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Fauna’s Computer Is Dying, What Do You Recommend?

by on Friday, May 15, 2009 53 comments

laptop-fire-02Hi everyone, my computer is very old. When I use it, it will become very very hot and make a lot of horrible noise. This has happen for a very long time already but recently my computer begin to crash and turn off by itself. I think it will die soon.

I think many chinaSMACK visitors are very knowledgeable about computers, so I hope some of you can help suggest some good computers for me. Here are some requirements:

  1. Not too hot. I do not not want to burn my leg.
  2. Not too noisy so I do not want to disturb other people.
  3. Not too heavy or big, and it should not break easily if I carry it around in my bag.
  4. Long battery so I can use for several hours with no problem. I know some computer have different battery size also.
  5. I use my computer to go on the internet, watch movies, play music, and use Photoshop. So I do not need something that is too good (powerful/expensive) but it cannot be too slow or too much trouble also.

I do not have a lot of money so I do not know how much I can spend but the price should be reasonable. At this moment, I can still use my computer so I hope it can stay alive longer until I can save more money.

Do you have any good recommendation for me?

Thank you for your help.

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53 Comments

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  1. Tao
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    The Macbook seems like a good choice. The latest Unibody models don’t get too hot, are pretty quiet, powerful enough for things like Photoshop, isn’t too heavy but big enough to fit a full-size keyboard and 13 screen. My battery lasts about 4 hours on a full charge depending on usage. Only problem is that it could be a bit expensive and you’d have to switch to OSX.

    Reply
  2. puja
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    I’m using a Samsung Q310, which is really quiet, not too hot, powerful (2,3Ghz, 3GB RAM, nVidia Graphics, 320GB HDD), quite small (13″) and also lasts about 4 hours on standard battery (there’s a 7 hour battery, too, but it’s around RMB 2000 extra) and costs around RMB 8000.
    There’s also other nice Samsung models (smaller, bigger, less powerful, cheaper,…) which could be of interest to you.

    Reply
  3. shantai
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 6:14 pm

    I have had problem after problem with my Sony Vaio, I recommend you do NOT get a Vaio.

    Reply
  4. Will
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 6:44 pm

    I find this site very interesting. I’d give you 5 bucks towards a new PC.

    Reply
  5. Leprecoon
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    I am also thinking of splashing on a Samsung nc10. They are pretty small, 6hrs battery life, solid wi-fi, easily light enough to fit in a bag. Warm enough to keep you toasty in winter without burning your leg. Around 3000 yuan.

    Reply
  6. Joe
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 7:29 pm

    I have experiences with Asus and Acer laptops I think they are pretty reliable and should be reasonably cheap in China. The Asus F81 (14.1″,2.26Ghz,4gb ram, ATI4570,320gb) cost $800 in the US. Small and very powerful.

    Reply
  7. Moak
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 7:36 pm

    Problem with all the Netbooks is it’s not good for Photoshop apart from that, they are pretty reliable and some have up to 8 hours battery life

    Reply
  8. realist
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    How about finding yourself a real job, instead of wanting to earn money from other peoples misery by running this website?

    Reply
    • revi
      Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 5:58 am

      What’s a “real” job these days? Only people with absolutely no imagination harp on about “real” jobs.

      On the other hand, some editorial sensitivity would not go amiss either on most postings. Pixelating people’s image/identity would be a start, even if other sites don’t. But at least this site can lead the way and gain readers’ respect as well as develop a degree of self-respect.

      Re. computer, why not ask for sponsorship? As in a company provide a free computer in return for free advertising for a fixed time period.

      Reply
    • Kai
      Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 3:17 pm

      Wait…what makes you think she doesn’t have a real job? And what does it say about you for coming here to view other people’s misery?

      Reply
  9. 小杜
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 9:38 pm

    Fauna – 听说是风扇的问题. 还风扇就要30－50快在虬江路。。。

    如果你还需要一个笔记本电脑我可以送给你一个。

    Reply
  10. Shockr
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 9:52 pm

    Fauna:

    Don’t get a netbook. It won’t work that well with photoshop or ms office.

    I’ve been using macs for years but I don’t recommend it to you either because the macbook is probably over your budget.

    Take a look at the 13″ HP computers that’ll be coming out in a few days… I have inside knowledge of what gets launched due to the industry I’m in… ;-)

    Reply
  11. Sparky The Space Cat
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 10:04 pm

    13″ Macbook – to save money get the version without backlit keyboard and higher processor.

    Lovely machine. Really.

