Anyone love their laptop and want to recommend it?

[Fran Kubelik]

I need a new one and would like to not spend a bazillion dollars for it. Need recommendations.

[spinbaby]

1. MacBook

Works right every time with no fussing. My son's Dell laptop was cheaper but has had to go back to the shop twice for weeks at a time. No amount of savings is worth that.

[Whoa_Nelly]

2. Ditto MacBook

And, if you still want a Windows platform, you can install Parallels

http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/

[Fran Kubelik]

3. Sigh.

I want a Mac Book, but $$$. :(

[Mr. Blonde]

8. Check of the Refurbs on Apple.com

They still come with the extended warranty. They will be at least a little bit cheaper.

In the windows world I hear Lenovo is the best.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?sf=wHF2F2PHCCCX72KDY&nclm=CertifiedMac

[spinbaby]

16. If cost is a concern

I have a friend who says he got a reburbished laptop at the Goodwill store in Pittsburgh for $99. It came with Ubuntu Linux and he says it works like a charm. I have no experience with Linux but trust this guy not to steer me wrong. See if your local Goodwill has some kind of an outlet for refurbishing computers.

[snacker]

35. Our daughter has one and LOVES it!!! n/t

[Shakespeare]

4. I have a Toshiba that's been the best computer--desktop OR laptop--I've ever had.

Never a moment's trouble, not one crash. And it runs...*gasp*...Vista, too!

Seriously, though, for a Windows machine, it's tough to beat Toshiba for dependability.

[Fran Kubelik]

6. Interesting. I had nothing but problems with my Toshiba Techra

Hard drive crashes, wireless cards that stopped working, sound cards that stopped working...

What kind of Toshiba do you have?

[Shakespeare]

7. Good 'ol Satellite. Not too pricy, either. n/t

[hobbit709]

9. Friend of mine bought a Toshiba last year-pain in the ass

Vista wouldn't recognize his $800 camera no matter what. He's a professional photographer so you guess how frustrated he was. Fucked up his music files, slower than molasses. This on a dual-core 2.4 GHz with 2Gb of RAM and 160Gb hard drive and dual-layer DVD burner. Afte 6 months of arguing with the computer he brought it to me. I wiped Vista, installed XP Pro X64, found all the drivers-Toshiba was absolutely no help there. It now boots up in half the time, sees his camera, doesn't screw up his music files-hasn't had a problem since.

[Shakespeare]

13. He's a pro, and only has an $800 rig? My Satellite has no problem with my $800 Canon DSLR.

I literally have had NO problems with it, or with running any peripherals on it (camera, iPod, printer, flash drives, etc.).

Mine's a dual core, too. Maybe he just got a bad one--I bought my Satellite based on solid reviews for the model.

[hobbit709]

14. It's a Satellite

$800 was just for the case-he's probably got another 3 grand in the lenses, lights, etc.

[quakerboy]

56. Thats weird

I worked in the IT dept at a school that "gave" all the incoming freshman a new laptop. I would never even think of reccomending a Toshiba after that. The year Toshiba was the low bid, the students got royally screwed.

Those Satellite's (2110, but I could be mis-remembering the model number) were crap. Something approaching 1/4 were in for warranty repairs within the first year, at least half were having issues by the second, and I don't know one of the 300 odd students who coaxed 4 years of operation out of those POS without major repairs. The screens were by far the worst laptop screens I have ever seen, both durability wise, for video playback, and for viewing at any angle not exactly straight on.

[hobbit709]

5. I have a Compaq-the price was right, under $500

Any of them will work reasonable well when you decrapify them of all the "trial offers" and other garbage. What are you going to use it for mostly?

[Chan790]

10. Acer Aspire...

I love mine, they're cheap and powerful. I bought one for portability only and it's displaced my desktop.

I was surprised...there was a similar thread last week and 3 other people said they had great Acer laptops. I'd never heard of the brand before buying...it was just that much cheaper than the rest of the laptops in stock. (This is usually a bad way to buy a computer...my brother is a computer scientist so I knew I could get it fixed or upgraded cheap though if I had problems.)

They need a RAM upgrade immediately though...Acer is skimpy on the RAM. If you have it done right there at the retailer when you buy the computer, it'll add about $100-$150 to the price to add more RAM.

[Heidi]

51. That's what I have and I lovelovelove it. (nt)

[SacredCow]

11. Acer...

I bought a cheapish one over 2 years ago now, and it's been great.

Just know that they skimp on the RAM- Plan on making a trip to Crucial.com right away to get to at least 2 gigs of ram to run Vista.

