The best laptops on the market
I’ve been a loyal customer of Dell for six years. Dell has always made quality computers but now they are getting so saturated by order requests that their tech support has gone downhill as well as their products. I’ve had a couple of problems with my Dimension 8100, particularly fan noise from the back of the computer and the case is so faulty that there are hooks that won’t catch correctly when you put the case back together.
I’ve been looking around at laptops just to see what’s available and I have to say that for the Windows platform, Gateway outshines Dell. The Gateway 450 Series is an excellent laptop that costs $1300. Gateway is also shipping a new Tablet PC but it’s only 1.0GHz. Why would I bother buying that when I already have a 1.7GHz Dell? I’ve looked at some of the Dell laptops and the designs are just ugly. Gateway’s products are much cleaner and simply nicer looking.
Then of course there is Apple. I definitely love the new PowerBook. The design is excellent and the metallic covering on the laptop is perfect for travelling or when you accidentially bang it around. The UCLA store has the new PowerBooks on display and I love them. If only I could afford the high price and the 21″ cinema display LCD monitor to go along with it.
Until then, I’ll continue saving up by using my Dimension 8100.
34 comments
(5 years, 5 months ago)
Buy the Powerbook!!!!!!!! :D
(5 years, 5 months ago)
Dude, don’t forget Ibm Thinkpads and Toshiba laptops. Two of the best.
(5 years, 5 months ago)
Yes I did forget to include the Thinkpads. Those are great laptops and I would consider buying one but they are pricer than the Gateways. My dad used to have a Toshiba and they are reliable but not my favorite.
(5 years, 4 months ago)
I have had my Gateway 450L (laptop) for about ten months. I regret buying it. Compared to all the other students around me, my laptop doesn’t nearly perform as well as it should. Programs constantly stop responding; I have problems with my music folder, internet browser, any media player, my AutoCAD, and last but not least, Microsoft Word! I seriously recommend one’s motives for buying this computer-it is for aesthetic appeal or performance? I admit, it is a very attractive-looking laptop, but it still does not perform like it should. As far as customer service: I brought my laptop in one day to inquire about my computer acting so slow. The rep said “I don’t know why it’s so slow. It IS kind of slow now that I think about it (after examining it). I suggest you ’slick’ it (reformat my hard drive, meaning REINSTALL WINDOWS) and see if that fixes your problem.” What a waste of time. Oh yea, the light on my computer screen is out at the moment. I’m currently hooked up to a separate monitor because I cannot use the one on mine-it’s all black! They said the backlight burned out (which they slipped by telling me that they’ve had problems with these models). So when, buying yourself a new laptop, THINK CAREFULLY. Read my words: THIS LAPTOP SUCKS (in the words of a typical college student)
(5 years, 1 month ago)
hey everyone. i’ve been looking around lately for a laptop that i can take to college with me in the fall, and my brother is constantly telling me to have one made because not only is it cheaper but also because i will be able to upgrade it in the future. I want a really nice laptop that is not only easy to carry around with me but one that is also fast and will last. However I do want one that can be upgraded also. I was hoping one of you could help me find an affordable laptop that fits my needs. Thank you!
(5 years, 1 month ago)
I am looking at Apple notebooks for school next year, and i was wondering if anyone who has the iBook likes it or would recommend it. I really hope someone responds soon, because I need to buy it in the next 1-2 weeks. Thanks a ton!
(5 years, 1 month ago)
Go ahead with the apple if you don’t mind the extra couple of hundreds for the same speed and performance on intel or amd laptops. Apple are the most quiet i can think of and performs well, and doesn’t freeze or crash that often. Whatever your choice is don’t go for Intel Desktop processor laptops. They are loud.
(5 years, 1 month ago)
Hey all, I am looking at buying a laptop for school next year and I was wondering if people have any consumer report etc. websites (other than this one, obviously) that rank them by price, quality etc. If anyone has any suggestions of some un-biased sites, I would love the help! Thanks! Ani
(5 years, 1 month ago)
Check out computers.com run by CNET. That’s my favorite review site.
(5 years ago)
Are Centrino processors worth the extra cost? And may I ask why you don’t like Toshiba laptops that much?
(5 years ago)
Hi all,
I just recieved a “new” refrubished DELL 8500 Inspirion last night. Much to my dismay, when I powered it up and began going through the set-up it died –after only 15 minutes of use –small beep and pfff -No power, Rebooted twice –same thing. Called tech support. They were friendly but ineffective –had me go through a usless troublecheck and then instructed me to ship the laptop back for service.
I’m not new to Dell and have in the past been satisfied with their products this experience where a machine shipped to a user dies after only 10-15 minutes of use clearly indicates that the level of quality control at DELL has sharply declined. The added fact that it was refurbished should mean that it was double checkedfor issues, finally inspected and working before sold. Not the case.
Unfortunatley, Mr. Dell & co. seem to be taking their large customer base and popularity for granted and sacrificing quality for quantitiy of sales. Too bad, there not the only computer company in town and I’ll be taking my business elsewhere in pursuit of the quality I used to depend on from Dell.
(5 years ago)
hey everyone, I am leaving for college in a few weeks and I am searching for a laptop. If you have experience in this subject and know the best lap tops please email me davedan390@hotmail.com should i get one custom made?
(5 years ago)
I’d advise against getting a Dell. Recently Wired ran a featurette on the new Compaq Presario X1000, which sports a widescreen and an 80GB hard drive. Look into customizing that one, a Gateway, or a Sony Vaio.
