With $1300 to spare (Laptop related)

Here's my two cents. I work part-time at a computer-repair service

Dell - The base model Dell's (the blue Inspirons) have had all sorts of issues. I can't even count the number of hard drive problems I've run into. They also overall are very basic and will easily become obselete based on the speed of processor development, RAM upgrades, etc.. Don't get one. The higher end Dell Lattitudes aren't bad and those have faired better in my opinion. Generally, those will get the job done but they come at a pretty hefty price

Sony - Good laptops overall, the ones that have come in generally are because of people just being stupid and getting them laced with spyware/viruses etc.. I have noticed that some of them overheat a little excessively and the AC Adapters have some issues. But I think those are specific to older VAIOs. I can't really say much about the newer models because I don't see them too often. Although, I can say that Sony prices their laptops pretty high in comparison to others.

Fujitsu - Never seen one before so I can't say much

Compaq/HP - Awful don't get one. They have all sorts of hardware issues. I just had three Compaq's, all with dead hard drives or non-functioning RAM. They generally are just not too reliable. HPs are a little better but I haven't been too satisfied with those either. The older HPs had serious overheating issues but I think those have been worked out. HP as a whole is trying to bolster its printer division since it is the most profitable part of the company, so it will eventually pay less attention to laptops and consequently I believe quality will only get worse.

Toshiba - These have been pretty solid. The newer ones have been great. The one time I dealt with their customer support (and I've had this confirmed by others) I talked to someone immediately and got the problem resolved. The problem with their call centers (and this applies to all computer companies) is that its a crapshoot when it comes to getting someone on the line with any knowledge. Still, these have been adequate but I can't say that I know too much about these.

Apple - If you want one, wait a while. They're just starting the switch to Intel Dual Core Processors and it might be a while before all the kinks get worked out. Also, all Mac software right now is tailored for the old power pc processors so those don't run as quickly on Dual Core Machines because it requires emulation to get them to work. Just wait for Intel to fix the bugs in the Dual Core Processors and wait for more software specific to the Dual Core to come out. Also, if you are going to make the Apple switch, make sure whatever important software you need works on a mac. Although, eventually I'm sure someone will figure out how to install Windows Vista on a mac so you can have dual operating systems.

Voodoo - I ran into one of these and I must say I was extremely impressed. If you look up the parts, they use top of the line hardware and I installed XP on a battery alone with time to spare which hasn't happened before. These things cost ridiculous amounts of money (I think the cheapest they go for is 1900 dollars) but it was built really well. http://www.voodoopc.com/default.aspx

 

I want one of these so bad but nervous about the kinks.

 

go with this:

Dell Inspiron 9300
1.86Ghz Pentium M w/ Centrino Technology
1Gig RAM
80Gig Harddrive
8x DVD/CD reader/burner
nVidia 256Mb 6800 GO

i bought this rig in late august for $1306.

Later on, when you have cash, or $350 or so, use the 7800gtx GO tweak guide and install yourself a nice 7800gtx.



but this is coming from a gamer. the mac power books looks awesome.

 

My Dell Latitude runs great. Going on 2 years now, (and I keep my computer running basically 24/7) only problem I've had was the page down key coming loose about a month ago. They replaced the keyboard in less than 5 minutes.

As an aside, I highly recommend getting a laptop fan. My first one died after a year or so (didn't die just made horrible noises), but they cost about $20 at Best Buy (more if you want built in USB ports) and I think has been helpful in keeping anything from burning out.

Oh, and I think it's DoD who knows a little more about this, but you can usually get several hundred dollars off Dells if you find that right coupons to stack on each other at the right time.

Even just looking right now at this thread, one of Clutch's ads had 1/3 off Dells.

 

more like 40% off.

 

I'm also waiting for the new MacBook to unleash its power. When someone can sucessfully dual boot windows and OSX, thats when I can look forward to buying one. Not that i have anything against OSX, because ive used it and its very clean and fun to use, I just have things set my way and need an alternative to play with.

 

Get an extended warranty with Dell because their call centers only look for that provision. You're SOL if that runs out.

I recommend a Toshiba.

 

Like others say Dell is a crapshoot. I have had two dells, both without any problems. However, I know of people that have had problems galore.

Take a look at Asus, they may be a little pricier, but they make some good notebooks.

 

Sorry to derail but I forgot to renew my Toshiba Warranty when the 1 year ran out. Should I be worried?

Got the M35X

 

If you're hard on your stuff get a IBM Thinkpad.. I hear NASA uses them to keep spaceships from burning up upon reentry

 

I got a brand new Apple iBook 12" this past summer and love it! No problems at all so far...

 

I know I'm completely in the minority, but in the future, I will never buy another laptop that isn't a tablet PC or at least contains tablet functionality. I've had my IBM tablet (X41T) for a semester now, and I absolutely love it. With prices falling as they are, I think people who pass up tablets are foolish. Who doesn't want added value and functionality for a little more price?

In addition to being a tablet, it's first and foremost an IBM (the last laptop to officially say that, unfortunately, before Lenovo takes over). And, having only used an IBM laptop at work occasionally, I gotta say that I'm very impressed with the build quality of the laptop and the software. The laptop is built like a tank, the keyboard is fantastic, and the included utility software is insanely useful (especially ThinkVantage Access Connections, which is so much easier to use than Microsoft's POS wireless control panel).

As for Dell, well, let me tell you this: My wife is working on her THIRD Inspiron in 5 years. Each one keeps breaking, and get this: she never even moves the laptop from the table! I'm pretty much done with Dell at this point. (But I still want a summer internship from them. )

 

I've only had 2 problems with Dell computers and both were my fault. While it is difficult to talk to their customer service reps sometimes, hopefully you won't be clumsy like me so you won't need it.

 

Dude I heard there are some great deals on www.FireGundy.com

 

I recently got this 17" orange monster from Toshiba ... no complaints so far.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4059631

 

My family has been a Dell one since 1996 - we've gone through three desktops and two laptops. None have had problems (though their support record has dropped dramatically in the past 5 years according to most surveys).

If you're looking for cheap yet powerful, though, they're still the way to go.

One rule I've heard is that laptops are the only electronics device where you *must* get the 3-year warranty. They all break unless you're lucky.

Also, configure it with more memory than you think you'll need, as you'll likely have it for a while.

Finally - I'm waiting for the new iBooks with Intel. Remember that if you get an Apple, they are totally pimped out with cameras, microphones, Bluetooth, etc. Do that with a PC laptop and you'll pay about the same price... and the quality for an Apple is supposedly better (again, according to surveys, but that may have changed).

But if you do, realize that the software is an issue as mentioned earlier. Also, "insiders" are saying that the Intel Duos (in MacBook Pro and iMac) have already had more hardware bugs found (and of greater severity) than the last few chips brought out by Intel. I don't know if that means the iBook line will be delayed, but if you're going MacBook Pro, you'll likely want to wait for a rev.

Also, when in the world will these new Intel chips be used in PC laptops? I think that should help the price drop, too... and the power/battery situation should improve as well.

Basically, I think now's a waiting period for a laptop, but I'm not an expert.

 

I would build myself an asus.

Stay away from any voodoo manufactured from clevo. My friend and his boss have clevo based notebooks and their terribly unreliable.

Here's a good link for you to read. http://www.powernotebooks.com/articles/index.php?action=fullnews&id=17