Laptop Advice

[rarisgod]

So I'm looking into purchasing a laptop. I've been advised to look at a Mac, but I don't know if I want to spend that much on a laptop...
So in your experience, what is the best company to go with for a laptop?

[Sonic_Death]

For windows, I recommend: Dell, HP, Sony, Acer. In that order.

I agree with your Mac statement, they are nice machines but it is a lot of money to spend and not necessarily worth it.

[rarisgod]

Any particular reason for placing Dell before HP, Sony before Acer, etc.? Just curious, not questioning your judgment. It's these sort of things I'm looking for in buying, I don't want to buy something that'll die on me before too long.

While I've tried Macs and they've performed brilliantly, and I've heard nothing but good things from Mac users (though that isn't surprising, Mac users are very loyal) their stuff is far too much and not worth it for my uses currently. If I was going into a career in music, maybe I would as Macs are more for multimedia uses than PCs are, and maybe someday I will get a Mac, but at the current moment I don't think it's worth it for me.

[Sterling_Bass]

[quote=rarisgod;7846751 I don't want to buy something that'll die on me before too long.

While I've tried Macs and they've performed brilliantly, and I've heard nothing but good things from Mac users (though that isn't surprising, Mac users are very loyal) their stuff is far too much and not worth it for my uses currently. [/QUOTE]

If you are looking for a laptop that will last you, do not buy cheap. Spend the coin on something of quality and with the features/specs you want and need. However, the Operating System is a crucial component of any computer purchase. Decide on OS X, Windows, or Linux before the actual computer.
I am not quite sure how to take your statements about the Mac. If you feel they work well and have heard nothing but good things about them, then it seems they are a worthy investment, no? Not everyone who uses a Mac works with multimedia. Plenty of people surf the web, check emails, and work on documents on Apple's computers because they are reliable, stable, and easy to use.

[rarisgod]

Originally Posted by Sterling_Bass

If you are looking for a laptop that will last you, do not buy cheap. Spend the coin on something of quality and with the features/specs you want and need. However, the Operating System is a crucial component of any computer purchase. Decide on OS X, Windows, or Linux before the actual computer.
I am not quite sure how to take your statements about the Mac. If you feel they work well and have heard nothing but good things about them, then it seems they are a worthy investment, no? Not everyone who uses a Mac works with multimedia. Plenty of people surf the web, check emails, and work on documents on Apple's computers because they are reliable, stable, and easy to use.

Alright fair enough, it does seem that a Mac would be a "worthy" investment. But in terms of compatibility in the long run, doesn't one lose out with a Mac?

And as I said, it's rather expensive. I don't intend to go cheap, but can't you find a higher end PC for a slightly lower price than a Mac?

[Hellbastard]

Mac will always be more expensive than, not only the Laptop but also the software, hardware and accessories. So if you're looking for a Laptop and are not quite convinced that a mac is worth that much I recommend you look into the Sony Vaio Series. My GF has had one for the past 5 years and it still performs well, there are a few problems with the DVD-rom but for a really old laptop it is pretty decent. At least it is better than the 3 different laptops I have gone through in the same period of time which include Gericom, Acer and currently my Samsung.

[bui]

I've had two Compaqs...my first one got me through undergrad, and my second one is still going strong. They were relatively cheap, and fulfilled all my needs-namely writing papers, Powerpoint lectures, Internet research/browsing. What do you plan on using it for?

I will say that the battery life isn't the best on them...my first one won't last more than 40 minutes now without being plugged in, and my second one gets about an hour and a half. It's not an issue if you can plug in all the time, but if you're looking for portability, take that into consideration.

[TrooperFarva]

4 years ago, I got a laptop at work, an HP NC6000. When I left the job a year and a half ago, my job told me I could take the laptop, after they cleared the hard drive, since they were just going to throw it out anyway.

I still have it, and it works flawlessly. I have another, newer, HP laptop as well, and it too works flawlessly.

In my current job, I use a Dell laptop. It performs okay, but I really don't like the feel of it, it just feels cheap.

[James Hart]

I've had a couple Dell laptops issued by employers... I've never had an issue with one. Great workhorses IMO/E.

I've owned one Compaq (post HP merger) that fried a video chip within 2 years. I'm still using it while I decide what I'm buying to replace it (wide screen display that only runs with the generic safemode driver in standard screen aspect... everything is stretched to fit). I have been purposely ignoring all HP/Compaq offerings at this point.

I bought the wife a Fujitsu for xmas... she loves it, I love it and I will most likely buy one of their models when I'm ready unless I go for a netbook to surf with and upgrade my tower for recording instead. I'd get the Fujitsu netbook, but I think it's overpriced compared to the others... the Dell Mini 10 is what I think I'd end up with netbook wise.

[froovs]

yep id vote for Dell too, in my day job i see fewer of those dying than the other big brands

not scientific of course, but a *lot* of different laptops pass through my hands

whats good about Dell too is that if your ordering them through the small business arm (in europe at least), they will haggle on the phone. they have a margin they can be talked down to. just be forthright and you can get them to knock off the VAT or the shipping or throw in some goodies or that sort of thing

cheers
froovs

[MakiSupaStar]

Weren't you looking at getting an iPhone? If you're considering an iPhone and a laptop, maybe you should look at one of those little notebook computers that run on wireless networks. I think At&t has one for 199 bucks right now.

