I'm going to get a new PC, specifically I need a laptop because its going to need to move :P I've been looking on Newegg and drooling over Gateway's NV7901u price and DX11 GPU. But in this special case, it's all about customer support. The reason for this is because I will be in Europe for the next 2 years and maybe longer, and if stuff breaks down for me there that I can't fix then customer support is obviously critical. So my question is basically this: am I safe in choosing Gateway for my laptop purchase or will I be trading longevity for the ability to try out DX11? If Dell's prices were lower and they actually sold laptops w/ DX11 dedicated GPUs then I think I'd probably go with them because lots of forums say that they have great customer support. But once again, I NEED that GPU lol. Not for gaming though, just because I will be continuing my journey with graphics coding and it would be awesome if I could check out the latest graphics techniques that won't run on my current PC lol. Stuff like ambient occlusion and really any GI just F me over :P

Quote: Original post by mikfig
But once again, I NEED that GPU lol. Not for gaming though, just because I will be continuing my journey with graphics coding and it would be awesome if I could check out the latest graphics techniques that won't run on my current PC lol. Stuff like ambient occlusion and really any GI just F me over :P

Buy a desktop computer. They cost less, and six months from now when you again *NEED* that newer GPU, you can upgrade.

Desktop isn't going to work for me, it needs to be a laptop.

Anyways if it was a desktop I'd just build my own or take my current one with me. But like I said before, it has to be able to be very portable, i.e. bring it into a classroom, take it on a trip somewhere, etc.

I don't see what being in Europe has to do with anything. It's not like the entire EU is in the stone age. They have computer stores. If you can't find it they can ship it to you from China just as easily.

Laptops suck for what you describe. They are easily damaged. Expecting to get 2+ years of life out of a laptop while you are traveling is optimistic at best. I'd say unrealistic, but there are a few durable machines out there. Even the most carefully treated laptops pick up battle scars quickly.

I've had a few, and only the ones built like bricks were in good condition after two years. I'm relatively gentle with the machines but hinges still break, LCD's don't like the slight bend that happens every time you fold it, the regular bumps and bruises of life are hard on all components, and accidents happen.


If you want it to last the entire time I suggest you get the really expensive one you want, and also pay for the really expensive support plan. You know the one: the plan that will replace it with an identical or better model for any reason, even if it was your fault. Make sure you review the plan carefully to see what is covered. If in doubt, you can intentionally damage it within the terms of the support plan (remember: get the coverage that works even if it was your own fault).

You will pay a lot more, but at least when it breaks (and it will) you can get a replacement.

Quote: Original post by frob
I don't see what being in Europe has to do with anything. It's not like the entire EU is in the stone age. They have computer stores. If you can't find it they can ship it to you from China just as easily.

I was more concerned about whether or not they have Gateway or Dell facilities in say...Denmark or nearby. As in, if I needed to contact support then I would like to be able to ship the product to some place local rather than hella far away.

Quote: Original post by frobLaptops suck for what you describe. They are easily damaged. Expecting to get 2+ years of life out of a laptop while you are traveling is optimistic at best. I'd say unrealistic, but there are a few durable machines out there. Even the most carefully treated laptops pick up battle scars quickly.

Ok sure they get damaged easily, but my dad's laptop is still fine after maybe 2-4 years of use. Sure the LCD is loose, etc, but it still works fine. I also didn't mean I would be traveling everywhere heh. I'm going to mostly in one place, a school in Denmark, but I was just trying to make a point that I can't lug a desktop into a classroom to take notes on it with.

Quote: Original post by frobIf you want it to last the entire time I suggest you get the really expensive one you want, and also pay for the really expensive support plan. You know the one: the plan that will replace it with an identical or better model for any reason, even if it was your fault. Make sure you review the plan carefully to see what is covered. If in doubt, you can intentionally damage it within the terms of the support plan (remember: get the coverage that works even if it was your own fault).

You will pay a lot more, but at least when it breaks (and it will) you can get a replacement.

Yes of course the really expensive one is a good idea as far as getting a good quality product. But that only applies when you have a budget to fit said price. My budget is ~$900...so...ya. Then as far as huge warranties, well it once again depends on the cost and has to be thought over of course.

Thx,
Mikfig

Ok ended up getting a Dell (Studio XPS 16) since I a lot of forums say that IT people usually buy Dells.