Recommend a Laptop

**Elaine** · 2003-10-01 22:13

Hi,
Can anyone help me to choose a reliable laptop please. There are so many nowadays that I would appreciate some help to narrow the field down. I`m looking for user opinions or firsthand knowledge of which manufacturers or models are good, and which to avoid.
I`m looking for something along these lines..

P4
1-2MHz Processor
40 GB Hard Drive
512 RAM
GeForce Graphics (or similar) 32/64 MB
CDRW +DVDRW/DVD
Floppy (if possible)
TFT Screen 15" approx
All suggestions even if different from above would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Elaine

***JoeP517*** · 2003-10-02 00:06

Elaine, After reading several reviews I'd get one with the Intel Centrino processor. As far as brand goes, we've had good luck @work with Dell. I got my younger son a Dell a couple years ago and he's had no complaints.

Joe

**JohnGray** · 2003-10-02 06:06

I'm not sure that the words "reliable" and "laptop" can coexist! (A parallel is "Microsoft" and "security"...)

I have a deep hatred <img src=/S/mad.gif border=0 alt=mad width=15 height=15> of laptops, because even though they are no more than 20% of our installed base of PCs, they come up with about 50% of the problems experienced. <img src=/S/meltdown.gif border=0 alt=meltdown width=15 height=15> <img src=/S/nurse.gif border=0 alt=nurse width=19 height=20> Admittedly they get treated physically worse than workstations which sit on a desk all day, but the problem seems to be that in the process of miniaturisation, some of the expected reliability gets lost. <img src=/S/hosed.gif border=0 alt=hosed width=73 height=24> They are also more expensive and less powerful than the current range of workstations. <img src=/S/frown.gif border=0 alt=frown width=15 height=15>

That said, our Dell laptops are probably better than most... <img src=/S/thumbup.gif border=0 alt=thumbup width=15 height=15>

**bigaldoc** · 2003-10-02 11:53

It's a question that's loaded with personal experience, just as most stuff about computers (and cars, TVs, cameras, etc.). In the two places where I've worked (for many years) we were loaded with IBMs or Gateways and had no more or less "problems" than I read about with other brands. I've personally owned two Gateway laptops and thought highly of both. I think it's gonna boil down to a price-feature decision and I would just stick to one of the so-called "major" brand names. Avoid bargains at any cost - you only get what you PAY for. I think terms of SERVICE are much more important in the laptop arena than in desktops, where so many of "us" can do our own thing!

**Bowlie** · 2003-10-02 11:57

Elaine,
Don't overlook these just because of the manufacturer. These machines constantly get very high ratings, particularly for their quality, and before you ask - they run MS office product just fine ...

**Elaine** · 2003-10-02 14:56

Thanks Joe and John. You both recommend Dell, and I was leaning towards Dell/Toshiba. That was until Bowlie posted! <img src=/S/groan.gif border=0 alt=groan width=16 height=15> Now I am thinking Dell/Apple!!
John Your views on laptops are noted, but I have had fun with mine, and since I don`t do any rocket science with it it suits me fine. <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15>
Thanks again
Elaine

**Elaine** · 2003-10-02 14:59

Yes that is very true. Good advice and I agree you only get what you pay for with anything. Looks like I will get one of the major brand names, but Bowlie has further muddied the water!
Thanks Al
Elaine

**Elaine** · 2003-10-02 15:08

Well... I had just decided to go with Dell when you came along. <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15> I WANT ONE! I have only had time for a quick look, but that was enough. The specs look good too. Will check it all out better later tonight. When you say they run MS office product just fine does that include XP or not. I want to stay with XP so this would play a major part in my decision. I have not had time to find out yet. Thanks for this (I think). Just when I thought I was sorted!!!
Elaine

**Bowlie** · 2003-10-03 05:46

Well I won't apologise! I've been biligual for years, Mac at home - PC in the office. If you go for a Mac the OS will be UNIX BSD based. Currently OS X.2.6 but soon to be X.3 Panther . One of the most secure, open sourced OS about. MS has a version of Office written specifically for the Mac OS and it has all of the components except Access. The other choice is to get Virtual PC - a MS product (purchased not developed) that will let you emulate any MS OS including XP - best of both worlds, and a good idea if you already own MS office for XP. Try it, you will like it!

**Bowlie** · 2003-10-03 11:23

Since you are in the excited kingdom check out the details at the UK Apple store. VAT included, sorry!

Since you would be changing OS, check out this Apple site as well

**jhelfer** · 2003-10-03 13:03

Elaine,

We just bought some Compaq Evos that seem to work pretty well. I'm not sure if your people work your laptops hard, or ours are underused, but I haven't experienced many issues with laptops at all.

If you are having so much trouble, Maybe you should try and get the most liberal replacement warranty (they have some coverage that cover most any kind of abuse), and keep a backup installation image to clear and re-burn the laptop at the first sign of trouble.

Just a thought.

Jim Helfer
WTW Architects
Pittsburgh PA

**DaveA** · 2003-10-04 14:34

We like the Sony "VAIO" line. We have two of them and they run great. These came with Me but have been upgraded to XP. These are the bigger "BLACK" ones not the Silver ones.
Here is a link to the current versions of what we use, http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP....s1&Dept=cpu

We have gotten good buys on these at CompuUSA and Best Buy. I now see them at Fry's Electronics.

**JohnGray** · 2003-10-04 17:01

Dave

There aren't many Fry's in Edinburgh...!

If Elaine is getting a NON-Dell, I would suggest Dabs Direct, which appears to have a fairly decent reputation. If she's seriously going to buy an Apple Mac, she's on her own (almost...)!

By the way, you could probably do rocket science with a calculator, since it's not particularly difficult. Just don't try doing anything on turbulent flow or most of the interesting things in hydrodynamics!!

**Elaine** · 2003-10-05 14:10

Thanks Jim. This is a quick message to all who have helped me. My son has totally crashed his computer which is the host on our network. I will therefore be offline for a while. I am just using a friend`s for a few minutes.. I have looked more into this, and I won`t be getting an Apple, much as I like the look of them. I`ll have to wait till I`m back online to continue checking them out. Sorry for so short... no time
Elaine

**JohnGray** · 2003-10-05 14:48

Elaine

This month's PC Pro (3.5 of your Scotttish pounds!) has a review of a number of laptops - no Dell, but the "HP Compaq nx9005" at

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