[MoreCowbell]

Hey Guys...

The time has come, for business reasons, where I need a Vista PC to go along with my MB Pro. Please, let's not turn this into another MAC vs PC thread...

I want to get a GOOD, cutting edge machine. Though the bulk of what I do is Email and Internet, I also spend time working with some VERY large word documents and tremendous, complex Excel Sheets.

I have always been a strong believer in a lot of ram, so I am think 2gb minimum, probably as much as 3 or 4.

Now, here is my main concern, I have ALWAYS bought dells in the past. But what I want here, is a to buy a machine and get a GOOD CLEAN install. I don't want all CRAP that these companies seem to put on the PC's. I don't want all the "Junk".

So my question is two-fold...

1) What should I get?
2) Where should I get it?(I don't travel much, so i'm not realy concerned about weight or size. Probably 15 inch screen)

Thanks in advance!!!!

[TYW]

Look at either the HP or Dell Small Business web sites. You will pay more, but will have less "consumer" AdWare crap and will offer 3 yr. warranty (I know HP does, not sure about Dell). I've been using Vista since early beta and yes, needs lots of RAM, fast processor, and a good graphics card if you're using Aero (i.e. glass).

[hl0m4n]

Originally Posted by MoreCowbell

Hey Guys...

The time has come, for business reasons, where I need a Vista PC to go along with my MB Pro. Please, let's not turn this into another MAC vs PC thread...

I want to get a GOOD, cutting edge machine. Though the bulk of what I do is Email and Internet, I also spend time working with some VERY large word documents and tremendous, complex Excel Sheets.

I have always been a strong believer in a lot of ram, so I am think 2gb minimum, probably as much as 3 or 4.

Now, here is my main concern, I have ALWAYS bought dells in the past. But what I want here, is a to buy a machine and get a GOOD CLEAN install. I don't want all CRAP that these companies seem to put on the PC's. I don't want all the "Junk".

So my question is two-fold...

1) What should I get?
2) Where should I get it?(I don't travel much, so i'm not realy concerned about weight or size. Probably 15 inch screen)

Thanks in advance!!!!

where in NY are you? if your into a desktop let me know i can build you a clean one with loomed wires, etc. gl with your search

[hl0m4n]

try the alienware notebooks. i had older one back in 05 and the case isn't that heavy but it is very durable plus you get hd disc drive, screen and audio. that laptop will last you for years to come.

once i got my laptop alienware does have a little advertisement programs on there like any other such as napster, etc. just remove them and your good. or you can reformat yourself and make it your own

[MikeCCrutchfield]

Upgrade to leapord and stick bootcamp, vista and virtual PC on your macbook pro

EDIT - The Virtual PC is only so you can run your Vista install in OSX in case you just need to do something small, instead of rebooting into windows

EDIT 2 - And I only suggested this because there is no reason the MB Pro can fill both bills for a minimal investment and then you can have both OSes wherever you go.

[UncleWede]

Wherever you get the hardware from, take the Vista installation CD, put it in the drive and start from scratch with a format of the hard drive.

I work in a Dell shop but always recommend AGAINST the Dell laptops. HP makes a quality laptop, Sony if $$$ isn't an issue.

[hl0m4n]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Wherever you get the hardware from, take the Vista installation CD, put it in the drive and start from scratch with a format of the hard drive.

I work in a Dell shop but always recommend AGAINST the Dell laptops. HP makes a quality laptop, Sony if $$$ isn't an issue.

+1 for the sony. but an alienware will last you too. sony are i believe mostly known for their lightweight laptops. thesedays laptops are having c/f chassis .

i would build you a laptop but i never did. i believe if you buy a quality case w/ screen, the installation is the same, mobo, ram, video, etc.

[MoreCowbell]

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

where in NY are you? if your into a desktop let me know i can build you a clean one with loomed wires, etc. gl with your search

Ya, need a Laptop, but I appreciate it.

[MoreCowbell]

What specs do you recommend?