[Bunny]

31. I'll third the Acer. I've had two of them, and I really like them.

A little over a year ago, Baby Bunny ruined one by spilling water all over the keyboard. :mad: I replaced it with a cheap Toshiba that runs Vista - what a letdown!

[SacredCow]

34. I know some disagree...

but I've personally not seen Vista run well on anything, except on a seriously fast and powerful desktop. My Acer is likely to be replaced in the next year or so (it's running fine, but the case is cracked up from lugging it around) and I'll probably downgrade to XP.

I've had OK luck with Toshibas- Put XP on it, if you can. You might be surprised!

[Kutjara]

38. i Love the cheap little Acer Aspire 4315 I picked up at Staples for $400.

I use it as my experimentation machine for Linux distributions. It came with Vista Home Premium, but that ran stupidly slow for the fifteen minutes it was on there before I wiped the disk and installed Debian Linux. Since then, it's been fast, reliable, and fun to use. Acers seem to be pretty Linux friendly, so they're a great choice for people prepared to liberate themselves from the world of Microsoft.

[SacredCow]

40. Good to know....

When I retire my current Acer, perhaps I'll wipe everything clean and see how it does on Linux.

[Kutjara]

42. The one thing you need to check before you do install Linux...

...is what wifi chipset the laptop uses. It'll probably be either an Atheros, an Intel, a Broadcom, or a Ralink card (regardless of the manufacturer: they pretty much all use these chipsets). You can find out which one your machine uses in Windows' Device Manager. Then Google that chipset together with "Linux" to find out if it works natively with the distro you want to install, or whether you need to use something like ndiswrapper or madwifi to get it to work.

For example, my Aspire uses the Madwifi driver for the 5007eg chipset, while my HP laptop uses ndiswrapper to translate between Linux and the Windows driver used by the machine's Broadcom card.

Do this first, and you'll save yourself an enormous amount of frustration.

[lizziegrace]

12. I've had a Gateway laptop for about 6 months from Circuit City.

so far no problems. It has a DVD/CD burner and all the other usual stuff. Vista recognizes all my printers, cameras and other peripherals. It's got a large screen and rarely crashes. Built in wireless and the battery lasts about 3-4 hours, depending on your settings.

I paid under $700 for it and I've heard that August is the time to buy computer equipment because new models are coming out.

Lelapin has an iBook and it's in the shop for a problem charging the battery.

I bought a refurbished G3 Mac laptop several years ago and within weeks of the warranty expiring, it would no longer charge the battery (problem on the motherboard). After that, it just became a small desktop computer. :(

[CabalPowered]

15. ThinkPad X series

Durable, lightweight, and good battery performance. I've also used HP and Toshiba. Both were junk compared to a Thinkpad.

[CatholicEdHead]

33. The X Series is still pretty expensive

The OP has cost as a major concern. While the cheapeast X is $1020 base (without extras), the R Series starts at $636.

A quick search showed the R61i is gone and merged into the brand new SL series which starts at $700.

[lutefisk]

53. The Lenovo Outlet has great deals on X Series once in a while...n/t

[grace0418]

17. 15" MacBook Pro. LOVE IT. Couldn't be happier with it. It's small, it's portable, it's

fast and reliable. And when I need to do serious design, I just hook it up to a monitor and tablet and I'm all set.

[tigereye]

18. MacBook - they are great!

so intuitive, so user friendly and no crazy Microsoft error messages....

[bif]

19. I'm using a Mac at work

It's one of the silver ones--perhaps it's a powermac? I've had no problems. Highly recommend it. You'll shell out more up front, but when you consider Macs don't get viruses, you're way ahead in the long run.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

20. Mac iBook. Love it.

[kentauros]

21. I love my Dana!

:)

Dana Wordprocessor

Dana combines the convenience and affordability of a hand-held device with the comfort and easy access of a full-size keyboard. Write a story, organize the week, record an appointment, read an eBook, and much more―all when and where you choose. Dana offers up to 25 full hours of runtime on a single charge, giving you extended unplugged writing and productivity opportunities laptops can’t. Dana is fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats, and lets you seamlessly synchronize data with Windows or Macintosh PCs. Made of sturdy polycarbonate ABS, Dana provides lightweight portability (barely 2 lbs.), durability, and sleek ergonomic contours for handling.

Because I like to write and didn't want any distractions, this is perfect for me. "No distractions" meaning no email, Internet, DU, et cetera... ;)

[Xithras]

22. Let me UN-recommend any HP laptop.

I have a HP DV-9000 widescreen laptop that has been nothing but trouble. In the 18 months I've had it, I've had a USB port quit working, two power bricks die, and several of the special function buttons on my VISTA-based system don't work because...they're incompatible with Vista (HP offered to downgrade it to XP if I wanted to achieve full functionality).

