Notebooks

[Adora]

I'm looking for a good all-rounder laptop/notebook, preferably under $1200 Monopoly-monies (AUS$).

I'm thinking a Toshiba Satellite A200, or one of the older (and cheaper) A120 series. But any suggestions are welcome. I am kind of leaning towards a Toshiba just because I have only heard good things about them, unlike other brands.

I'm also a little peeved that anything I buy is going to have, ugh, Windows Vista installed on it (UNCLEAN). Any tips on removing this and installing XP without rendering the whole thing unusable?

[seebs]

Toshibas are pretty good, also Thinkpads. Some companies will sell things with XP again now.

[JoeP]

I've heard nothing negative about Fujitsu-Siemens notebooks either. But I don't really trust any manufacturer.

Re installing XP, if you can get hold of XP installation discs (not the OEM ones bundled with computers, I think) just go ahead and install. Then you'll need to contact the Wicked Witch of the North-West to placate her within 30 days - and I think you actually have to phone for this - but M$ licensing allows you to run XP if (as you would have) you have a licence for Vista.

[Adam]

If you're going to reinstall the OS, make sure you have drivers for all your hardware ready to go. If the laptop doesn't come with all the drivers on disc, make sure you download them from the manufacturers' sites and burn them before you start. XP should be able to find drivers for most common hardware, but all it takes is one weird device in your machine and you're looking at a headache if you didn't prepare beforehand.

[Adora]

I've actually decided against buying one (need the money for more important things like Japanese porn), but thanks anyway guys.

[JoeP]

http://ansuz.sooke.bc.ca/bonobo-conspiracy/0087.png

[Adora]

1. Sprites freak me out.

2. So true.