Consumer Research

[Dances With Gophers]

The wife's phone died yesterday, so I'm thinking of getting one of these from Sam's Club (does anybody have any experience/words of warning about any of these phone models and/or covereage with one of the service providers?)

4G Android Smartphones ($1 special, they get you with the 2-year data plan contract)

Samsung Galaxy S II (AT&T)
Motorola Photon 4G (Sprint)
Droid Charge by Samsung (Verizon)

She currently uses an HTC from T-Mobile, but it doesn't look like T-Mobile is one of the product offerings on special.

[gopherguy06]

I don't know. The one kid plays his music loud enough to cause a glass of water in my kitchen to vibrate.

It might be cheaper than buying a snowblower or less time consuming than doing it myself. But I figure there's going to be that one time when we get just dumped on and now I have 18"+ and the neighborhood kid or the plow service will be a no show.

Wait, so what do you mean by kid? Like he is playing music from his car, house or what? How old?

I would think that having him do it the 4-5 times a year for $20 would be cheaper than the blower. How often do we get a 18" snow?

[SouthTexGopher]

The wife's phone died yesterday, so I'm thinking of getting one of these from Sam's Club (does anybody have any experience/words of warning about any of these phone models and/or covereage with one of the service providers?)

4G Android Smartphones ($1 special, they get you with the 2-year data plan contract)

Samsung Galaxy S II (AT&T)
Motorola Photon 4G (Sprint)
Droid Charge by Samsung (Verizon)

She currently uses an HTC from T-Mobile, but it doesn't look like T-Mobile is one of the product offerings on special.

I have the Epic 4G which is a Samsung Galaxy S. In a fit of wonderful timing, I "upgraded" to it right before the Galaxy S II came out - and a few months before the iPhone became available on Sprint (which is our only choice, as we have a corporate contract). I love the phone and it's much better than my HTC Evo 4G. Great battery life and a very nice screen. I don't think she could go wrong with the S II.

[Handyman]

I have played a bit with the Galaxy S II and if I ever leave the HTC family of phones I would jump to that.

If you ever plan to travel abroad, I would say get the Motorola Photon as I believe it is the first phone that allows worldwide 4G. It is the first Sprint phone that is usable on a GSM and CDMA network. (or at least it was supposed to be when I researched it) I would then have it rooted to get rid of Motorola's crappy version of Sense

[Slap Shot]

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Snow-Equipment-Snow-Blowers-Gas-Snow-Blowers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbx9z/R-202222488/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[rowshkex]

Alright, everyone, now that my laptop... incident... has happened, I need to explore purchasing a laptop. I have never done this before, as I've only owned two laptops in the past 8 years or so (one for 6.5 years, this last one for 1.5 years), but I have a good idea of what I want. I just need some opinions from people who actually own laptops.

List of necessary features:
-Not a Mac
-Screen size: 13" or 14"
-Weight: 3-4 pounds (something just above four is okay, but it needs something to make that weight worth it to me)
-Processor: i5 or i7 (i5 is perfectly fine--I was using a Core 2 Duo previously)
-Good keyboard with solid stroke, response, and reach--that is, if the keyboard is mushy, it's out, period. The shining example of what I consider the best keyboard is the Dell Latitude E4300, though the old ThinkPad keyboards are also stellar. A bad example is my roommates laptop, on which I am currently typing--a Compaq Presario CQ60.
-Keyboard backlight is desirable, but not absolutely necessary.
-Less than $1100 (preferably $800-1000)

I've done a good amount of research, and the laptops that have stuck out to me were:
-HP ProBook 15.6" (unsure of model)
-Lenovo IdeaPad U260

My general experience with the Dell Latitude E4300 was incredible. It was pretty much everything I needed, and I am considering just buying the same one, though it is relatively expensive for the components. The keyboard was phenomenal, it was perfectly portable, and it was (generally) quick enough. The battery was relatively solid, giving me up to four hours in general, though I understand many laptops can outlast that these days. The viewing angles were awful, though I can look past that. It had integrated graphics, which is all I need, though I would not have complained if it had switchable integrated/discrete graphics.