[spacedogg]

I'd suggest Lenovo Thinkpad. Likely a T61 for your needs.

Check out the forums at www.thinkpads.com. Lots of instructions on how to do a clean install of Windows on the site.

[hl0m4n]

since your buying a laptop now and want to use it for a long time and based on your work def an intel duo, 2gb ram, vista ultimate, and a geforce 7900min to run the direct x 10 and vista.

[MoreCowbell]

Do any of the large makers...Dell, Kenovo, HP, etc...off a "clean install" option?

[UncleWede]

Dell "claims" to have that on the Small Business side of the house, but I still do a Format C unless the client wants it 10 minutes after the box arrives.

[bartman32]

I'd go Lenovo Thinkpad. It is their buiness product line.

[AndrewAZ]

I have a custom built core 2 duo desktop with 4 gigs of ram/256mb graphics card/160gig hd.. Ill give you windows vista home prem and office 07 disks.. Let me know if you change your mind on desktop vs laptop. $900 shipped...(wireless keyboard and mouse (logitech) just no monitor).. Built the sucker to run a few windows apps for class since I have a powerbook G4 as my main computer and after I was done with the class I figured I would use it was a gaming rig but never got back into games.

[MoreCowbell]

Originally Posted by AndrewAZ

I have a custom built core 2 duo desktop with 4 gigs of ram/256mb graphics card/160gig hd.. Ill give you windows vista home prem and office 07 disks.. Let me know if you change your mind on desktop vs laptop. $900 shipped...(wireless keyboard and mouse (logitech) just no monitor).. Built the sucker to run a few windows apps for class since I have a powerbook G4 as my main computer and after I was done with the class I figured I would use it was a gaming rig but never got back into games.

Hey man, I appreciate it...but I really need to stick with laptops.

[hl0m4n]

Originally Posted by MoreCowbell

Hey man, I appreciate it...but I really need to stick with laptops.

where in NYC are you located? you can always buy a laptop and meet me at a starbucks for a quick reformaty

[MoreCowbell]

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

where in NYC are you located? you can always buy a laptop and meet me at a starbucks for a quick reformaty

I'm on the upper east..may take you up on that...

How hard is it to re-install the OS on the machine and do it cleanly?

[f30er]

I would also recommend an HP...Just wait a few weeks for the Black Friday sales and you'll be able to grab a pretty decent one from Circuit City or Best Buy....I've got a HP Pavillion and have no regrets about buying it....Battery lasts for ~3 hours, screen's nice and bright, and plays games and multi-tasks great....

[Gripster]

Originally Posted by bartman32

I'd go Lenovo Thinkpad. It is their buiness product line.

+1. I'm a Mac OS X guy too, but I have a Dell laptop running Vista for work. It's fine, but the best PC laptop I have was a Thinkpad T41. New versions look even better. My wife has an X60 for her work and it's beautifully designed, but if you need a trackpad instead of a "nipple" mouse, it won't work because it doesn't have one. The Lenovo machines are just well thought out and with excellent keyboards.

Vista is a ram hog. I have 2gb and once it has loaded, it performs nicely. Just remember that Vista continues loading in the background for about 2-3 minutes AFTER the GUI appears. Everything is dog slow while it does that, but after that it's responsive and a much better experience than XP.

[UncleWede]

Full format, install, and drivers (for XP, haven't done Vista yet) takes about 35 minutes, then you have a banana-boat load of updates to install. After that, it just depends on how many programs you need to install. I make a basic office-ready machine in about 75 minutes, IF I'm attentive.

[hl0m4n]

if you get a laptop with the specs i recommended doesn't really matter what brand name you chose as long as you are around those specs. you have to take into consideration if your going to look at alot of movies, imaging, etc you need a very good quality screen. the bluray player is a + now days if your buying a laptop now.

all you need is the reformat cd. go into bio and set cd source first restart and follow instructions. after that install all your drivers, connect to internet, and start updating. finish off with a quick msconfig and your good