It's pretty, it's fast, it has tons of storage, and the price point was very good, but it was NOT a good purchase overall.

As for recommendations, I can tell you that we never have problems with our Dell laptops here at work. In fact, we swear by them. I'm not a huge fan of the company anymore, and the quality of their desktops has taken a dive in recent years, but their laptops are still rock solid products.

[Rhythm]

24. That's so funny, because

our HP Pavilion laptop has been perfect, but the Dell that our friend Richard got at the same time we got our HP (this past January) is horrible. He had so many problems with it that he finally gave up, sold it for $200 to some high school kid, and bought an HP.

Sometimes I think that "brands" don't really mean as much as we think they do. It seems like a toss-up--either the people assembling and programming your computer did a good job, or they were slacking off.

YMMV, of course.

[jobycom]

28. I've bought Dells and HPs for business and pleasure, and both are so up-and-down.

I've bought more desktops than laptops, but even so, they either seem to work brilliantly or to give you endless trouble, with rarely any in the middle. Seems like quality control. I've quit buying both brands (and Compaqs) because it's too difficult to exchange them or have them repaired for work, but I've got a couple of HPs and one Dell at work that have been indestructible. Both desktops, though.

[B3Nut]

41. None of the "brands" actually make the laptops.

All of them deal with a pool of ODM (original design manufacturers.) Dell mainly uses Compal and Asus. Hp Compaq uses Compal and Quanta for the most part. Gateway was using Quanta last I saw as well.

Unless you get a lemon, they'll usually be more or less good as long as you de-crapify them when you unbox them for the first time. All branded support software, stock antivirus installs, ISP offers, etc...junk it ALL. ESPECIALLY Norton or McAfeces installs. Clear that crap off and install AVG Free antivirus. Uninstalling Norton from HP laptops restores Windows networking functions under Vista. I've never had networking work right on an HP laptop out of the box under vista (the Windows networking part, they get on the Net fine.) Uninstall Norton....boom. All good.

FWIW, I have an HP dv6225 with AMD chip and Vista, it's been a champ. The screen is a gem and it's comfy to type on, too...and the trackpad is the best I've ever used. I love it, and I usually hate trackpads.

TP

[Rhythm]

43. Mine is an HP dv6700

with an AMD chip and Vista. This computer came pre-installed with TrendMicro. I dumped that, along with pretty much everything else that came pre-installed, and replaced it with AVG, and Spybot S&D. This computer came with 2 gigs of RAM, but I also use a 2 gig USB thumbdrive with the Vista ReadyBoost feature whenever I'm running a ton of programs at once. I haven't had a single crash yet. :hi:

[Rhythm]

23. We have an HP Pavilion laptop

http://www.lytebyte.com/2007/10/20/my-new-hp-pavilion-entertainment-pc-dv6500/

That one. It's fantastic--no problems at all. I see lots of folks hating on Vista, but we've never had a single issue with it, and we're pretty intense computer users. :shrug:

[CrownPrinceBandar]

25. I'll prolly catch shit from the Dell haters here, but......

I just got an Inspiron 1520, and I love it! Posting w/ it right now.

2.0 Intel Core 2 Duo
3GB RAM
15.4" low-glare monitor
Wireless N card
Long-life battery (supposed to get a good 6hrs, YMMV)
DVD-RW

Pretty swank and not too expensive. I can't remember, but I think the base model starts at just over $700.

[Eurobabe]

60. My oldest daughter just bought one

with her tax refund, her old IBM we bought her totally gave up the ghost one day. So far, she loves it, I think she has 160G HD? Maybe more, bought it at Best Buy on dsale in early May for $699.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

61. Thats how I got mine............

Gots my tax check and BAM!!! A new compy!

[jobycom]

26. I love my Fujitsu Lifebook.

19" screen, number keypad, tv tuner, even decent speakers. Durable, no weird quirks, it doesn't shut down from overheating even when I set it on my matress by mistake. My desktop is now in my kids' room.

It wasn't cheap, though. I got it on deep discount (last year's display model), and it was still over a thou. But it takes the place of a desktop, laptop, car entertainment center for the kids on long trips, and second television for the bedroom when I want to watch a movie away from the kids.

Here's a great link for tech reviews and prices on any brands. http://www.cnet.com/?tag=hdrgif

[AirmensMom]

27. MacBook.

I've had mine for over 2 years and still love it.

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

29. MAC MAC MAC MAC

mac mac mac.....