Anyone care to share their experiences with their current 13.3-14" laptops, good or bad? Again, I'm curious particularly about responsiveness, portability, and keyboard response, and any other insight anyone can give. I really appreciate it!

[st8ofhockey]

Alright, everyone, now that my laptop... incident... has happened, I need to explore purchasing a laptop. I have never done this before, as I've only owned two laptops in the past 8 years or so (one for 6.5 years, this last one for 1.5 years), but I have a good idea of what I want. I just need some opinions from people who actually own laptops.

List of necessary features:
-Not a Mac
-Screen size: 13" or 14"
-Weight: 3-4 pounds (something just above four is okay, but it needs something to make that weight worth it to me)
-Processor: i5 or i7 (i5 is perfectly fine--I was using a Core 2 Duo previously)
-Good keyboard with solid stroke, response, and reach--that is, if the keyboard is mushy, it's out, period. The shining example of what I consider the best keyboard is the Dell Latitude E4300, though the old ThinkPad keyboards are also stellar. A bad example is my roommates laptop, on which I am currently typing--a Compaq Presario CQ60.
-Keyboard backlight is desirable, but not absolutely necessary.
-Less than $1100 (preferably $800-1000)

I've done a good amount of research, and the laptops that have stuck out to me were:
-HP ProBook 15.6" (unsure of model)
-Lenovo IdeaPad U260

My general experience with the Dell Latitude E4300 was incredible. It was pretty much everything I needed, and I am considering just buying the same one, though it is relatively expensive for the components. The keyboard was phenomenal, it was perfectly portable, and it was (generally) quick enough. The battery was relatively solid, giving me up to four hours in general, though I understand many laptops can outlast that these days. The viewing angles were awful, though I can look past that. It had integrated graphics, which is all I need, though I would not have complained if it had switchable integrated/discrete graphics.

Anyone care to share their experiences with their current 13.3-14" laptops, good or bad? Again, I'm curious particularly about responsiveness, portability, and keyboard response, and any other insight anyone can give. I really appreciate it!

I started undergrad with a Dell Inspiron 6000, as did a lot of my dorm neighbors (there must have been a sale at Best Buy that week). In my personal experience, and in talking to others, it was kind of a WPoS. By my third year, half the keyboard had fallen off, and I was getting the "blue screen of death" practically every time I used it (which became very impractical for doing schoolwork).

So I junked it, and was kind of strapped for cash when I needed a replacement in the middle of the school year. I got a HP Pavillion, which happened to be on sale at the time. Aside from being loaded with Vista, the thing runs like a sewing machine, and I don't have any complaints (I've owned it for 5 years now). It definitely caused me to establish a brand preference, so I'll probably stick with HPs for future purchases.

[fightclub30]

To start my undergrad I had a worthless Toshiba (cheap) with a severe case of Fatal Errors and “Unmountable Boot Volumes” and a Dell Latitude that started to smoke under heavy load...

Later in College I purchased a Dell Precision Mobile Workstation (Commercial grade). It was very top of the line at the time, and one of the few that had dedicated Quadro Graphics which I desperately needed (reasons the initial Dell was smoking). Over time I have upgraded the Hard drive to a SSD, doubled the RAM, and replaced the processor (nearly doubling its speed and cache size). The computer still performs admirably and I believe I can get 2-3 more years out of it in its current configuration for a total of 8 years from an initial $1000 purchase and about $500-$600 worth of upgrades.

