Best Laptop for Business and Internet Marketing?

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In the market for a new laptop. Would like a screen size of not less than 14" and I hear i7 Processors are best- agree? Leaning on staying with Windows since many programs are not Apple compatible still. Appreciate the feedback- Thanks!
#offline marketing #business #internet #internet marketing #laptop #marketing
  • Just sold my Asus transformer tablet for a laptop that fits what you are looking for.

    Got a Samsung series 7, but not the model from best buy. Get the one with the built in SSD express chip, which makes it start, run, resume & shutdown much faster. You can get find this model for well under a grand, well under a macbook pro, which is what this pretty much is..

    The version I got has an i5 (plenty for anything other than heavy video production), graphics card, 6 megs ram, 750 gb drive, 14" hi-res MATTE screen, backlit keyboard and very light. Battery life is generally over 5-6 hours REAL WORLD, not brochure time. It is also pretty much as light and small as the ultrabook class, yet it still managed to include a slick slot optical drive, which is useful to install software, and burn disks for prospects.

    Love the backlit keyboard, but the matte screen is a bigger plus when you take the laptop out of your house because glare is a big problem in many lighting situations on a typical glossy screen, which is what most other laptops have.

    Only issue I found was poor internal wireless, but that was easily solved with a cheap usb plugin that is almost flush with the side.. Usb 3 is a nice addition, about 3-5 times faster transfer in my experience.

    Might go back to the next version of the Asus Transformer tablet, but right now found the total capability of a laptop is better for the jobs we need done.
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    • Personally I used to have a Sony Vaio. Never again. I've used Windows since I was about 5 (I'm 15 now), and I honestly didn't think I would ever be able to use anything else. A couple weeks before christmas I made a leap of faith and jumped to a MacBook Pro. I am not being biased at all when I say I will never go back. It is the best laptop I've ever used, and whenever I go anywhere with it I get lots of starers, which is a negative, however I don't generally take my laptop everywhere I go. The total price was quite high, but that is only because I didn't want to be taking apart this laptop, and decided to have Apple install all the hardware upgrades for me. Here are the specs at $3900

      - 15" Antiglare Hi Res Screen (DO NOT GO GLOSSY)
      - 1GB Radeon HD 6770M Graphics Card + Intel 3000HD Integrated
      - 8GB of 1333mHz RAM
      - 2.5Ghz Quad Core i7 Processor with Hyper Threading (Virtual Eight Cores)
      - 512GB Solid State Drive
      - Super Drive (Obviously)

      The fact that I would be using this laptop alot for Business definitely effected my decisions. For example I know I am going to need my super drive for burning CD's and DVD's if a customer requests such a thing, so I did not get the normal hard drive and replace my Super drive with an SSD.
      I got the anti glare screen because first of all, as much as you think you are not going to like the silver bezel instead of black (I felt that way) the silver looks much higher quality, and makes the lid noticeably lighter to lift. Of course the obvious reason other than that was the actually accurate colors due to no saturation, and the antiglare, because I do travel with this and it makes a world of difference. Last of all I have one thing to say, buy the solid state drive. Whatever size you can afford it doesn't matter, buy it and if you run out of space get a time machine or an external hard drive, it is so worth it. The backlit keyboard is also a major plus. As for you saying you didn't want an Apple because of not being able to run Windows applications, you can pick up parallels very cheap, or just install windows onto your machine with Boot Camp. I am typing this on Windows while OS X Lion runs in the background via Parallels. It runs very easily and very fast.

      I hope I helped you make the right decision. Also, before people say 'Just because your parents bought you doesn't mean it's the best for the money". Well I bought it and I probably don't have as much money as you, even after mortgages, car payments, food, bills, etc.

      Dylan Hubel
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  • I have a Dell Latitude E6410 refurbished.

    Core i7
    6 gigs ram
    14.something anti-glare
    backlit keyboard
    512 meg dedicated nvidia graphics
    wifi, bluetooth, etc.
    256 gig HDD
    3 year accidental damage protection

    all for about $1,200 from the Dell refurb site.

    best laptop I've ever used including (no offense to the guy above me) my mom's macbook pro.
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  • I am a computer tech by profession and I will tell you what I tell everyone else.

    Go to BestBuy Office depot etc.
    Look at the high end laptops and then make notice of their specs.

    Then work your way down comparing the specifications.
    For most applications an i3 processor will do what an i7 will.
    Most of the time you can find a decent mid-grade laptop with last years high end specs and stay in your price range.

    Key points to remember:
    The more ram the better.
    High end graphics are not important unless you play games or do alot of video editing.

