Time to buy a new laptop

[crabcake]

I've either fried my hard drive or busted the laptop ... either way, it's time for a new one. I might try to get the other one fixed for DQ but I'm ready for something new. I had an HP Pavillion for over 4 years with no complaints, so I'm somewhat partial to them (though I could've just gotten damn lucky).

I'm not looking to design a new space shuttle or anything super memory-hogging/intensive, but I do want something that won't make me wait on it to catch up to my typing speed, either. With the prices of laptops down to pretty low prices, and word that MS is even getting ready to lay off people due to sluggish sales, I'm thinking this is a great time to buy (if you gotta). Any suggestions, feedback (plus or neg on any particular brands), etc. I prefer (if I HAVE to deal with Tech Support) that geek-speak be in English, even if that means a slight Canadian accent, eh!

So what are you all using; how is it in terms of durability/reliability; would you buy the same brand/model again; how is the tech support? Also, if you see any good deals out, let me know. I thought about popping into circuit city tomorrow (if they haven't closed their doors yet) to see what I can pick up from there on sale as well.

Thanks, in advance.

 

[GWguy]

There have been a number of similar requests in various threads, and if you ask 10 people, you'll get 10 different answers!

At the risk of getting smacked, go back thru the threads here. Different folks have different reasons why they like different laptops.

HPs are ok, but from personal experience, they can have odd glitches in the
WiFi and external video (specifically DVI) connections,. Lots of folks like Dell, I'm not a big fan. I like the Leveno (used to be IBM).

 

[crabcake]

I realize that opinions are like and all. But I still need some feedback. I haven't stayed current on things like processors, operating systems, who's outsourced to the towelheads for tech support, etc. It used to be that Intel Pentium was the end-all/be-all for chips, and the AMDs and other non-Pentium (even centrinos) were no-no's. Are they all pretty much level now in terms of performance and reliability? I'll read around, but if folks who have recently purchased/researched like purchases could post their findings/experiences, that'd be great, too.

 

[WildCherry]

What ever you do stay away from Dell! They are only in it for one thing and that is YOUR money! They have shafted me more ways than I can count and I will never buy another high end piece of equipment from them again!

Now HP and Compaq have some fairly decent little laptops out there but I would not go super cheap. At least get something you can upgrade after a year or two. Go with say $1200 on up to about $1800 to get a decent upgradable laptop. Other than that I have nothing, I hear Macs are less prone to viruses but then I also her you can run Linux type OS's on Windows equipment. Good Luck!

 

[RadioPatrol]

So what are you all using; how is it in terms of durability/reliability; would you buy the same brand/model again; how is the tech support? Also, if you see any good deals out, let me know. I thought about popping into circuit city tomorrow (if they haven't closed their doors yet) to see what I can pick up from there on sale as well.

Are you looking to buy a Chevy Chevette or a Corvette ....

yeah you can probably get by on one of the 500 laptops but do you like waiting on your computer to reload a web page, because it has minimal memory for the OS and is constantly swaping out what is in the RAM ....

Indiferance to WC / aka MB ... I have had no issues with dell, but then I do not spend 4000 on a laptop .... even if it is a Ferrari

I just spec'd a new Dell Latitude E5500 ... by buying a "Business" class laptop, you can get the XP downgrade and still get manufacture support .... ok now it cost a $100 more ... but if you do not want to move to vista ....

I took it fresh out of the box when she got it, blew away Vista and loaded XP straight away and gave it back to her ....

she has no issues ... ok it has only been a few weeks ..........

check CNet, PC Mag .... Computer Shopper ... read some of the reviews

 

[virgovictoria]

I :heart: my Dell XPS M1530 laptop. I've even been known to fall asleep with it!

Sure, I've had Vista glitches, but I my laptop. I :heart: my desktop too, and my last desktop, and the desktop before that, and the desktops provided at work - all by Dell.

:dellhead:

 

[Chasey_Lane]

What ever you do stay away from Dell!

I have opposite feelings - just bought another Dell a few weeks ago. Have a Dell laptop and so does hubby. Never had any problems with our 4 Dell computers.

However, Crabby, if you want to splurge, I suggest getting a Mac. They are nice!!

 

[workaholic]

I have opposite feelings - just bought another Dell a few weeks ago. Have a Dell laptop and so does hubby. Never had any problems with our 4 Dell computers.

However, Crabby, if you want to splurge, I suggest getting a Mac. They are nice!!

Macs Rock!

 

[WildCherry]

I have opposite feelings - just bought another Dell a few weeks ago. Have a Dell laptop and so does hubby. Never had any problems with our 4 Dell computers.

However, Crabby, if you want to splurge, I suggest getting a Mac. They are nice!!

I have 4 Dells her also, one of which has been nothing but a pain in my butt since I bought it and it was the most expensive one. I said I don't recommend hight end products from them as I have been screwed royally by them. I did buy my son recently a cheapo $500 laptop from them because they seem to be a little more sturdy than my daughters Compaq. She has had no troubles. I just wanted something that might withstand the abuse of a 9 yr. old. :shrug:

 

[crabcake]

Interesting to note ...

I just called my homeowners insurance (USAA), and found out that my computer issue is covered under my policy, as I'd elected additional computer coverage for anything above/beyond the normal wind/hail/fire hazards of regular insurance incidents.