    Reply
  12. Bingleton
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:07 pm

    Avoid a netbook if you need Photoshop, it’s too underpowered. If you have the money, a refurbished Macbook (or Macbook Pro, if possible) is a very good buy, but there’s still expensive, even used. As for Windows, Lenovo’s business models (Thinkpads, for example) are very solid and reliable, and at a good price.

    Reply
  13. laowai
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:26 pm

    You have a lot of macbook friends on this site. A netbook is still a good choice if you have only a limied budget. I use a Asus 1000H and have no problems with MS-Office, but Photoshop propably is not working. Do you really need Photoshop? There should be plenty of good open source alternatives in the web which are not crashing down your computer. Think about it. 3000-4000 RMB and you have a very portable netbook with lang battery life.

    Reply
  14. blaskowitz
    Friday, May 15, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    Macbooks I agree are pretty good but they are costly brand items and still may have compatibility problems. Besides, the microsoft applications still had some consistency problems within the macs so I think for a budget price, i recommend a cheaper dell or ibm lenovo, maybe a sony vaio for around $800 maybe lower. For compact rigidity, acers are known for marathon running in battery power. Here is a cnet website for long battery computers. They aren’t all that slow either.

    http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/hardware/notebooks/0,39001749,39133705,00.htm

    Reply
  15. bob
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:07 am

    lenovo w500 – they run quiet and cool, and have plenty horses for your photoshopping needs.

    Reply
    • Joel H.
      Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 4:04 am

      I definitely agree she should get a Lenovo – but the w500 is close to $2,000!

      Instead I recommend the T400:

      Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8400 (2.26GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W

      Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic (downgrade to XP or wait for Windows 7 to come out preferably)

      Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with vPro

      2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)

      14.1 WXGA TFT, w/ CCFL Backlight

      160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm

      CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo 24X/24X/24X/8X Max, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)

      For $750

      Reply
  16. JPSensei
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1:02 am

    Get a mac, you will regret it, it would be stupid to do it just to save $200 and get another crappy plastic windows box of virus. You could get the white macbook for less than $950, or get a refurbished or used recent macbook. I live in Japan, you can get a used intel mac here for $650~$700. With $650 i could buy a new crappy ugly box of virus for sure, but whats the point? you want a secure, reliable computer.

    ps. another point about macs, you spend $1200 in a macbook, and in 3 years you can still sell it for $700. Get a vaio or a dell for $1200 and in 3 years, first maybe it wont work in 3 years but if it is still works they will give $300 maximum. Spend more , get more; resell it 3 years without losing lots of money when you need a new one, etc.

    Reply
    • GAC
      Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 2:28 am

      Where can you sell back ANY computer that’s not ridiculously expensive in the first place in three years.

      As long as you take care of it a Dell machine will do pretty well. I usually run Linux boxes but that’s probably not going to be ideal if you want Photoshop — maybe wait till Windows 7 machines start coming out, or downgrade to XP. Vista works, and it’s not as bad as its reputation — but it IS heavy and annoying.

      Anyway, just my two cents. Don’t want to say too much more — I suck at choosing hardware, all this is from people who are smarter than me.

      Reply
  17. al gore
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1:16 am

    Get yourself a rich boyfriend. Then price won’t be a factor!

    Reply
  18. warped0ne
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1:26 am

    I’ve been reading some good things about these http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/vostronb?c=cn&cs=cnbsd1&l=zh&s=bsd

    Reply
  19. The Grudge
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1:58 am

    I suggest you buy one of those spying device. This way you can spy on yourself and save us from another post about juicy fingering action.

    http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/World/Chinese-spies-put-chips-in-US-planes/articleshow/4412075.cms

    Don’t forget Fauna, your voice is valuable in this world, you are truly bridging the West and the East.

    Stay focused, on what matters. But don’t end up in a black jail, that would suck…

    Good luck.

    Reply
  20. Hayzen
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 2:41 am

    Fauna, while you’re deciding which computer to buy, you can buy a can of compressed air to clean out your current computer. My Dell laptop would overheat quicker than before and even shut off sometimes but once I sprayed the compressed air into my laptop vents and flushed out all the dust & dirt, my laptop hasn’t shut down since. It doesn’t even overheat anymore. Hope that helps you.

    Reply
  21. fozzwaldus
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 5:57 am

    lenovo.

    支持中国的火把

    哈哈

    Reply
  22. rapidman
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 6:30 am

    http://rapidshare.com/files/233240819/maritime_girl.rar

    the full series pictures of the maritime girl.

    海运女.rar for all the chinese.

    Reply
  23. Kellen
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 8:28 am

    i know it’s been said before but a macbook would meet your requirements.

    Reply
  24. Bob
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 9:13 am

    Get an HP; they’re reliable, cheap, and can do basically do what you’re looking for. Asus and Acer aren’t bad either.