    Just start at the top and work your way down and you will end up with a laptop you are happy with.
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    • When I read the initial post I thought to myself, how long will it take before someone pops in with the usual "mac is my god" bs even though you clearly stated that you plan to stay with windows.

      I've always used Dell with no problems but about 6 months ago I purchased an Acer from Newegg with i7 and 8gig, replaced the HD with a 7200rpm WD and it's as good as any other laptop I've had the occassion to use.

      I once read somewhere, perhaps in this forum, "people would buy a steaming pile of dog crap if it had a glowing purple apple on it"...

      And now, by popular demand and with my complete apathy, you can begin your mac vs. pc diatribe. Enjoy...I have money to make.
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  • I've had a Dell for a number of years and it still runs like a champ! In my experience, it's more about whats on the inside though than the name on the outside.
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    • I can't stress enough how much a difference a Mac has made in my online and offline business. It's hard to explain but here are examples.

      I still use a 2007 Macbook that out performs any laptop I've toyed around with since becoming a Mac user. Granted, it's an initial investment but I have not one time been down for any reason either due to virus's, hardware issues, etc. Obviously, I have newer Macs but to be able to run anything and everything on a 5 year device with no problems and $30 for an OS update. That's crazy!

      Another example:

      2 years ago my wife dropped her Mac and damaged the DVD drive. I didn't know it at the time and shortly afterwards for the first time I was reinstalling the OS just to be doing it. Needless to say it wouldn't load. I could've diagnosed the problem but just did not want to deal with it so I took it to the local Apple store. After 15 minutes not only did they tell me what was wrong but had my OS back on my Mac via a USB copy. All this was done for FREE! How much would that cost at a PC store?

      Mac's can run windows just as well as pc's and when it comes to design aspects related to IM there is no contest. Meaning any software needed for IM is compatible on Macs.

      Believe me...I'm not a PC hater. I've used PC's and worked on them since the late 90's but to use a laptop for 5 years now with no problems and no hardware updates means something.
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  • Dell is always good for business. It is used more than hp or anything plus it is very reliable. Dell XPS?
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    • You can browse the net, watch movies and run almost every application with a basic dual or "multicore" processor, make sure there's enough ram (2gb +) for Windows. You can can get a super fast laptop for under $300 for business task and even more. You might wanna get an external drive instead of getting a larger size internal hard-drive for the laptop, work out cheaper.
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  • I use my macbook pro i7 with a 23inch monitor attach to it. A lot of my favorite tools are not MAC compartible so i use Parallels Desktop and I couldnt be happier!!!
  • I use my macbook pro i7 with a 23inch monitor attached to it. A lot of my favorite tools are not MAC compartible so i use Parallels Desktop and I couldnt be happier!!!
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  • I won't even post in a thread that mentions both Macs and PCs!

    Doh.

    Anyway I moved away from PCs shortly after Vista came out. What a nightmare that was at first.

    Between work and play computers we have about 8 Macs and run Parallels/Win7 on 3 of them for a handful of apps that are not Mac friendly.

    Now I'm not limited by budget but if I was a Mac would not likely be my first investment. I would check Craigslist and Ebay and try and find a great deal on a PC from someone upgrading to the lastest and greatest.

    I sell my Macs on CL and they really hold there value. Great from a seller stand point but not a buyers. You can however find great deals... some steals if your fast on PCs via Craigslist.

    Keep us posted,

    Jay

    P.S. Yes I know that Macs are technically PCs too (personsal computers) anyway good luck.
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    • I chose to go with a highend pc and ipad w/wireless keyboard.

      I work mostly from home, but when I need to be out and about, I bring my ipad and keyboard and connect as needed to the desktop.

      Internet Marketing doesn't require graphics design or tools. Just text and web.

      What I don't have on my Ipad, I connect to my desktop.

      So far it's been working well for me. I used to lug around my laptop. I kinda miss the mouse, but I can still get work done via iPad when I'm remote. I got more bang for my buck on a desktop and great mobility on my iPad for almost the same price if I had gotten a high end laptop
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  • I have a Toshiba Satellite with an i3 and it works awesome. I rock dual monitors at the office and a bunch of browser windows open and it never really slows down. Only cost like $450ish too. Worth every penny.
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  • Lenovo is good, because it provides a high-pressure sodium lamp. I do not care about the Samsung line - the touchpad is terrible. Dell has some nice units, but you have to go business class.For business it is best to use lenovo laptops for the better use.
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  • Why is this in offline marketing? I don't know, but don't buy into macs unless you actually have a real need for it, it's a pretty big investment going for the higher end models and you can find yourself suffering from shiny object syndrome if you do!
  • Funny story: Last month I was in the room when a colleague was on a conference call with an IBM executive. He jokingly said "I hope you guys will let me in your building carrying my MacBook Pro." Then the IBM executive reluctantly admitted that they're all using Macs now too, now that they've sold off their PC division as Lenovo.

