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Profile: BlueCadwal
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UsernameBlueCadwal
Rank: 1/100Rank: 1/100Rank: 1/100Rank: 1/100Rank: 1/100
Real NameShawn 
RankNovice Member
JoinedDecember 21, 2005
GenderMale
Age21
LocationPembroke Pines, FL, United States
Last VisitAugust 21, 2008
Post Count119
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Favorites:
AC, AO, FFXI, CoH/V

 

5 Most Recent Threads by BlueCadwal [more...]

Latest Blog Entry - Laptop Lifestyles at Their Finest (Part 2)
From my blog BT's General Gaming Blog [BlueCadwal]

Let's be honest, finding a decent gaming laptop that fits everyone's needs is next to impossible.  Welcome to Part 2 of this three part series where I'll be taking a closers look at what the different companies have to offer and incorporate responses based off the previous post.  Last time I took a look at Sony, HP, and Dell gaugeing purely on specs.  Today, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty. 

Price is always a concern: "how much will this cost me?"  Personally, I can spare a kidney, I think 75% of my audience could as well.  Though, in the end, we always want the best price and best quality available.  Since all the parts are the same, it really doesn't matter who you order from unless you have a special need, which I'll discuss a little later.

Get the BEST Deal

If you are simply looking at hardware, your best bet is to stick with the cheapest computer.  In fact, if you just want to surf the internet you can buy a cheap machine for under $600 at your local computer store, however that's not the purpose of this series.  For everyone else, make sure you get the best price.

Online deals are great, but in purchasing online consumers must beware.  Warranty information and discounts may not be readily available.  This is why it's an excellent idea to consult friends, employees, and the internet.

1.  Look for Employee, Student, Government Discounts - If you teach, work, or learn, your company may have a discount program setup already.  These programs can provide up to a 20% discount in some cases on major brands including Apple, Sony, Dell, and HP.

2.  Search For Coupons - Very often just Googling "Computer Coupons" will pull up an assortment of Computer Coupons for major brands.  Perhaps off-sites may be a little bit more difficult, but when available discounts can go as high as 30% (that's $900 on a $3000 machine).

3.  Work With Sales Reps - Sales reps are perhaps the most important resource in purchasing a new computer be it laptop or desktop.  They have access to features, configurations, and discounts that you would never think of.  Ask what they have available.  If you're willing to negotiate the specs, you may end up saving up to 30% off the original value without sacrificing the quality of the purchase.

What's in a Warranty?

Quite a bit actually.  Taking a cheap route out may seem like a great idea at first, but down the line you may need that accident insurance for when you spill a drink or 24/7 phone support when the thesis is due in 12 hours and you haven't slept all night.  This is very important because there are third party insurance policies available to purchase, but this option is not for everyone.  Make sure you read the contracts to obtain the best warranty around.

I've dealt with Dell and HP support, and know from firsthand experience that I like working with them; however, Sony, though they do have well priced machines, has a very difficult support team to work with.  Sony fails to support replacing hardware, even if it's their own brand.  A few years back, I bought a DVD-RW for an old 1.8ghz Sony that was still under warranty, and they refused to help get it working (they even refused to replace the original in the first place).  HP and Dell, both have a policy to cover malfunctioning equipment so long as it is under warranty.

Computers As an Art Form

In checking out computers at stores, there are several major brands to look at: Asus, Compaq, Dell, Gateway, HP, Sony, and Toshiba.  Each come with their own style and flare.  Asus, Compaq, and Gateway tend to be straightforward boxes, nothing too terribly flashy.  Dell, HP, Sony,and  Toshiba, however, have taken computers to a new line where computers are no longer just a piece of hardware, but an art form as well.

Some people will find this to be an important feature.  This can quickly eliminate many available options, and in some cases even increase the cost of the machine.  In going this route, you must be willing to pay a premium if necessary.  Some companies will charge as much as $400 just for the color difference from the base (usually black, grey, or white). 

The End Product

At the end of the day, your machine will be the same as everyone else's.  No matter what brand you buy, what parts are inside, they all come from the same place.  The only true difference in your machine will be the casing.  If you don't care about the art, then the decision is simple Cost > Style.  If you do care then be prepared to pay a premium.

My Final Call?

After looking at numerous sites, comparing numerous models, and different specs I have decided to go with the Dell XPS 1530 RED in a custom model for $2570.  It features a sporty red case, similar to my cell phone, and a 320gb (7200 RPM) hard drive.

In coming into looking at current computers, I had no clue what I wanted.  When I knew what I wanted, I looked at every site I knew for the best price, features, and warranty.  In the end, Dell has it all.  I paid $2570 for $1920 worth of equipment plus a four year warranty (Tech Support, Accident Insurance).  If you ask me, that's a bargain.  This includes numerous discounts as well as a 12% student discount.

I did check out the online suggestions provided by readers in the previous post, and there really are some great buys out there.  In some cases, the online retailers were able to give a better quote than my final machine without the student discount.  Here's the final pricing on my specific features in each model:

Dell: $2570 (Savings: $900)

HP:  $3100 (Savings: 12%)

Savage:  $2800

Asus:  $3000

I'm pretty certain that if I had worked with any of the other companies I could've made it below the $2,500, but Dell had two things I care about: style and quality.  After seeing the HP and Asus computers up close, I knew that I didn't want either.  Asus doesn't have the sleek style I desire, while HP computers feel cheap and plasticy (which is something this Toshiba gets marked down on by G4; thanks Cursedsei for the link).  The express card TV Tuner is also an added bonus that I really appreciate.  Unlike other companies that offer an external Tuner, Dell offers an express card TV Tuner that I appreciate a lot.  It may not be great for playing a console on, but it's still great for OTA and cable TV.