I wouldn’t say Dell’s are crap, but any cheap laptop is safe to assume wont do anything high level, or last all that long, especially the black Friday machines. I would consider an Alienware 14” laptop as you can easily upgrade a piece or 2 without having to buy a new laptop. Getting a cheap laptop where everything is integrated really limits what you can do. Research your motherboard and know if it is maxed out or if you can upgrade later. The fully integrated laptops are outdated by the time it hits shelves, if you can swap out the RAM, hard drive, processor, graphics, etc at a later time you can get that much more life out of your machine. Spend a little more now to save a lot later. If you look into the 14x and decide it’s a route you want to go, there is almost always a coupon for 10% or $100 off at least, if not more.

[rowshkex]

Sorry, I should clarify my stance:

I have had a nearly perfect history with Dell computers, including laptops that have lasted years upon years (one desktop that lasted eight years, and one laptop that lasted about six or seven years). With that in mind, I'm not looking for opinions on brand, per se, but rather for peoples' personal experiences with the laptops I mentioned above (or at least with the specs similar to the above).

I am a firm believer that absolutely any laptop can last you at least 5-6 years if you take care of it. Perhaps it would help to ask for individuals' personal experience with any of the following, or laptops between 13 and 14" (diagonal):

HP ProBooks (5330 or 5310 preferably, but others would do)
Dell Latitudes
Lenovo IdeaPads

Specifically, I am curious about keyboard experience (was typing easy, were the keys mushy and unresponsive, did you find yourself mistyping a lot, etc.) and portability (did you find the weight to be excessive, the size unmanageable or difficult to carry, etc.).

Thanks for the responses thus far, I appreciate everyone's consideration!

[cavedog]

I'm very happy with the HP 14 inch Elite Book 8440w I have for work.

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quic ... 520_ca.PDF

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops ... 8440w.aspx

[Orion]

This is what I would recommend

link

[rowshkex]

This is what I would recommend

link

Why didn't you tell me this BEFORE I ran over my laptop???

Thanks for nothin'...

[rowshkex]

I'm very happy with the HP 14 inch Elite Book 8440w I have for work.

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quic ... 520_ca.PDF

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops ... 8440w.aspx

Interesting... I wish retailers around here carried the 13" ProBooks--they seem to be what I'm being directed toward...

Thanks again (everyone) for the insights.

[Orion]

This is what I would recommend

link



Why didn't you tell me this BEFORE I ran over my laptop???

Thanks for nothin'...

You gonna fill us in on the whole story?

[rowshkex]

This is what I would recommend

link



Why didn't you tell me this BEFORE I ran over my laptop???

Thanks for nothin'...

You gonna fill us in on the whole story?

It's actually a pretty boring story... I had my backpack on and was carrying a laundry basket, but couldn't put the laundry basket in my car without taking off my backpack. So I dropped my backpack next to the car and put the basket in the car. Unfortunately, however, we were in somewhat of a hurry to leave, so I forgot that I had put my backpack on the ground. I hopped in the car, and while I pulled out into the street, I felt the back tire roll over something. I looked in the rear view mirror and realized what I had done, and figured the laptop was toast.

The worst part is that, despite the screen having a small crack in the left upper corner, the REST OF THE LAPTOP is fine--save the one thing I really, truly cared about: the data on the hard drive, which was my entire semester of grad school work... And just the week before I was thinking I should back up my data (I even had my external hard drive out on the living room table)...

[dxmnkd316]

I have an Elitebook 8440p for work. Love it to death.

[rowshkex]

I have an Elitebook 8440p for work. Love it to death.

Two for two on the 8440... Unfortunately they are just too heavy/big for what I'd like. Anyone care to comment on the keyboard? Mushy versus long stroke/responsiveness?

[dxmnkd316]

It's JUUUUUUUUUUUUST right. Not too much resistance, not too little.

[cavedog]

Agree with DX, the keyboard is smooth. My only annoyance are the buttons below the trackpad. They sorta "rock" forward and back to click rather than pressing directly down. U get used to it...fast little machine!

A few companies are coming out with pc laptops that mimic the MacBook Air. I think Lenova and Samsung might have what you're after iirc

[dxmnkd316]

I should also mention that I don't believe Elitebooks are customizable.