    Macs are for idiots who don’t know how to use computers.

    Reply
  25. Vincent
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:05 am

    I had the same problem. One, your fan is broken down. Second, there is a chip inide that broke down and need replacement. Three, you have too much dust inside your computer that clogs it. Try use a spray to clear off the dust. From my experience, i tried turning on the a/c, put ice pack under the computer, it all works to give it 10 more minutes but then it will shut off. You can also go get those extra fan pad that put under the laptop and it will help relieve heat. Lastly, i recommend you to take it to fix and that’s the only good option.

    Reply
  26. fireworks
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:35 pm

    Get a Acer or Lenovo. If you do get a netbook, make sure u add more RAM to it. Default memory is not going to help u much with your photoshop.

    Should be cheaper than a Sony or Fujitsu.

    Reply
  27. Shenzhen Photos
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    There’s no question about it: get a mac! Macbooks might not be the cheapest computers around, but they give you what’s important: VALUE & LONGEVITY. In the long run, you’ll probably even save money.

    Reply
  28. Kai
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    I agree with an above commenter about Sony VAIO. Sony makes some pretty stuff but having owned a number of Sony electronics, I have to say their reliability has been really awful for me.

    As for netbooks, I’ve been considering getting one myself just for the ultraportableness of it all, but like others, I’ve been a bit mixed about them. I like the solid state memory but it’s not enough space. I hear the processors are really slow thus making multitasking a bit of a problem. Some say they run pretty hot too with the wifi. Shrug.

    I have to further concur that Macs just aren’t good value despite the arguments of resale and especialy if you’re like me, someone who will use something until it breaks or becomes too obsolete to do what I need it to do. I also agree with another commenter above who said just get something that’ll do what you need and nothing too advanced/fancy since technology gets obsolete quite fast. There’s no point paying a premium just for the latest and greatest unless you’re a super hardcore gamer or working with intensive digital video/editing.

    I’m afraid I don’t have any specific brand/model recommendations but I did want to reinforce the above advice. I don’t know how much you use PS, but a netbook is probably sufficient (and really cheap) for most of your web activities. You can consider getting a netbook and a separate desktop to do more spec intensive things like Photoshop. Desktops offer more bang for your buck anyway.

    Finally, I’m game to chip in a reasonable donation towards helping you get a new computer to get back on your feet if your computer croaks ahead of schedule. I know very well how horrible it feels to have your computer give up the ghost while you have work to do on it. I also think it’s the least I could offer for all the work you’ve put in running this site for our daily amusement. I’d rather chinaSMACK not get neglected while you’re down (read: until you get a replacement, you’re obligated to go to the internet bar daily to update chinaSMACK or else I’ll hate you). I reckon a few other long-timers here feel likewise.

    Reply
  29. bubble
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 6:31 pm

    buy a made in china , they are not that bad

    Reply
  30. Abcb
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 7:53 pm

    Hi

    Sorry to hear your laptop is getting close to dying.

    My old laptop was like that too. When i took it apart, there was many layers of dust. Once i cleaned that, everything was okay.

    But if you are dead set on a laptop, I would suggest a netbook. It is cheap, light, long battery life and should last you ages. Since they are also low voltage, it does not run very hot.

    Reply
  31. jeff
    Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:54 pm

    lenovo is pretty good for working, too bad it doesnt look that nice

    Reply
  32. Michael
    Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 12:26 am

    Fauna,

    If you can afford it and you really find using the macbook easier, go ahead and get it. I personally think they’re too expensive and no more reliable than a Dell/Acer laptop, but you should use what makes your time with the computer the most productive and pleasurable. For PCs, many people report issues with Sony and HP. HP generally good but has had multiple battery/power supply issues, my old one overheated constantly but was otherwise a wonderful machine. Acer is cheap and fairly reliable. Never used Lenovo, seems like a good deal, and you’d be buying local!

    If you’re adventurous, install the new version of Windows on your new computer. There is a free version you can use for a certain number of months as a trial before you would have to buy it. You might find it uses your system resources better than Vista, which is the worst laptop OS in a long time. Vista has amplified the position of Macs in the laptop market by making PC laptops require more RAM than is reasonable.

    Avoid the Netbooks, not powerful enough. A smaller (13.1-14) laptop is fine.

    Love your website, hope you don’t suffer a lot of downtime.

    Reply
  33. Capt. Absurdity
    Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 2:30 am

    So many Mac fanbois it’s so lawl.

    The way I see it…if you are not gamer, not hardcore about producing stuff on your computer (video editing), not hardcore about development (you don’t require multiple processors etc) then any $600 – $1000 will do. Sure, they may be differences in hardware but it’s laptops. do you really want to spent time picking out the “best” one or do you just want to get one, for instant gratification? I’m all for instant gratification so I’m all for just go with whatever.

