This is one of those questions that is asked frequently. This thread breaks down the differences and I agree with the poster as an owner of both.
http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1886760&cid=34370614
Get an IBM Thinkpad T-Series. T61, T410
Backward compatible to Windows NT with intelligent hardware and a really, really good keyboard and trackstick.
Good luck!
Yes!
IBM T series are "rock solid".
They really illustrate the difference between "consumer" & "commercial" grade hardware.
*love* the T-42 & T-61
Here is what I understand your requirements are based on the original post:
"How would Slashdotters go about picking a solid, basic laptop for Web surfing and document editing that won't be obsolete in two years?"
I would advocate buying used, and beefing it up in the "sweet spots" (EG: battery / RAM).
Depending on what version of Windows you want to run, you could score a very sweet system online using the "recommended specs" for your target version of the OS.
Since you did not indicate it would be used for gaming, most stuff you could get off of eBay (as an example) would give you years of service.
Alternately, perhaps there is someone who refurbishes laptops (EG: off-lease units) in your general area which you could potentially get some support behind.
Either way, you get the benefit of something with some mileage behind it, to see how the unit faired after the "new unit" shine wore off.
Good hunting.:-)
Slashdot Mirror
This is one of those questions that is asked frequently. This thread breaks down the differences and I agree with the poster as an owner of both. http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=1886760&cid=34370614 Get an IBM Thinkpad T-Series. T61, T410 Backward compatible to Windows NT with intelligent hardware and a really, really good keyboard and trackstick. Good luck!
Yes! IBM T series are "rock solid". They really illustrate the difference between "consumer" & "commercial" grade hardware. *love* the T-42 & T-61
Here is what I understand your requirements are based on the original post: "How would Slashdotters go about picking a solid, basic laptop for Web surfing and document editing that won't be obsolete in two years?" I would advocate buying used, and beefing it up in the "sweet spots" (EG: battery / RAM). Depending on what version of Windows you want to run, you could score a very sweet system online using the "recommended specs" for your target version of the OS. Since you did not indicate it would be used for gaming, most stuff you could get off of eBay (as an example) would give you years of service. Alternately, perhaps there is someone who refurbishes laptops (EG: off-lease units) in your general area which you could potentially get some support behind. Either way, you get the benefit of something with some mileage behind it, to see how the unit faired after the "new unit" shine wore off. Good hunting. :-)