[Greyeagle]

I have an Elitebook 8440p for work. Love it to death.

It's certainly better than POS HP I had previously.....and the HP before that.......and the HP before that......so based on history I don't hold out much hope for this one.

[dxmnkd316]

I have an Elitebook 8440p for work. Love it to death.

It's certainly better than POS HP I had previously.....and the HP before that.......and the HP before that......so based on history I don't hold out much hope for this one.

Where are you on the three-year cycle?

[Greyeagle]

I have an Elitebook 8440p for work. Love it to death.

It's certainly better than POS HP I had previously.....and the HP before that.......and the HP before that......so based on history I don't hold out much hope for this one.

Where are you on the three-year cycle?

Got this one over the summer.....and it seems better so far. Though I no longer run the gargantuan Excel databases I used to so I don't test it much.

[rowshkex]

Agree with DX, the keyboard is smooth. My only annoyance are the buttons below the trackpad. They sorta "rock" forward and back to click rather than pressing directly down. U get used to it...fast little machine!

A few companies are coming out with pc laptops that mimic the MacBook Air. I think Lenova and Samsung might have what you're after iirc

Definitely not what I'm after, actually. See above.

In any case, thanks for the tips!

[rowshkex]

Okay, I have a (further) refined question:

Does anyone have any experience with Dell Latitudes (any of them)? More specifically, does anyone have any experience with the E4300, E4310, E6320, or E6420? If anyone has any experience with both the E4xxx and the E6xxx, how do the keyboards compare? I loved the E4300 keyboard, but am worried that the new design of the E6xxx sacrificed the quality of the E4xxx keyboards...

Thanks again all!

[GopherHockeyFan]

Given how fast the technology moves, I would rather buy a $300-$400 laptop every 2-3 years than a $600-$800 laptop that I keep for 4-6 years. Not to mention you can get a fair amount of free/preloaded software which you might need to upgrade 5 years down the road unless you get a new laptop.

[st8ofhockey]

I tend to stick with open source software, as to not run into the upgrading issues one would have with proprietary software. That being said, I wouldn't base a laptop purchase on what comes pre-installed on it; the majority of it is likely just taking up space.

I get ripped a lot here in grad school for using GIMP, InkScape, and OpenOffice; out of curiosity... do any of the working stiffs on GPL have any experience with open-source software in a professional setting?

[rowshkex]

I tend to stick with open source software, as to not run into the upgrading issues one would have with proprietary software. That being said, I wouldn't base a laptop purchase on what comes pre-installed on it; the majority of it is likely just taking up space.

I get ripped a lot here in grad school for using GIMP, InkScape, and OpenOffice; out of curiosity... do any of the working stiffs on GPL have any experience with open-source software in a professional setting?

I'm with you on the pre-installed stuff... I just get rid of it all when I get a computer anyway: I own Windows and Office, so I really don't need to keep any of the other stuff.

[Orion]

I tend to stick with open source software, as to not run into the upgrading issues one would have with proprietary software. That being said, I wouldn't base a laptop purchase on what comes pre-installed on it; the majority of it is likely just taking up space.

I get ripped a lot here in grad school for using GIMP, InkScape, and OpenOffice; out of curiosity... do any of the working stiffs on GPL have any experience with open-source software in a professional setting?

Yes, we don't use it.

[dxmnkd316]

Amazon Prime. Worth it or waste? How often would I really need to order for this to make sense?

[The Rube]

Amazon Prime. Worth it or waste? How often would I really need to order for this to make sense?

A buddy has it, but he also buys from them constantly and likes to get his stuff right away.

I don't bother, because I never have to have my stuff right away, and I always buy enough (when I do buy from there) to get the free shipping. It'd be pointless for me.

Edit: just add up the shipping charges you think you'd spend in a year.

[SouthTexGopher]

Amazon Prime. Worth it or waste? How often would I really need to order for this to make sense?