(4 years, 11 months ago)
hey guys, i just bought a compaq notebook, it seem to be ok. however the pointer sometime seem to have life of it own, and start running around by itself. i just used for like a half month now, so if anyone know how to solve the pointer problem, please tell me ok?
(4 years, 7 months ago)
Looking for laptop. What is the best laptop that is under $800. And where is the best place to buy? What about e-bay? Thanks
(4 years, 6 months ago)
I just bought a compaq presario 2500 and it works excellent and have also had zero problems with it….just my input
(4 years, 6 months ago)
Go-L.com great stuff
(4 years, 5 months ago)
I Need a PIII or PIV laptop that ranges between 500 to 800 USD Can any one help me to find it ???
(4 years, 5 months ago)
Alienware is simply the best. Although a bit pricy, it will all pay off in the end. Ever since I started college and purchased one I have had no problems whatsoever with mine. I suggest taking a look at their website I gave you.
(4 years, 4 months ago)
hey..i was just wondering if any of you know about apples…i’m off to college for interior design and it is recommended to have a lap top with AutoCAD and i heard that apples are the best with designing programs. Is there any apples that come with AutoCAD in it?? or are apples a waste of money for this particular situation?
(4 years, 4 months ago)
AutoCAD is available for both Windows and Mac and it’s not better on one platform than the other. If you’re going to buy a Mac only to use AutoCAD, I’d just get a Windows box. You’ll end up saving money.
(4 years, 4 months ago)
thanks for the advice….but wouldn’t it be better to have an apple in the long run….i heard apples are one of the best laptops…but if mac have nothing to benefit me with than i will buy a windows box/?? what do you think?
(4 years, 4 months ago)
Macs are solid laptops. If that’s what you want, then get it! I recommend them highly. If you want to go with a Windows machine, get a Gateway or an IBM.
(4 years, 4 months ago)
Hi Guys I have many friends with Laptops and I always tell them to buy Toshiba, they make the best Laptops, but you pay for it. They have come down price lately. I have had two without any flauts. My friends are now into Toshiba after paying for other brands that have Died on them. Toshiba doen’t give up!
(4 years, 4 months ago)
IF YOU WANT TO HAVE A GOOD RELIABLE LAPTOP… PAY THE EXTRA MONEY… LOOK AT ALIENWARE (alienware.com) VOODOO(voodoopc.com) SAGAR(search for it on google) CYBERPOWER(cyberpowersystems.com)
computers at this level will not have nearly the problems as they are put together by technicians, not assembly line ppl. dell has horrible customer support (go to yahoo shopping reviews lol) but also they do not use mainstream processors.. so this means that if you have a problem you HAVE to go back through dells horrible system of customer service. if you are not familiar with those brands i told you about… it’s not really a surprise. they are not mainstream, i don’t know why, mainly becuase they don’t advertise everywhere. but there are hundreds of little things about computers that you don’t know that you need that most of the big companies don’t care about…. good chassis, good components, want to know one of the BIGGEST things too look for in a laptop… do they have a 3 YEAR WARRANTY if they do… chances are they are not that bad and you should get it. as far as CENTRINO proccessors go.. the “big thing” about them is that they process information faster and run at a slower speed. ie… they make your programs run smoother, open quicker, use less battery ect. i would reccomend them. my credentials are that i have been looking for a good laptop for over a month now and i have been looking EVERYWHERE. all the researching that you all don’t want to do…(which i don’t blame you) i did. if you want a good place to find a LOT of information go to notebookforum.com… lots of good info… see ya.. have fun at school
(4 years, 4 months ago)
Whatever you do, don’t buy a Gateway. I made that mistake and now I’m stuck with a $1700 doorstop.
(4 years, 4 months ago)
Sorry for the double-post.
After my research, I’m left deciding between a new 12″ mac powerbook, or a Dell Inspiron 9100. They seem to be relatively evenly priced. Any advice on either?
Thanks for the help
(4 years, 4 months ago)
I am getting an i book - apple for College. want to know is this a good buy. Will the system be compatible with other software……ie……..will my thesis when saved on disc open on lectues PC - no matter what make it is. Heard that there was a problem with Mac? Is this true in 2004. Surely every computer is compatible!?!
(4 years, 4 months ago)
I’m looking for a laptop that is capable of performing multimedia tasks such as web page design, video, and music/dvd. My intuition tells me to buy a Mac. . .Anyone disagree? Are there other models/brands that perform multimedia as well as Macs?
(4 years, 3 months ago)
the best laptops are alienware
(4 years, 3 months ago)
what about HP laptops???
(4 years, 2 months ago)
HEY GUYS I’m starting college this summer and I’m looking for a laptop to use autocad and stuff like that. They recommended me a 128 video memory thing and the 500 RAM… Do you know if that is good enough?. That one was a DELL the other one I was looking was a Sony Vaio or an Hp which one is better? THANKS ( if you have other advice please let me know )
(4 years, 2 months ago)
go to http://www.xtremenotebooks.com. The laptops are “no-name” but they are better then dells, gateways, and any other brands. I just bought the edge 745 mobile laptop. The customer service is great and the laptop is fantastic. Plus its a lot cheaper.
(3 years, 1 month ago)
After some thought over the past year, I’d have to say the best choice you can make is to buy a Powerbook. OS X is light years ahead of Windows and the release candidate of Longhorn is less than impressive.