Looking for Laptop(s) suggestions for around $800 - Webcam software also...

modfather · 11-19-08, 11:04 AM

Hi folks,

I'm hoping for some suggestions on a laptop in the $800 range or so (I'd go higher, but I have to buy two of these suckers for Christmas). What I'm hoping to get:

Fastest Intel processor possible
3-4 GB RAM
At least 250GB HD, but the-bigger-the-better.

Built-in webcam
15.4" display

These two laptops don't have to be the same brand and/or model, as they will be for two of my kids. One will use it for very basic stuff: Web surfing, iTunes, etc. The other will be used for the same, but also WoW, other games (hopefully some newer ones).

Both will be used for Microsoft Office, school, Photoshop, and video editing.

Is there any type of processors I should look for or avoid? Any brands to avoid? I'm kind of thinking staying with the bigger names: Dell, Gateway, HP, Toshiba, Sony, etc. Any idea if Asus makes nice laptops? Here's a few I've looked at that I think are possiblities: Gateway's M-6340u. I normally don't have that high of regard for Gateway's, but recently bought one used from my brother, and I actually love it. Dell's Inspiron 1525. Finally, I just noticed an Asus open-box from Newegg: M50Vm-A1 - this one's about $850, but am a bit nervous by their open-box policy, if the thing comes all dented up and no power-supply cord.

By no means are these the only three I'm considering.

Finally, on the first laptop, does anyone know of any webcam software similar to Apple's? What I mean is, one of these will be for a young teen daughter, and she really found the little webcam effects/tools fun on an in-store Macbook. Anything similar to that?

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated!

al_bundy · 11-19-08, 11:45 AM

i've used Dells and HP and i prefer Dell. Gateway is junk. no comment on Asus.

most laptops are the same thing with a different brand name. get a dual core processor and check the webcam specs against buying a separate one. i have a $50 logitech and the $100 model gives you better performance but needs a dual core CPU

11-19-08, 11:04 AM	#1
modfather DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Utah Posts: 1,496	Looking for Laptop(s) suggestions for around $800 - Webcam software also... Hi folks, I'm hoping for some suggestions on a laptop in the $800 range or so (I'd go higher, but I have to buy two of these suckers for Christmas). What I'm hoping to get: Fastest Intel processor possible 3-4 GB RAM At least 250GB HD, but the-bigger-the-better. Built-in webcam 15.4" display These two laptops don't have to be the same brand and/or model, as they will be for two of my kids. One will use it for very basic stuff: Web surfing, iTunes, etc. The other will be used for the same, but also WoW, other games (hopefully some newer ones). Both will be used for Microsoft Office, school, Photoshop, and video editing. Is there any type of processors I should look for or avoid? Any brands to avoid? I'm kind of thinking staying with the bigger names: Dell, Gateway, HP, Toshiba, Sony, etc. Any idea if Asus makes nice laptops? Here's a few I've looked at that I think are possiblities: Gateway's M-6340u. I normally don't have that high of regard for Gateway's, but recently bought one used from my brother, and I actually love it. Dell's Inspiron 1525. Finally, I just noticed an Asus open-box from Newegg: M50Vm-A1 - this one's about $850, but am a bit nervous by their open-box policy, if the thing comes all dented up and no power-supply cord. By no means are these the only three I'm considering. Finally, on the first laptop, does anyone know of any webcam software similar to Apple's? What I mean is, one of these will be for a young teen daughter, and she really found the little webcam effects/tools fun on an in-store Macbook. Anything similar to that? Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated! __________________ I'd never have a signature - signatures are for dorks! Last edited by modfather; 11-19-08 at 11:18 AM.

11-19-08, 11:45 AM	#2
al_bundy DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Transfatfreeville Posts: 22,214	i've used Dells and HP and i prefer Dell. Gateway is junk. no comment on Asus. most laptops are the same thing with a different brand name. get a dual core processor and check the webcam specs against buying a separate one. i have a $50 logitech and the $100 model gives you better performance but needs a dual core CPU