Looked at it, but I decided to stick to Optimus Prime instead...

[Tee09]

Amazon Prime. Worth it or waste? How often would I really need to order for this to make sense?

I forgot to cancel my free trial, and I actually like it. The free 2-day shipping is nice, and I think it's like $3 for overnight. The free streaming movies and shows, while somewhat limited in selection, are a good perk. If you ever need something delivered quickly, it'll save you a ton of money. If it's $6/mo and you order every couple months and are impatient, it's worth it. The downside (I guess) is we order a lot more frequently from Amazon now that we have it.

[JWG]

Amazon Prime. Worth it or waste? How often would I really need to order for this to make sense?

We got it for the free trial last year around this time. We have family in Alaska and it's nice to be able to buy them stuff and get it to them before 2014 - and for a good price.

Between the 2-day shipping and the sales tax piece (for now), we think it was great. We do buy from them more often. I have their "price check" app so I can scan a barcode when I find something at the store and find out if I can get it cheaper from them.

[MNGophers29]

What does anyone know about Roku players? I haven't done much research, but was at a friends house over the weekend and he had one, he tried explaining it all to me, but from a tech-savvy individual speaking to someone who understands a little, but apparently not everything, it didn't make any sense to me.

[fishingmn]

Amazon Prime. Worth it or waste? How often would I really need to order for this to make sense?

If you have a Kindle you can borrow 1 book a month for free - that should easily make it worth the $6

[Golden FE Ranger]

We have had Prime for free for the last year. It is pretty nice. My wife gets diapers for the twins (they go through a lot) cheaper and they are delivered to the door. I have found myself checking before I make purchases and often find items cheaper on there. I am not sure we will continue after the free version is up, but it will be considered.

[dxmnkd316]

I think I found my snowblower:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/prod ... =HS1336IAS

[Dances With Gophers]

I think I found my snowblower:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/prod ... =HS1336IAS

I think I found your skirt.

[Golden FE Ranger]

I think I found my snowblower:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/prod ... =HS1336IAS

That right there is a thing of beauty. 83 tons per hour !

[dxmnkd316]

I think I found my snowblower:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/prod ... =HS1336IAS

I think I found your skirt.

Huh?

[The Rube]

I think I found my snowblower:
http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/prod ... =HS1336IAS

I think I found your skirt.

Huh?

Be a man and pick up a shovel, ya candy-arse.

[dxmnkd316]

You enjoy your shovel and pail while the grown-ups play with grown-up toys.

[The Rube]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

[dxmnkd316]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

The fact that you're proud of never using a snowblower is sad.

[The Rube]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

The fact that you're proud of never using a snowblower is sad.

Why? Because I man up and put a little elbow grease into clearing the driveway? Get a little workout? Do you put on your pretty little prissy pants to snowblow?

And before you ask...Halloween storm? Yup, shovelled it. Then drove to work.

[dxmnkd316]

Let me guess, because it's easier than grilling, you think microwaving is more manly?

[george]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

The fact that you're proud of never using a snowblower is sad.

Why? Because I man up and put a little elbow grease into clearing the driveway? Get a little workout? Do you put on your pretty little prissy pants to snowblow?

And before you ask...Halloween storm? Yup, shovelled it. Then drove to work.

This from the guy who can't walk 1.5 blocks to the gas station for his morning caffine fix?

[Zwak]

Amazon Prime. Worth it or waste? How often would I really need to order for this to make sense?

I have it and I like it. The two day shipping pays for itself. If you want it the next day it is $3.99/item.

[dxmnkd316]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

The fact that you're proud of never using a snowblower is sad.

Why? Because I man up and put a little elbow grease into clearing the driveway? Get a little workout? Do you put on your pretty little prissy pants to snowblow?

And before you ask...Halloween storm? Yup, shovelled it. Then drove to work.

This from the guy who can't walk 1.5 blocks to the gas station for his morning caffine fix?

OH SNAP!

