New Laptop - Dell or Gateway?

[MichaelD]

If I was buying a turnkey DESKTOP system, I'd get a Dell hands down. But AFA notebooks go, I'm not too sure.

What would you guys recommend and why? The laptop will be used mainly for office apps/email/surfing, but some gaming/MP3 rips as well.

Thanks.

 

[FrustratedUser]

They're about the same.
I use a Gateway Solo 9500 @ work and it's sweet.

 

[MichaelD]

I use both Gateway and Dell laptops ocassionally at work, they are older models (maybe 2-3 years old) but they are both fine. I'll be burning a few CDs too, if that makes a diff.

 

[jamesbond007]

I haven't had any experience with Gateway laptops, but I do own a Dell. I love it to death. Not a single hiccup since the day I bought it.

It's an Inspiron 8000 and it's extremely nice with tons of features. Very upgradeable, too. Parts are relatively cheap on eBay and upgrading it by myself isn't a problem.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Hardware wise, they're probably both about the same. The biggest difference you might find between them is in support, service and warranty. I've read a few horror stories here at AT lately about people having big problems getting Dell to fix their laptops. This might just be because people hanging here are more likely to buy a Dell than a GW, hence, more problems statistically.

 

[majewski9]

neither

 

[OverVolt]

I'd say, thats only two companies maybe you ought to do a little research

My sis has an IBM laptop and it's nice stuff, I'd recomend one!. Most laptops are going to be about the same for a certian price range it just depends on what your using it for. Between Gateway and Dell, i'd go Gateway on a laptop. I think Gateway is gaining a better reputaion for quality and tech support.

Remeber that a desktop cpu is cheaper than a mobile cpu but a desktop cpu can only runabout half speed on battery power as laptops go since the battery would overheat. Under AC power it'll be as expected. So for gaming on battery power you'll need to shell out the extra cash for a mobile CPU.

If your only doing e-mail/word/net that kinda stuff on battery then a desktop cpu will be fine. I think gateway is starting to look more appealing to me over dell.

I've had a hard time with there dell desktops my family bought. It's really the luck of the draw. One person might have a horrible experience with a Pc like a faulty hd then get a hard time with tech support. And another person with the EXACT same model might never have trouble with it for 4years.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: OverVolt
I'd say, thats only two companies maybe you ought to do a little research

My sis has an IBM laptop and it's nice stuff, I'd recomend one!. Most laptops are going to be about the same for a certian price range it just depends on what your using it for. Between Gateway and Dell, i'd go Gateway on a laptop. I think Gateway is gaining a better reputaion for quality and tech support.

Remeber that a desktop cpu is cheaper than a mobile cpu but a desktop cpu can only runabout half speed on battery power as laptops go since the battery would overheat. Under AC power it'll be as expected. So for gaming on battery power you'll need to shell out the extra cash for a mobile CPU.

If your only doing e-mail/word/net that kinda stuff on battery then a desktop cpu will be fine. I think gateway is starting to look more appealing to me over dell.

I've had a hard time with there dell desktops my family bought. It's really the luck of the draw. One person might have a horrible experience with a Pc like a faulty hd then get a hard time with tech support. And another person with the EXACT same model might never have trouble with it for 4years.

Thanks for the info on the mobile CPUs that was news to me. Warranty is definitely a major player here. Where I don't expect my desktops to remain unchanged for more than a year (if that) a laptop is a "once in a lifetime purchase" for me...gotta get one that's worth the money and won't be obsolete in a year.

 

[Derango]

Nope...desktop CPUs don't understand when the laptop is on AC or Battery, so they run at full speed all the time, sucking down battery power. Moblie CPUs can slow down to conserve battery power. Even at full speed, a mobile CPU uses less power than the same speed desktop CPU.

 

[Jeff7]

What about Alienware? Their gaming notebooks look quite impressive, both externally, and by the specs. They've always been just a wee bit out of my price range though.

 

[MrBond]

Don't count out IBM. Thinkpads are GREAT. You can get some pretty good deals from their Ebay store as well, and they'll have the factory warranty.

I am a big fan of the T-series, but they're expensive. The A-series is definatly lappable, but at about 2x the weight of the t-series, they're getting hefty. I've got no experience with the R or X series.

You're going to pay more than an Gateway or Dell, but you're getting a better laptop too. IBM notebooks last FOREVER with TLC. I have a thinkpad 765L (p166mmx) that runs almost as well as the day it was new (I was careless and damaged the power plug on the back, however, with the port replicator, it works fine).

Of course, if you're on a budget, you'll probably be better off with a dell or a gateway. Just get the 3 yr warranty.

 

[Ryan]

It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a top of the line laptop, the Gateway 600 series is best. If you're just looking for a simple computer that you'll usually have plugged in, a 400 series will do. Now, if you need that, but need to be more mobile, the a 450 series is your best bet Here are some breakdowns of some nicely priced systems:

600X: $1999
2.2ghz Mobile P4
512mb DDR Ram
40gb HD
Modular 24x/10x/24x CDRW and 8x DVD combo drive
15.7" SXGA TFT Active Matrix
ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 w/ 64MB DDR video memory
SoundBlaster Pro Compatible Sound & Stereo Speakers, Internal Microphone, Headphone/Speaker Jack, Line-In and Line-Out Mic Jacks, Optical Out
Integrated 56k modem and Intel 10/100 Network Card

400XL: $1699
2.5ghz Desktop P4
512mb DDR Ram
60gb HD
Integrated 24x/10x/24x CDRW / 8X DVD Combo
15" XGA TFT Active Matrix
ATI Mobility Radeon w/ 32MB DDR Video Memory
Integrated Sound and Stereo Speakers, Headphone/Speaker Jack, Line-in and Line-out Mic Jacks
Integrated 56k modem and Intel 10/100 Network Card

The only upgrade I suggest on either laptop is a warranty upgrade To upgrade to a 3 year warranty is only $119 on both systems. You'll need to add $54 for shipping on both systems. AFAIK, all Gateway Country Stores should have the 400XL in stock right now, so if you wanted to skip the shipping all together, that's your best bet.


