In the market for new laptop.

[tdappleman]

I'm looking at new laptops and wanted to get input from you all on screen technology. I know my current IBM/Lenovo T61p screen is horrible in anything other than normal indoor lighting. Anyone have a laptop which they can use/view outside - not bright sun but at least be able to see it. HP has their new LED Brightview screens out which look good indoors - any thoughts there? Has anyone experienced the new Intel i3 or faster processors? Thanks all!

 

[Lazy Daze]

I have a MacBook Pro that can be viewed in sunlight - actually very well! I currently only run Mac programs (or Mac versions of things like Excell and Word), but I know you can split the hardrive somehow to run Windows on it. The trackpad is absolutely amazing - you can finger it all different ways (one, two, three or four fingers) and it does different things - really cool! But, in the end, if you're really accustomed to Windows, it might be best to stick with it. Although, I have to say that I am a convert - I used to only use Windows, now primarily Mac.

 

[Vince_nj1]

Have you considered using something like this?

http://www.compushade.com/viewarticle.php?page=3

 

[tdappleman]

Thanks Dennis - I've used both and my sister and father are both converts as well. I'm going to keep Windows for now since I use it at home and at the shop.

Vince - I've seen that but just don't like the way it looks so I thought I'd see what folks had experienced with the new technology screens. I've used the privacy screen overlays - it would be nice if they had something similar for sunlight.

 

[Hans]

I have a MacBook Pro that can be viewed in sunlight - actually very well! I currently only run Mac programs (or Mac versions of things like Excell and Word), but I know you can split the hardrive somehow to run Windows on it. The trackpad is absolutely amazing - you can finger it all different ways (one, two, three or four fingers) and it does different things - really cool! But, in the end, if you're really accustomed to Windows, it might be best to stick with it. Although, I have to say that I am a convert - I used to only use Windows, now primarily Mac.

You can either virtualize or run boot camp, but use Windows 7 in boot camp or virtualized. (Windows 7, a great operating system).

 

[Sundancer]

I've run a lot of laptops over the years and the Toshiba's always last longer than the IBM, Lenova, Dell or HP. They were just a little beefier in the case and could take the drops from the overhead compartments all the way to the floor. The IBM T42 just didn't hold a candle to the rest of the pack I've had. As far as viewing in the sunlight, I can't answer that one! They were all tough to see when the sun was shining at the wrong angle in the window of the 737.

 

[JohnEGraham]

I also agree that the new "Windows 7" is great. Its getting more like the Apple Macs which cost a lot more. We have a "Sony Vio" JG

 

[Four Suns]

I'm getting sick and tired of people ragging on PC's and trying to convince people to buy macs.

I've made a lot of money attempting to fix the holes and problems with Windows in my career and if everyone switched to Macs, it would cause a HUGE unemployment problem in the IT world. It would be like switching to the "flat tax" and laying off the IRS... give me a break... think about other people for a minute and their livelihood and families... KEEP YOUR PC!!! STIMULATE THE ECONOMY!!!

 

[Ka1oxd]

I ended up with an Acer Netbook since I have a full blown tower at the house. I bought the netbook for a couple of reasons. I have a 10 mg pix SLR camera and use the netbook for down loading them, a GPS USB receiver for use with Microsoft Maps and NOAA nautical charts.

I also installed Sun Virtual Box so I can run virtual machines with multiple operating systems. It is fine as long as the sun is not over your back. But if I am in the sun, why would I want to be on the computer?

 

[george2064]

you can also run the map book pro in windows mode (via bootcamp). They run pretty fast and have great screen (I am not sure why you want to do that) I only do that when I need to run Multiple Listing Application (MLS)).

 

[HUMPH]

I am looking too since the screen on my Dell D630 decided to take a crap. I can dock it and see it on my 19" monitor but it still freezes occasionally. Time to make it an anchor!

My daughter has a Sony and seems to love it.