[Midlodemocrat]

30. The problem with Macs is they don't work with WebEx or other Webinars

a lot of the time. So, keep that in mind.

[Kutjara]

37. You can get around this...

...by either using WINE to emulate the functionality of Windows, or (if WINE doesn't support your particular app) a virtual machine application like VMWare, which will run Windows from within MacOS. Otherwise, with the newer Intel Macs, you can simply dual boot OS X and XP/Vista using Apple's BootCamp.

[CatholicEdHead]

32. The R61 Lenovo series is really good

I picked my R61i for $800 last fall, it was discounted down $400. It is a very solid machine and the best Windows- laptop out there (yes I know you can put Linux on it if I want too).

For non-PC laptops, I highly recommend the MacBook, almost no issues whatsoever. My family members who use it never have any problems whatsoever.

[montanto]

36. Don't get anything with Vista in it and stay away from HP!!

[ScreamingMeemie]

39. I love, love, love all of my Sony Vaio products.

And their customer service has been awesome. And the warranty covered the keyboard when some keys snapped off and they cleaned the whole thing up for free.

Microcenter runs some really good deals on computers.

[Fran Kubelik]

44. Ooh. I have never had a Sony computer and had never heard any feedback

I appreciate it - I will consider them too. I have seen some good deals.

[LeftyMom]

45. Sony lappies are teh awesome.

I'm on my second, and had one of their desktops for work, which I also loved.

[crispini]

46. Just don't get Vista.

This will limit your choices right off, so be aware. :D

[Redstone]

47. Find a good used G4 Titanium Powerbook. I have one that's six years old, I still

use it every day, and have never had a problem with it except for replacing keyboards (I type hard).

The aluminum Powerbooks don't seem to have been as durable, and my year-old MacBook Pro doesn't seem to be very well-built.

Redstone

[sgsmith]

48. Thinkpad

Being a IBM employee, I've used a T-40 for the last 4 years. Good machine, survived drops and many plane trips. Recently upgraded to a T-61, which seems to be just as reliable. Both were XP based.

And read your email!

[lutefisk]

52. I love Thinkpads - have an X22 and X60

Unfortunately, in my experience Lenovo service isn't up to the old IBM standards. Nothing like getting nipples for your pointer shipped overnight from Hong Kong for free - that was service!

Occasionally, there are great deals to be had from the Lenovo outlet.

[Eurobabe]

59. I somewhat agree, I bought a Z60 almost 18 mos

ago, it was an overstock from a business, so I got alot of goodies on it for a fantastic price. The only complaint I have about the new Lenovo machines are that the speakers SUCK big time. The are positioned up near the screen and project the sound up, you can jack up the volume and still hear very little. Using headset w/earplugs is okay though. Go figure?

[Awsi Dooger]

49. iBook

Basically the older version of the MacBook. Mine is 3 years old, 1.2 Ghz version, and I'm sure the eBay prices are good among the used models.

I don't give this laptop a second thought and can't imagine replacing it within several years. The only problem was a keyboard prone to fading. I solved that with clear stickers on the frequently used keys.

[Book Lover]

50. Panasonic Toughbook

Spill your coffee. Drop it from the table. Sneeze on it. Drop it in a puddle. Let your kid play with it. Sit on it by accident. Kick it. Use it in the bathtub. It's all good.

[lutefisk]

54. Yeah, but can it stand up to this little girl? (youtube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ayz8zLbEsVk

[quakerboy]

55. If you can find one

a new condition old Compaq 2700.

Dual Optical Disk drives, the option of a dual battery, what have you. Big screen. Good sound. I finally parted with my 8 year old one when I fried the M/B. It still compared favorably with newer laptops when it died. It ran new games better than the brand new desktop I replaced it with.

See... Now you made me want to cry. I miss my computer.

[terrya]

57. I like my Gateway laptop

One big reason why is my dear, wonderful, special sister, who didn't like her laptop, gave it to me. Free. :-)

But it is a nice one.

[Eurobabe]

58. IBM (Lenovo) Z60, with titanium top

I bought mine on eBay, for less than $1000. It was brand new, but a return from a business (overbought perhaps?) It has a trackpoint which very few computer manufacturers make anymore, and I got WinXP business edition included.

[Samurai_Writer]

62. I love my CyberPower laptop, but it's probably pricier than you want to spend

You can configure the laptops any way you like. The lowest priced one I see on their website is $800. You might want to check them out, though. They are gaming laptops, but I bought mine because I needed the fast graphics and loads of memory and storage for photo and video editing.

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com

[pinniped]

63. I have a PB G4 from 2005 and it still runs great.

.