Hope that helps
Ryan
Solutions Advisor @ Gateway Country

 

[grimreaper19]

Checkout the Compaq evo n800v at pcconnection.com. They have the evo w/ p4-m 1.7 ghz, 256mb ddr ram, 20 gig hd, 14" lcd, dvd-rom, radeon 7500 32mb, xp pro, etc. for $1199 + ~$20 for 2nd day shipping. Pretty good deal. The laptop is pretty light ( under 6 lbs.) This won't be the best for gaming.

 

[amdskip]

I'd actually go the gateway route because Dell is just an overbranded name now IMHO and their customer service blows.

 

[corkyg]

I got a Gateway Solo 9300cx about 2 years ago, and it has been outstanding. Transitioned from 98SE to ME to XP Pro and it has never crashed or gotten hung up on anything.

Gateway has one feature that few competitors have - at least on mine - the floppy drive is modular and can be replaced with a 2nd HDD or battery. I use the second HDD module and thus can clone the primary drive to the secondary. Then remove it and have a fully ready to go spare HDD, OS and all, in the drawer.

The 15.6-in LCD is awesome - great for DVD movies on trips.

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Hardware wise, they're probably both about the same. The biggest difference you might find between them is in support, service and warranty. I've read a few horror stories here at AT lately about people having big problems getting Dell to fix their laptops. This might just be because people hanging here are more likely to buy a Dell than a GW, hence, more problems statistically.

Dell DOES have current problems with their CS being outsourced to India. If you have a problem that is out of the ordinary, you may have to jump through hoops to get it fixed (it took over 2 months to resolve my Dell Inspiron 4100's issues - which were finally resolved TODAY). However, Dell does build a solid notebook with decent bang for the buck.

Just remember - if you are going to game, get at least a 16-32MB mobility Radeon or GeForce2(or4)Go.

 

[JackBurton]

Gateway has one feature that few competitors have - at least on mine - the floppy drive is modular and can be replaced with a 2nd HDD or battery. I use the second HDD module and thus can clone the primary drive to the secondary. Then remove it and have a fully ready to go spare HDD, OS and all, in the drawer.

Dells has had that for awhile.

I vote Dell all the way! The notebooks I was looking at were from IBM, Sony and Dell. The IBM were WAY too much! They are great laptops but they charge WAY too much for them. Not worth the price IMO. Sonys are expensive too but aren't as solid as the IBMs. So that left me with Dell. I checked out a Dell laptop and I can get a BAD ASS one for a little over $2000!!! And I'm talking BAD ASS...15" Ultra Sharp UXGA display, 2.4GHz P4m, ATi Mobility 9000 (64MB), 40 GB 5400 RPM hard drive (5400 RPM is fast in the laptop world), DVD\CDRW (24X) drive, 128MB PC2100 (I'll pick up a 512MB stick from Crucial...MUCH cheaper). I'm telling you man the Dell freakin' ROCKS!

And whatever you do, get a mobile cpu!

 

[littleprince]

IMO Compaq laptops are built like crap. Fittings are lose, and not solid. They may be a good deal initialy but fall apart. It doesnt help that Compaq /HP service is garbage. I had a compaq laptop and it is not thankfuly gone. I've replaced it with an Inspiron. The reason I went with dell, is their complete care coverage is amazing. If the laptop fails for ANY reason, and they mean any, including spilling coffee on it, dropping it etc, they fix it. I dont think you can beat a warranty like that. So far I've had much better results with Dells overall service also. Never bought a gateway, although when gateway had a store over here the salespersons were useless and cocky.

 

[TGCid]

Right now with Dell's deal ending TONITE, you can get the following laptop:

4140

Pentium 1.8 M
14.1 SXGA
256 DDR
30 gigs
8x DVD
radeon 7500 32mb
Integrated network
Windows XP Home

for about $1250 after $150 rebate.

 

[Gibson486]

I am on my gateway 600x right now. I love everything. The keyboard feels great and everything, but when you type really hard, the keybopard tends to droop down a bit. Most notebooks do this, but it is a little more noticeable on mine. I do not know if it is common with anyone else who has a 600x, but it is not that big of a deal, and it can be overlooked. I love my notebook. Well worth it.

 

[human2k]

get a dell

why? Because dell frequently offers free upgrades to 15' screens, mail-in rebates, optical drive upgrades, etc..............Just wait around again till they do and buy. TOday is dell's last day for there $200 mail in rebate and free 15" Ultrasharp upgrade.


BTW....FREE SHIPPING!!!

 

[BFG10K]

I think I'll give the thumbs up to Dell. As an OEM vendor they generally impress me more than the rest and also I have two colleagues at work who have Dell laptops and they work very well.

 

[PCMarine]

Dell makes some of the best laptops, I highly recommend them.

 

[elwood03]

Compaq or IBM - best I've used at work. Don't care for the Dells we had and don't have any experience with other brands.

 

[StattlichPassat]

Hi Michael! (waves) Go with a Dell- I've used several and they are all top notch quality. I only recommend Dell and IBM lappies.