    Not to flame the Mac vs. PC wars but I found it pretty damn ironic - and comical - that the sales division at IBM is using Macs these days
  • I like them both.. but i gotta say when i meet with potential clients and i bring my laptop to show them stuff they always say something about my macbook LOL
  • I use my Lenovo PC with a 23inch monitor attach to it. I have had a lenovo for 5 years and it still runs like a victor! It is always superior for business.
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  • Id recommend ASUS with AMD processors --not as power-saver as intel but fast...
  • id recommend HP, tried and tested machines they have!
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    • I'm still using my Radio Shack TRS80 (Model 2) attached to an RCA 20" console that used to be in my grandmothers living room. I have cassette tape backup and a teletype printer.

      My cell phone is a Motorola Brick.

      It all works great and takes less than an hour to get on the internets.

      For my offline marketing I pick up the phone and cold call to close deals.
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  • I'm usin Dell Inspiron, works pretty well
    The seller told me that Dell and HP are best laptops
  • next round i'll be getting one of the new touchscreen ultrabooks. super thin and light for a full function laptop but also converts to a tablet. Best of both worlds.
  • I'm ready to upgrade too. I spoke with a computer techie today and this is what he recommended. Lenovo Thinkpad Edge E420 with the i5 6 gb of memory. He said to replace the hard drive with a solid state drive SSD 128 gigs. He claims the speed will amaze me. Doing all that and getting a portable hard drive to hold video files and pictures, it would cost just under $1000.00
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    • Long time lurker, coming out to post finally.

      I have a Dell Inspiron N5010 right now, I5 with 8GB RAM, 750GB HD, and the usual graphics.

      However, I'm doing continuity programs that include a lot of graphic stuff created in Camtasia, and it eats my system. For various reasons, I buy Dell computers (mostly because I have an account there and have used them for 15 years now, so I'm used to them), and am looking into upgrading to a more powerful system for the graphics work.

      I'm currently considering a Dell XPS 15 and an Alienware (Dell bought them) 14x to get the memory, disk space and graphics juice I need to do the Camtasia stuff.

      Has anyone used either of these systems that would give me your opinion of them? I've read the reviews on Dell and other sites, but I put a lot of stock the feedback I get here, you guys always tell it like it is.

      Thanks!!
  • It would be best of choosing laptop that slim like macbook air which easy to carry around .
    Why ? Internet Marketer wont able to get inspiration by sitting on the same chair and desk.

    In the same time , get a high RAM laptop , while i believe most of internet marketer will agree with me that they will open lot of browser tab in the same time when working . Need high RAM to support it .
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    • It really doesn't matter until you look at the budget and what the system is required to do...

      Will it be required to run just email and surf?
      Will it be manipulating client graphics? Videos?
      Will you be watching movies on Trans Atlantic flights?
      Will you be using it as a GPS navigation tool in your light aircraft?
      You require SPEED above all else?
      You require Long Use on Battery?
      You need to use it more than 3 years due to $$$ constraints?
      How much should it weigh?

      Answer questions like this, and you can define your budget... then buy up a little more ram than you need... AND build in a second battery if it's a traveling notebook about 8 months later.

      If it must *always* be operational, buy the extended warranty - but test tech support with a phone call before you buy... not all warranties or tech support are useful.

      That's my recommendation to clients. The hardware is just a specification that meets the intended task.

      Don't forget - Heat is not your friend if you need it 'all the way through college' or some other extended timeline.

      Toughbooks might even be something you want to check out...

      Have fun shopping!

      Patrick
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  • Get an apple macbook pro. Portable and fast... A new one should be coming out in about 4 months, similar in design to the macbook air with the new processors.

    Also I recommend maxing out the ram, and getting a SSD... The SSD has made the biggest impact on overall computing speed I feel... my computer turns on in literally 11 seconds and is 4 years old and MUCH faster than even the newer macs at the apple store.

    Hope that helps,
    Andrew

    EDIT: also time machine for backing up ALL of your stuff on the mac is awesome and I know there is something similar for windows. Also you can run windows on your mac using programs like VMware fusion and such, so the best of both worlds!
  • At the end of the day, it's going to come down to what's important to you regarding your laptop.