Basically, what happened is, I've had the flu for the past week, and have been laid up. I had the laptop on my lap and fell asleep. Something startled me, and when I bolted up, the laptop went flying down on the hard wood floor and executed a perfect Emeril Legasse "BAM" landing.

I've never tapped my policy for a computer replacement before (hadn't needed to, as this one has trucked through the trenches for 4+ years; heck, I think I posted on here when I bought it). But if the insurance will fix my laptop or replace it at no cost to me, then I guess that's why I have the coverage. :shrug: Anyone had to deal with this type of situation before (repair/replacement via insurance)? I know I need to take it to be diagnosed (e.g., Geek Squad) and send that to them, then we talk repair/replacement.

As for MACs, I've used 'em for work, but I'm not a fan. I like "ole reliable" and the ability to diagnose/fix most issues with my computer myself without having to pick up a geek-speaktionary to learn it all over again. I'm happy with HP; it's my 2nd computer by them (first was a desktop model); never any major issues or problems; customer service has always been okay when I did need to call about something. I just don't know all the latest bells and whistles with memory, chips, etc.

 

[Hawkeyewife]

Netbook

I got an Acer Netbook last month and love it. It's small but powerful enough for what I need (simple documents, internet) and it was less than $350.

 

[WildCherry]

I just called my homeowners insurance (USAA), and found out that my computer issue is covered under my policy, as I'd elected additional computer coverage for anything above/beyond the normal wind/hail/fire hazards of regular insurance incidents.

Basically, what happened is, I've had the flu for the past week, and have been laid up. I had the laptop on my lap and fell asleep. Something startled me, and when I bolted up, the laptop went flying down on the hard wood floor and executed a perfect Emeril Legasse "BAM" landing.

I've never tapped my policy for a computer replacement before (hadn't needed to, as this one has trucked through the trenches for 4+ years; heck, I think I posted on here when I bought it). But if the insurance will fix my laptop or replace it at no cost to me, then I guess that's why I have the coverage. :shrug: Anyone had to deal with this type of situation before (repair/replacement via insurance)? I know I need to take it to be diagnosed (e.g., Geek Squad) and send that to them, then we talk repair/replacement.

As for MACs, I've used 'em for work, but I'm not a fan. I like "ole reliable" and the ability to diagnose/fix most issues with my computer myself without having to pick up a geek-speaktionary to learn it all over again. I'm happy with HP; it's my 2nd computer by them (first was a desktop model); never any major issues or problems; customer service has always been okay when I did need to call about something. I just don't know all the latest bells and whistles with memory, chips, etc.

I have Verizon covering my computers and my tv's and phones for $20 a month. If one is unfixable they will replace it for $75 up to a $2500.00 item. Not bad coverage if you ask me!

 

[DoWhat]

Not bad coverage if you ask me!

If you ask me, I think that is total stupidity.

 

[czygvtwkr]

At least get something you can upgrade after a year or two.

Upgrade and laptop don't belong in the same conversation.

I like HP's myself.

If you got the dough get a Panasonic Toughbook it would have survived that fall and just laughed.

 

[crabcake]

Upgrade and laptop don't belong in the same conversation.

I like HP's myself.

If you got the dough get a Panasonic Toughbook it would have survived that fall and just laughed.

I can't complain too much about it not making it through this last tumble. That thing has been toted, knocked around, banged up, and put through the ringer in 4+ years of ownership. It's taken quite a licking, and kept on ticking.

My hope is that it can be fixed. I know that sounds crazy, but I really want the data off the HD that I have on there (and was too stupid to have backed up by now ). I would probably still buy a newer one if it is fixed, just because it's time. But I look at my HP like a pet, and I'm not ready to part with it just yet.

 

[crabcake]

I have Verizon covering my computers and my tv's and phones for $20 a month. If one is unfixable they will replace it for $75 up to a $2500.00 item. Not bad coverage if you ask me!

That is a lot of money to pay monthly though. Have you priced adding a rider to your home/renter's policy for those items? Might be a lot less. My additional computer rider is $18/year. :shrug:

 

[WildCherry]

That is a lot of money to pay monthly though. Have you priced adding a rider to your home/renter's policy for those items? Might be a lot less. My additional computer rider is $18/year. :shrug:

I will discuss it with my husband he is the one that does the insurance. I did not know you could do that and I am sure he did not either or it would have been done considering the amount of electronics that are in this house. Thanks for the advice!

 

[RadioPatrol]

As for MACs, I've used 'em for work, but I'm not a fan. I like "ole reliable" and the ability to diagnose/fix most issues with my computer myself without having to pick up a geek-speaktionary to learn it all over again.

 

[DoWhat]

but I really want the data off the HD that I have on there (and was too stupid to have backed up by now )

The hardrive should still be good (as long at it will power up with an external cable).
You can pull the hardive out, pull it out of it's internal case (to get to the sata connection).
Hook it up to another computer that has an external sata drive connection.


I'm not computer smart, but we do similar stuff like that at work.

Hey computer Geeks, am I correct?

 

[Claff]

Big fan of Toshiba laptops here. Had Compaq, Acer, Averatec in the past and they ranged from decent (Compaq) to terrible (Acer). The Toshiba I use now is a few years old and still chugging along.

Just picked up a pair of 'netbooks' in the last week or so. I have an HP and the wife uses a Lenovo. So far they've proven to be pretty good although the small screen causes some trouble with some websites.