[Dances With Gophers]

Let me guess, because it's easier than grilling, you think microwaving is more manly?

I think you're getting your analogies mixed up? Buying a microwave is akin to buying a snowblower when you're <30y.o. and in good health = billows up your skirt.

Because it's easier than microwaving, grilling is more manly. That's what he's saying in your analogy.

[dxmnkd316]

Let me guess, because it's easier than grilling, you think microwaving is more manly?

I think you're getting your analogies mixed up? Buying a microwave is akin to buying a snowblower when you're <30y.o. and in good health = billows up your skirt.

Because it's easier than microwaving, grilling is more manly. That's what he's saying in your analogy.

Ok, so you don't use any power tools do you?

[Bertogliat]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

The fact that you're proud of never using a snowblower is sad.

Why? Because I man up and put a little elbow grease into clearing the driveway? Get a little workout? Do you put on your pretty little prissy pants to snowblow?

And before you ask...Halloween storm? Yup, shovelled it. Then drove to work.

You can't live in a maintenance free home and tease someone for making their projects go quicker. That's just insane.

[dxmnkd316]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

The fact that you're proud of never using a snowblower is sad.

Why? Because I man up and put a little elbow grease into clearing the driveway? Get a little workout? Do you put on your pretty little prissy pants to snowblow?

And before you ask...Halloween storm? Yup, shovelled it. Then drove to work.

You can't live in a maintenance free home and tease someone for making their projects go quicker. That's just insane.

Amen. When my dad was explaining about the not-so-fun parts about owning a home, he said, "You're going to start a list the day you move in. You'll go your entire life without crossing everything off that list."

[monty]

Let me guess, because it's easier than grilling, you think microwaving is more manly?

I think you're getting your analogies mixed up? Buying a microwave is akin to buying a snowblower when you're <30y.o. and in good health = billows up your skirt.

Because it's easier than microwaving, grilling is more manly. That's what he's saying in your analogy.

Ok, so you don't use any power tools do you?

Of course he doesn't he builds a boats in his basement with hand tools.

[Bertogliat]

You can't live in a maintenance free home and tease someone for making their projects go quicker. That's just insane.

Amen. When my dad was explaining about the not-so-fun parts about owning a home, he said, "You're going to start a list the day you move in. You'll go your entire life without crossing everything off that list."

And the list never gets shorter. I do cross things off, but I tend to add more than I can cross off.

I had no plands to build a deck this year. My wife and I wondered why we were seeing carpenter ants in the house for a couple of weeks in early spring. Now I have no deck and 6 newly poured footings behind my house.

And no I am not going to turn each screw with a screwdriver....no mater how manly someone thinks that may be.

[The Rube]

You fail at the internet, first of all. Nice codes. Edit: boo, you edited it. I should've quoted that post.

And I haven't shoveled in years. I live in an apt.

But I have never used a snowblower. Ever.

The fact that you're proud of never using a snowblower is sad.

Why? Because I man up and put a little elbow grease into clearing the driveway? Get a little workout? Do you put on your pretty little prissy pants to snowblow?

And before you ask...Halloween storm? Yup, shovelled it. Then drove to work.

You can't live in a maintenance free home and tease someone for making their projects go quicker. That's just insane.

I used to live in a house, owned by a friend. I did all the shovelling/yardwork for a discount on rent.

[dxmnkd316]

All-Clad. Worth the price?

[gopherguy13]

My view on the snowblower debate-

Q: What gets me inside, and back to watching sports/playing video games faster?

A: Snowblower.

Sure, if there is <4 inches on the driveway and it is a nice, calm, sunny day, I will shovel. But if it's freezing cold with a bunch of snow on the driveway? Eff that! I'm firing up the snowblower 100 times out of 100!

[dxmnkd316]

My view on the snowblower debate-

Q: What gets me inside, and back to watching sports/playing video games faster?

A: Snowblower.