Stay tuned for the final part of Laptop Lifestyles and Their Finest sometime next week as I take a closer look at my purchase and determine whether or not the XPS 1530 RED was worth it.

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Recent Forum Posts [more...]

    • Starting new, advice?
    • Originally posted by Wolfenpride

      Ive never really gotten far in this game, i've decided to reactivate and give it another go, however I want to do things a little diffrent this time.

      First off, any recommended servers for a new player? I heard odin was the most populated however when I got in game today their were absolutely no other low level players in the area, and im worried getting groups after 10 will be difficult.

      Next, I need advice on a class, the last few times I played I always picked warrior, however im getting the feeling its not the best class to pick as a new player, since I don't fully understand party mechanics in this game yet. Would theif, or maybe red mage be a better pick?

      Nationality, ive always played human characters in all my mmo's, and that wont change ffxi, however ive never started in any other town besides bastok because of the ring you gain if its your home city. Are one of the other 2 better places to start off as a new player? Or maybe have a larger new player crowd?

      Gil, money has always been an issue for me in this game, I always have signet on and sell any stacks of crystals I gather, but it seems like im always short on cash, and the rest of my loot seems rather useless. Are their any other tricks to making cash?

      Thanks in advance, if anyone can answer a few of these.

      Stick with Odin.  You don't seen anyone of low levels because the areas to level are so large.  When you reach Valkurm Dunes, you'll see around 8-10 parties forming each day. 

      Pick a class that you want to play.  Honestly, thief and red mage are the worst classes, in my opinion, to start as.  Several members in my LS have played them and have had tremendous problems trying to find a party from level 10-20.  I recommend Monk because they have the "cheapest" armor you'll ever get.  It costs about 150,000 gil total at level 25, but it'll last you a good 15 levels at least depending on how soon you want to replace it (but the Republican subligar will last no matter what).

      Newb towns are generally dead in FFXI.  Bastok is honestly the most populated of them though, and even it is still a little dead.  The second option would be San d'Oria because there's also people there; however, it wouldn't be my first choice since I'm yet to find a MOB combat pattern there from level 1-10.

      Gil is an issue for everyone.  The best suggestion I have for you is to look at crafts, mining, and gardening.  See what you can make, mine, and grow to sell.  In Bastok, ores sell quickly and range from 300 gil to 900 gil for Zinc, Iron, and Silver.

    • Posted: 8/19/08 2:29 AM
      Final Fantasy XI
    • 1up.com: Bill Roper speaks out at last

    • Hehe, I had the option to buy a lifetime subscription for this and Lord of the Rings Online.  I've seen several MMOs die in the past, and I knew that it's a huge risk to pay for a "lifetime" subscription.

    • Posted: 8/19/08 1:21 AM
      Hellgate: London
    • WASD?

    • Didn't this used to be WASD and Point/Click?  For some reason I thought it used to be both back in the Open Beta.

    • Posted: 8/06/08 11:33 PM
      ROSE Online
    • Group Roles and Class Advice.
    • Originally posted by lilfoo

      I wish you would stop taking my words at face value and realize that there is depth to them. "Your Opinion" used in that context was not directed at you Blue, but anyone who reads it. We all have opinions, mine is that you should follow yours.

      We will look at the case of my friend. He started and read something similar to what you posted. He quit after the 30 day trial. He hated the way he thought he had to play the game according to some one else. I eventually convinced him to try one more month. He played the game the way he wanted, asking questions and getting help all along the way. He made all of his own choices and eventually fell in love with the game. he is currently sill playing the game now.

      You have outlined the fastest and easiest way to 20. I will not contest that. But, I believe you should make you own choices. Just because they are easy dose not mean they will be the best for your experience. FFXI is not an easy MMO, but, anyone can make it anywhere and with any job all you need is the determination and the will to play thought the hard spots. I wont argue with you any more on this subject. But, please don't twist my words.

       

       

      You should've elaborated the definition of "your opinion" because if you didn't notice you referenced MY post, not anyone else's in your response.  This insinuates that it is directed at me.  And I have no problem following my opinions, but I have a right to share them without having them be shot down because I have found them to be successful for myself and others.

      I will use the case of my 3 friends, each of whom started at different intervals.  They started and I walked them through the "Bastok" leveling method that I use.  They stayed after the 30 day trial.  Why?  Because they liked the strong emphasis on the team atmosphere.  Whether you like it or not, you are playing according to someone else's expectations because the major camps have been set at launch.

      In your posts, more accurately define the people you reference and acknowledge, otherwise you will be misunderstood.  Just because they are easy, may not mean they will be the best for everyone's experience; however, at the same time he asked our opinion on the board.  I gave him my opinion as to what is the easiest and hardest and you shot down everyone's opinion.  This whole argument is because you did deny everyone the right to their opinion.  You don't know if he's looking for the easiest route or the route closest to what he desires, thus he has a right to know what the easiest route is.  I personally prefer the easy route; however, at the same time I am slowly playing through even the hardest classes. 

      Finally, I don't twist words, I read every word in your posts and if I misread what you say it because you didn't choose your words wisely in the first place and left your post up for interpretation.  Everyone values their own opinion, just look at the elections, they're pretty heated just because of opinions and the moment you shoot one opinion down people just get more fired up.

    • Posted: 8/05/08 5:17 PM
      Final Fantasy XI

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