    Personally, I'm very hard on laptops, so durability is a primary consideration and extended warranties are good. Lenovo and Sony VAIO have proven to stand up to the abuse I put them through better than other laptops.

    Also, I don't want a laptop with ANY of my client's information sitting in the trunk of my car. So, any laptop I carry with me will not be the computer I use for that purpose.

    Mac vs. PC - one of the happiest days of my life was the day that Adobe came out with their PC suite. Macs aren't intuitive to me. Maybe it's just me... I don't know.... I understand they make beautiful computers....

    But, it's you're computer - what are you primarily going to use it for? That's what will define which computer is best for you.
  • So the best lap top or notebook for internet marketing comes down to just the ram?

    The other function is just extra?
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    • What's your budget? Everything else is a moot point till that's established.
      What will the laptop need to do? What processor is needed?
      Read reviews for laptops within your budget.
      Max out the ram.
      Comparison shop.
      Costco doubles the warranty for free.
      Subscribe to woot.com - screaming deals - you just have to be patient for one to come along.

      My Toshiba Satellite has been running for 7 years.
      I've known people who swear by their Acer Laptops.
      And people who swear at their Dells.
      You will hear good and bad on all brands.
      Have someone, or do it yourself, strip off all the pre-loaded crap the manufacturer puts on it.
  • Well you may can buy a good laptop but if you are not doing any designing you just need a simple machine as I have Ci3 thinkpad and its working perfect for my internet marketing and its been to long I am using it.
  • Don't bother getting an i7, yes it has much more raw power than an i3, but I highly doubt you will ever even use a fraction of the power. An i3 is still very powerful and is enough to last you years before you notice any slowdown in software due to outdated hardware. Unless you are planning to edit 1080p video full-time, an i3 will give you more power than you'll ever need.

    Good luck, and don't worry about it too much, these days laptop buying for regular people really comes down to the processor, ram, hard drive size, screen size and the rest of features are just extras that won't influence the core experience.
  • This is an old thread, but a question a lot of people have so I'm responding in case this might help someone else.
    If you are in the offline business, there is one other angle to consider, and that is the image you provide when you visit with your prospects and clients.
    Taking this into consideration I recently bought a new Macbook Air. Unless you are living in San Francisco or some other large city, it's not a piece of equipment that a lot of people use, especially small business owners. At least when I meet with small and medium sized business owners my Macbook is always a icebreaker. I tell them how Steve Jobs introduced the model by sliding it out of a Manilla envelope on stage.
    This also gives off the image that you are a tech savvy and hip professional and fairly successful as these computers have a premium price point.
    Oh yeah, it's also a really nice piece of equipment
  • asus has this brown colored 14 inch laptop for a pretty good price. looks like a good laptop overall battery life is a little lower than most others. i like a portable laptop though. easier to work on than a netbook but more portable tan a 15.6 or even a 17 inch laptop so you can take it more places and wind up doing more work. i would do more work on the go if my laptop was more portable
  • Any recommedation on the $150 Dell Latitude? I'm kinda on a budget here :-)
  • I would recommend a Macbook. It is the best for internet marketing and business purposes, so you should probably get it.
  • If you can afford it, the MacBook Pro 15'' Retina display is the best...hands down. It has solid state drive, processor that will handle anything you throw at it, ram can be 8 or 16G! And for your windows application concerns, you can easily load on a virtual machine like parallels or vmware and use what you have to use on windows and get back on the mac side to do everything else. And while you are doing everything on this comp, it will not blink and eye and slow at all!

    Since I've began internet marketing, macs have been the best for me for the following reasons:

    1. Durability/longevity
    2. Excellent movie and audio editing capabilities already included in software
    3. Ability to run multiple operating systems
    4. Very low virus threat
    5. Easy integration/recognition of peripherals (printers, cameras, displays, etc.)
    6. iOS integration/syncing abilities
    7. Customer/tech support

    These are just some of my reasons for choosing this computer. It is perfect for our industry, especially when we have to dabble into so many media areas (audio, photos, movies, etc.). It may cost a good amount, but I can almost guarantee by the time your mac dies on you, you would have purchased multiple PCs that would total up to about as much as you mac would have costed (especially with all the software and virus protection you need with a PC to do what us marketers need it to do). Hope this helps. Hope you do well with whatever computer you choose.
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  • Hp laptops have their disadvantage especially for business purposes because of the battery life. I suggest Macbook or Pcs like dell or samsung with wireless keyboards for easy operation.
  • Dell Latitude is the perfect choice..
  • I like DELL in the way it allows me to customize the system that meets my requirements.
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