[rarisgod]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

Weren't you looking at getting an iPhone? If you're considering an iPhone and a laptop, maybe you should look at one of those little notebook computers that run on wireless networks. I think At&t has one for 199 bucks right now.

I was expecting this lol I'm amazed people remember me from thread to thread!

I didn't post it in the iPhone thread, but I think I'm going to wait on the iPhone. I'm going to be posting another thread for advice on another phone network in Canada...
I'd love an iPhone, but I have to think of other expenses heading my way right now. With their data plan being a huge threat to my savings, it doesn't seem like the right time. Besides they might come out with an 8GB 3GS, or before you know it the next, newest model will be out with even more mind-blowing features...

However, while the iPhone cost would be coming out of my own pocket, the laptop cost isn't. So it isn't the laptop that caused me to change my decision.


Judging by responses so far, I've seen a lot of good things posted about Dell laptops. I have a Dell desktop computer right now (not on it at the moment, but irrelevant). It isn't the greatest piece of machinery, but I must say, it's QUITE a few years old and, yet, I haven't had to replace anything on it yet. I've changed hard drives for the sake of increasing space, I've added RAM over the years of course...
Over the years I've complained a lot about it, but now that I look back, it's never REALLY failed me. The Internet may have from time to time, but that's something entirely different. It runs REALLY slow, I think due to age and whatever else causes the computer to run slowly, but it's also not a top-of-the-line machine, yet it still works.

I think I've found a new appreciation for my desktop computer just by typing this out. I'm thinking Dell might be the best option (though I can't help but think I've heard bad things about them too )

[popinfresh]

What do you want the laptop to do?

I bought a MB around 8 months ago, the extra money has paid for itself IMO in the programs I got with it, ease of use/usability (great trackpad, keyboard, menu and shortcut system) and reliability.

I got a free 120gig iPod with it when I purchased as well. Whenever my current phone dies i'll be planning to get a next gen iPhone as well as everything syncs and just clicks so well.

Other than my MB, I use a Dell XPS (not sure exactly on the number) occasionally and every time I use it I'm thankful for my MB. The plasticy feel, bulkiness, windows, slow running speed and just less user friendly vibe than the mac put me off it. Just to point out, the person who owns the XPS hasn't much clue about computers at all, and whenever they use my Mac they wish they'd bought one instead. YMMV.

[jackall237]

Originally Posted by TrooperFarva

4 years ago, I got a laptop at work, an HP NC6000. When I left the job a year and a half ago, my job told me I could take the laptop, after they cleared the hard drive, since they were just going to throw it out anyway.

I still have it, and it works flawlessly. I have another, newer, HP laptop as well, and it too works flawlessly.

In my current job, I use a Dell laptop. It performs okay, but I really don't like the feel of it, it just feels cheap.

I got my Mac SEVEN years ago. I haven't had to replace a single part in it, nor do I have any virus protection on it.
Save your pennies, take the plunge and buy a Mac.
I could've bought 3 or 4 PC's as long as I've had my Mac..

[Eric Perry]

My last few laptops were Gateways and have always performed flawlessly with no problems whatsoever.

[fdeck]

Dell notebooks have worked just fine at home and at my day job. My approach goes against the conventional wisdom. I buy a low-end computer and expect to get about 6 years out of it. The only exception is, ironically, the Mac that I bought in 1993, which lasted about 3 years.

You'd have to get a lot of years out of a $1200 computer to make it a better "investment" than a string of $300 computers. The only reason why I might be tempted to spend more money is for something that is more portable, or for better battery life. The battery in my day job Dell is wonderful. I get an entire work day of "typical use" out of it, with a lunchtime recharge, and I am on my feet most of the day.

Anyway, so I am on year 4 of a Dell notebook that is now running Ubuntu as its primary boot. I still have to fire up Windows on occasion for my electronics work.

Now some advice, which I think applies to most brands. Each brand has an entry level package deal, with the basic computer plus some freebies. They change the freebies every few weeks. If you are not in a hurry, you can save money by waiting until the package deal contains the accessories that you actually want.

Ignore my advice if you care about audio / video editing or gaming.

[NJL]

all i have to say is that you get what you pay for.

[Gintaras]

I have over 100 Dell Vostro laptops at my client sites. We have not made one support or warranty call on any of them in the last 2 years. Be sure to order from the small business division and always go for the 3 year onsite warranty. If you ever need to use it then it will pay for itself for the one time use. If you are a destructive type then get the extended warranty. I had a client's son drop his at school and crack the case. Dell had us remove the hard drive and they sent a complete new unit.

[illidian]

I bought my first Mac a year ago. Yes, it was more expensive than many alternatives.

I wanted a 13" screen for portability. By the time you look at a 13" screen on a laptop with good components, there isn't much of a price difference between the MacBook (or now you can even get a Pro cheaper than I got mine for) and the alternatives. The battery life is great, beats everything else out there. The OS is a marvel (though I must admit, dual-booting Windows 7 isn't a bad experience either). Not needing to load my computer with bloatware and antivirus to ensure safety and performance. The hardware is a feat of engineering that makes everything else feel cheap in comparison.

I'm happy with my purchase and would do the same again.

[Pilgrim]

I use HPs and Dells and both have been equally reliable. PCs are pretty much commodities - brand doesn't matter much if it's a major name. Shop features and price, and buy any major name that fits your criteria and budget.