Sure, if there is <4 inches on the driveway and it is a nice, calm, sunny day, I will shovel. But if it's freezing cold with a bunch of snow on the driveway? Eff that! I'm firing up the snowblower 100 times out of 100!

Ding ding. And it's not like a snowblower is as light as a feather. You still have to work, it's just quicker.

[magoose]

A snowblower pays for itself, regardless of the price, when a huge pile of snow sits on the end of your driveway. You know the pile I am talking about. That pile of 2+ feet of my back hurts and now I have to lift that heavy crap because the damn plow came right after I finished shoveling.

Fear not says a snowblower owner. Hit starter button or pull cord, engage tires, move towards end of driveway, engage auger, remove snow, return to garage, watch Gopher Hockey. It takes longer to walk to end of driveway then to clear the snow. One last thing, do not forget to thank your wifey whom allowed you to purchase that bad boy when you come in.

[Greyeagle]

My view on the snowblower debate-

Q: What gets me inside, and back to watching sports/playing video games faster?

A: Snowblower.

Sure, if there is <4 inches on the driveway and it is a nice, calm, sunny day, I will shovel. But if it's freezing cold with a bunch of snow on the driveway? Eff that! I'm firing up the snowblower 100 times out of 100!

Ding ding. And it's not like a snowblower is as light as a feather. You still have to work, it's just quicker.

Plus snowblowing is fun. A lot of fun.

[dxmnkd316]

Which is why I want the blower that can throw the snow over my neighbor's house.

[GopherHockeyFan]

All-Clad. Worth the price?

Only if you plan on displaying it as a centerpiece. High end restaurants around the world use $10 aluminum and stainless steel pans in their kitchens. Check out the restaurant supply/cooking section at Sams Club. It may not be anything pretty to look at but you can kick out food so good no one will wonder what brand of pan you used!

If you haven't yet, I would put that money toward a nice knife set.

The only thing I have spent probably more than I needed to on was a Le Creuset 7qt dutch oven, because it cooks so nice and is very vesatile, stove top to oven. You can still get decent enameled cast iron for less money though.

[Dances With Gophers]

My view on the snowblower debate-

Q: What keeps me outside longer, away from having to change diapers and attacking a growing honeydo list?

A: Shovel.

FYP

[gopherguy13]

My view on the snowblower debate-

Q: What keeps me outside longer, away from having to change diapers and attacking a growing honeydo list?

A: Shovel.

FYP

Nah man, I have it all planned out, my wife will do all that stuff and let me watch sports and play video games

[Bertogliat]

I have a confession to make. I will turn 37 in a little more than a month and I like the look of the new Buicks.

First off does this mean I am over the hill? Second, do any of you have any feedback on the Lacrosse or Regal?

I am having a hard time deciding if my next vehicle will be a truck, an SUV or a car. We already have a Honda Pilot which we like very much. I do like driving sporty 4 door sedans. Lately I am looking at the Accord, Cadillac CTS, etc. I really like the looks of the Infinity G37 sedan and the Acura TL, although they are a little beyond my price range.

I want a sedan that is reliable, safe, comfortable (probably leather), something that still looks somewhat cool and has decent fuel economy (probably in this order). Usually the Buicks would not be an option, but the new models are sportier than the past.

[Beauner]

I have a confession to make. I will turn 37 in a little more than a month and I like the look of the new Buicks.

First off does this mean I am over the hill? Second, do any of you have any feedback on the Lacrosse or Regal?

I am having a hard time deciding if my next vehicle will be a truck, an SUV or a car. We already have a Honda Pilot which we like very much. I do like driving sporty 4 door sedans. Lately I am looking at the Accord, Cadillac CTS, etc. I really like the looks of the Infinity G37 sedan and the Acura TL, although they are a little beyond my price range.

I want a sedan that is reliable, safe, comfortable (probably leather), something that still looks somewhat cool and has decent fuel economy (probably in this order). Usually the Buicks would not be an option, but the new models are sportier than the past.