    You can tell I’m not really a picker shopper I just enjoy instant gratification more than anything.

    Reply
  34. HaerbinWill
    Monday, May 18, 2009 at 6:45 pm

    Fauna, I have the same needs for my notebook…and about the same budgetary concerns. I got a Lenovo ThinkPad R61i. I got the better battery (3 hrs.), 4GB Ram, 2Gh CPU. I paid under 6000 (in Taipei). They are sturdier than the IdeaPads, not sexy looking (black and boxy), but they last and won’t break easily.
    I’d also suggest that you get one of those notebook cooler “trays”….keep those thighs cool…. ;)

    Reply
  35. HaerbinWill
    Monday, May 18, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    (sorry for the multiple posts)
    I’d also HIGHLY recomend getting a desktop and put it wherever you usually sit at your computer for a long time. Using a desktop for the bulk of your work hours will extend the life of your notebook for a LOOOOoong time. Notebooks generally are not build to be running 20 hours a day.

    Reply
  36. Jungle
    Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10:30 pm

    I’m not biased in any way as I have both Mac and PC, macs are nice but expensive.

    If you get a mac, make sure you have some way of getting the software you need for it, if you know what I mean. At least if you are on Windows and you already have your existing versions of PS/Office etc then you will be set to go.

    And you can run PS on a netbook (I do on a Asus EEE PC) if all you need is to do some minor retouch, resize, cropping work etc it’s fine. Although the screen is a bit too small for long sessions.

    Reply
  37. Jay K
    Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 12:30 am

    Fauna,

    some people here are recommending a macbook (you don’t need a macbook pro*; in sincere honesty I agree with them. Yes as some people here stated it may be too expensive, what I am suggesting however is for a short period of time you could do something like a paypal where people donate. to help you with costs.

    The fact of the matter is that after switching to a mac (with leopard, os x OS) i will never go back to windows and I have been with windows since the DOS days.

    All the apps are built in and if not just at a fingertip of adding to your macbook.

    The forum/online help boards are also fille dwith plenty of people who are friendly in helping another mac user. If you buy one let me know i will be waiting to assist you in any way.

    Should you still need to use windows, i strongly suggest you use vmware fusion instead of bootcamp for windwos in a mac. i use vmware fusion (vmware.com) run windwos and mac os x at the same time!

    Once you use iWorks (apple’s new entry intot he document/spreadsheet/ppt world) you will think of microsoft office as something boring.

    Am I trying to oversell you on the macbook system, I am not going to sit here and deny it; yes it may take a few weeks for you to get used tot he operating system, after that you will think windows is a complicated piece of bloated machine.

    Jay

    Ask any questions

    Reply
  38. Bokamba
    Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at 3:07 am

    I recommend a ThinkPad. They are very sturdy and well-designed. Apple computers are also good.

    Reply
  39. krdr
    Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 4:57 pm

    I’m using ASUS X52. Dual Core, 3gb ram, 250 hdd, 15,4″ wide. It is reliable, and I can switch from quite office mode to high performance. Dreamweaver, Flash, PS, bunch of browsers and editors are always opened. It cost me about 500 EUR ~ 5000RMB
    If I would buy new laptop, I would look for Asus Bamboo series. They are much cooler than any Mac (case is made from bamboo), and, if you want OS X on it, someone can help you installing it.

    PS: Anyway, you should take your computer to the service for cleaning.

    Reply
  40. Charles
    Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    If price and performance is a factor, then the Lenovo T400 is the best deal out there. Long battery life, powerful and durable.

    I have one now but I will return it for a Vaio Z because of the portability, better screen, better looks, HDMI and the blue ray drive. Unfortunately it is also double the price.

    Reply
  41. 九拍
    Monday, May 25, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    Well, it has nothing to do with a good or bad brand, you should maintain your laptop!!!
    Bring it to a repair shop, 9 out of 10 it’s just DUST blocking your cooling system inside.
    After you CLEAN that, it won’t be hot when using it!

    All the bull crap about buying this and buying that… just maintenance your stuff, same as you go to a garage with your car.

    Ciao ;)

    Reply
  42. Professor Sillypants
    Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 11:10 pm

    I would recommend the MAC that Tao recommended if you had money. Since you don’t, you’re TMDed. Everything else is just made from old MAC parts. The Windows OS is actually just ideas scrapped together from spies listening in at the MAC R and D department.

    If you just need to type stuff up, I would get a typewriter before a computer that runs Windows.

    And Bill Gates is a loser.

    Ha!

    Reply
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