one you could probably get for free... http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=215148 Might need some reconditioning but it apparently has some new software and upgrades.
I don't know if it meets anyone in this thread's needs, but here's a really good deal on an ultraportable: http://moofi.woot.com/moofi/justawiddlemoofi
Not a fan personally, but everyone has their issues... I think overall they have lower ratings I'd get this over that http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834230265
My friend bought a hp netbook and less than 2 months the fan crapped out. Turns out she is not the only one. Steer clear from hp
Target has a Logitech 720p webcam on sale for $15 this week (MSRP is $30). That's a better webcam than you'll find integrated into a notebook.
This looks like a pretty bad-ass deal, no? Lenovo Ideapad Y470P for $749 I wonder how long this deal is going on for? I'm assuming for the week. I'm waiting on my tax returns before I buy one, and I don't know if they'll be here before the end of the week...
I very well could end up going with the external webcam. Thanks for the heads up! You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Duncan McDonuts again.
Hp is crap. You're getting initial good bang for buck but quality of build and longevity is highly suspect. Ive owned 2 pavilion series laptops, 1st lasting 3.5 years and 2nd dying at 2.5 years. Shoulda just bought a Mac for the price of those 2 laptops. Plus can't beat apple care an service. If windows is key stay away from hp
Yeah, I'm thinking I want a Windows device. I think I'm leaning towards Lenovo as a brand. They seem to have a good reputation for quality builds. The link I posted earlier is intriguing to me. It's more than I need, but it would enable me to easily replace my desktop with it for multiple years, in my opinion.