My mom had a 2001 Buick Regal (LS I think). It was a great car. We traded it back in with over 150,000 miles on it last year and it had almost no major issues with it. It was a very nice machine. The gas mileage was pretty good too (23mpg-27mpg IIRC).

[Greyeagle]

My '97 TL is awesome.
Wish I could afford a newer one.

[Bertogliat]

My '97 TL is awesome.
Wish I could afford a newer one.

Whichever vehicle I buy will likely be used. I prefer to buy cars with 15-20k miles. The drop in price is worth it to me. Used car prices are not dropping as much as they once did and the supply of low mileage used cars is more limited than ever so I am not sure if I want to just buy new. I don't think I could afford a new TL. I would probably have to shoot for something in the 35k miles range to swing it. It would be nice.

[Greyeagle]

My '97 TL is awesome.
Wish I could afford a newer one.

Whichever vehicle I buy will likely be used. I prefer to buy cars with 15-20k miles. The drop in price is worth it to me. Used car prices are not dropping as much as they once did and the supply of low mileage used cars is more limited than ever so I am not sure if I want to just buy new. I don't think I could afford a new TL. I would probably have to shoot for something in the 35k miles range to swing it. It would be nice.

It's really fun to drive. I bought mine from my dad, who bought it new, so I knew what I was getting.

BTW - to answer your original question the new Buicks do look pretty good...but having had a couple of GM & Fords that nickle & dimed me will make it difficult for me to get another one.

And yes, I know the quality of both brands has improved dramaticaly.

[fightclub30]

My Fiance has a 2010 Ford Fusion that is a great car. That should mean something coming from a guy who typically hates on american cars.

No issues to date what-so-ever. For $24,000 new - the car drives like a $34,000 Acura in my mind. It doesnt handle as good as a BMW or AUDI, nor does it have AWD. However it got 38 MPG on a trip up to Lutsen, MN this past summer. Has a massive trunk. Very safe, lots of airbags. And, I think, Is pretty sporty looking. Plus the Ford Sync system is pretty darn cool.

I'd imagine you could get a 2010 with 16k miles on it by now for around $20k... give or take.

(disclosure: I drive a VW R32 and love, love, love it. Cannot imagine having another car until I have a family)

[dxmnkd316]

I drove a Buick as a rental down in OK a few years ago. Loved the car. I can't remember if it was a Lucerne or Lacrosse (leaning towards Lucerne though).

[streakygopher]

I drove a Buick as a rental down in OK a few years ago. Loved the car. I can't remember if it was a Lucerne or Lacrosse (leaning towards Lucerne though).

In recent years, I've owned a new Honda Accord (00), a new Lexus RX 350 (06), a new Suburban (03), a used Cadillac CTS (06), and a used Buick Lucerne (06). In my experience, for quality and ride, the Lucerne tops them all. I will be looking at a good used new model Lacrosse in a year or two. Also, FWIW, GM seems to devote all of their quality to Buick.

The worst has been the Suburban. I have less than 100K miles on that thing and the service reliability has been horrible...window motor, blower motor, dampers, mirrors, rear wiper, elect module, cv boots, steering rodsx3, rust on doors, 3 sets of brakes and much more. The Lexus would have been under consideration for high quality all the way up until the day an oil cooling hose came loose and spilled all but a quart or so of oil onto the road...the vehicle gave no indication whatsoever what had happened and it wasn't until we started hearing a chorus of clicks (like lifter noise) that we discovered the problem...about $3,000 in motor repairs later plus a $5 replacement fitting we were back in business.

[The Rube]

My grandparents swore by Buick before they were old. They loved the Buick Century. My mom also has a Century, which I drove to Houghton last year (couldn't use the Wrangler for space/gas purposes), and I must say even I was impressed. Handled like a champ, was roomy, and was comfortable.

One of my money/style-loving friends (think: Cadillac, overpriced designer dress clothes) currently has a Regal, and loves it.