Which laptop would you buy?

[Chain777]

I'm new to the "laptop" world, but now I need one strickly for business. i.e. no games, etc.

Which brands do you recommend? Compac, Dell, Gateway, IBM, Sony, etc.

I need a PC based computer, with at least a P-III800 and 256MB ram running WinXPpro.
As far as video, 2-D is more important than 3-D, and I would prefer a combo DVD/CD-RW drive.
Sound is not important, battery life and screen size are.
Also, if there's any good packages that include, or can be upgraded to MS Professional Office (XP), that's a priority.


Last but not least, an integrated modem/NIC.

I hope this doesn't sound like a reply for you to go shopping for me, I've researched many different systems, but I want YOUR opinion based on experience with different brands.

I'm not too concerned with size, but your opinions on this would be appreciated.


I'd like to stay in the $1,500 - $2,000 range (US)


Thanks for any info...in advance. (You guys/ and gals...never let me down)

 

[JOSEPHLB]

based on my prior last year purchase of a Dell Inspiron 4000..


If I could/was buying now.. I'd go with a Dell Inspiron 4100 series..

They are right in your price range.. and even have the new mobile ATI Radeon M6 with 16MB DDR

 

[AMDPwred]

You can't go wrong with a Dell. You should be able to find everything you are looking for in a Dell.

 

[ksdavis]

Ack, I dunno about Dell laptops... I've owned two of them and never been happy with the quality, particularly of the cases.

I'd recommend you look at the IBM T-series ... I've owned a total of six laptops and my T20 is the best thing I've ever owned. It would run on the high side of your price range -- about $2,400 with Win2K, not XP, for the base level -- but mine is a sweet laptop. I also have the second (LiIon) battery, which gives me almost 4 hours battery life with both drives in.

Based on what I see at work for laptops, I would generally say that IBM, Sony and Apple make the highest quality laptops, with Dell a solid fourth. Toshiba, HP, and Fujitsu make up the middle of the pack. I would _NEVER_ buy a Compaq or Gateway laptop, ever ever ever.

Good luck!

 

[Migroo]

First choice - Sony

If you dont want a Sony for some reason then I dont think you can do highly wrong with a Dell

 

[DAICA]

I would definitely go with a dell inspiron 8100
check out this article at gotapex
very worth while the time to read

 

[CJZ]

I am also looking to buy a "work" laptop and in all my research, only one company is consistantly recommended: IBM.

I was really leaning towards DELL until I came across these two threads:

Thread 1
Thread 2

I've also seen similar numerous threads on usenet about the fragility of DELL notebooks--and a decline in customer support.

Sony is widely regarded as having good notebooks and very poor customer support.


The only problem with IBM is that it is quite expensive. I'm waiting for the new models to be introduced in Spring so that the prices on the current models come down to a level that I can afford.

 

[Chain777]

Thanks for the reply's everyone.

I kind of had my heart set on a Dell, since I already own a 4 year old desktop that's been excellent, even with the few problems I had, Dell took care of me.

So, after reading the reviews, I'm kind of torn between going with another Dell (even though some of you point out CS isn't what it used to be). I can't confirm this since my Dell system is out of warranty, and my new system is built from scatch. I feel comfortable enough with my home desktop being self-built...I can fix it on my own when I have the time.

But a laptop is another matter, espescially when it's mainly for business. I need something reiliable, and easy to service (even if that means spending a few extra $$$).

So, bottom line, I seem to be stuck between a Dell (with possible quaility control issues?), or an IBM. I don't have a problem going either route, I just want a reliable, servicable laptop.

Any links, suggestions or models appreciated.


(kdavis) I'm looking into the IBM T series.

 

[spie34]

a dell and only a dell.

 

[Beatnik]

Well, I think there is really only one choice right now...

Dell Inspiron 8100 and then make sure and click on
ATI Radeon Mobility 7500

I think that is the only place to order that.
If weight is no concern, the IBM A series is good performance.
If you don't really care, the HP Omnibook 6100 looks good.
The Dell Inspiron 4100 is a nice compromise.
The X-series of IBM's are light and good battery.
The T-series of IBM's are a nice combo of weight/performance.
The Compaq EVO's look nice too.
Those HP Omnibook 500's are really nice for space/lightness.

It really depends on which feature you want to prioritize.
For your specs, I'd probably go X-series IBM.
Battery life and screen size are contradictory so...

 

[Adul]

I am leary to get a dell laptop after our experiences at work. They are nice, but I think I can find something less troubling.

 

[DAICA]

Pretty much whatever brand you are considering to buy with have issues. Some people swear about a certain brand because they never have trouble with it and others despise them. You cant please everyone. O and one more thing, i would consider the corporate line of laptops for whichever brand you are choosing. They seem to last longer and have better service.

 

[Draco]

<< based on my prior last year purchase of a Dell Inspiron 4000..


If I could/was buying now.. I'd go with a Dell Inspiron 4100 series..

They are right in your price range.. and even have the new mobile ATI Radeon M6 with 16MB DDR >>




I'll second that. Bought a Dell Inspiron 4000 last year. The thing has *never* crashed. Good size, looks, features, performance. Of course you get that "stellar" Dell customer service too

I would also go with the Inspiron 4100 if I were to buy another one.

 

[apoppin]

I got a Dell . . .

Inspiron 4100, at the end of last year. I am in Hawaii right now using it exclusively (and I DO miss my 19" monitor). It is a nice blend of "portable desktop" and perfect for my uses including gaming . . . if you prefer 2D, you can't go wrong with a high resolution TFT and Radeon or GeForce.

Remember your warranty . . . I got the Standard Dell One Year - but buying it with VISA Gold - automatically DOUBLED it to 2 years . . . an extra 2 years would have been $120 through Dell.

 

[Croton]

Dude, you should get a Dell!

 

[RolyL]

Whatever the Dells' merits may or may not be, they sure look butt ugly. My Toshiba Tecra 9000 looks beautiful, and whilst it won't best a GF2 Go or a Radeon in gaming benchmarks, you said you weren't bothered anyway. 1.2 GHz PIII-M 512, i830MP, onboard WiFi / 100TX / 56K / Bluetooth / SD card, DVD+CDRW - reasonable specification, right? Built like a tank and second only to the Mac TiBook in appearance.

I agree with one of the above comments: go for the corporate line whatever you buy.

 

[salsal]

IBM Thinkpad period. We only buy IBM Thinkpad after experience with Compaq and Dell.

 

[SCSIfreek]

Sony or IBM

then Dell or toshiba

--Scsi

 

[Arundel]

My fujitsu lifebook is slick and full of sweetness - take a look at what fujitsu has to offer

 

[Atrail]

I bought a Dell 8100. It is the most bang for the buck IMO. The case does not seem too fragile to me. I really think that its features and price put it in the top of its class. Toshiba is close, but I am a little leary of them. Everybody says IBM is good and I beileve them, but the options you get do not justify the price or it didn't for me!

 

[DanStp]

IBM Thinkpad is the way to go, esp for long term stability and reliability.