Anybody own a laptop

[Siggie]

Besides, how do you know what Toshiba's customer service is like compared to Dell's?

You'd have to send your computer in for repairs with Toshiba.
Dell will either overnight you the part (ie a harddrive in my b/fs case) or come out and fix it within a day or two.

[Darorinag]

I bought the Toshiba thinking it was cheaper and at the register I thought xxxx... warranty. When I added a warranty, the Dell was about the same price.

I don't know where you bought your computer from, but when I bought my Toshiba, comparing its price (including extended warranty) with Dell's (including ext. warranty), the difference was more than $800 Canadian. I only got limited warranty with my Toshiba, but if I had gotten the 3 year warranty, it would've cost me $3200 (tax included), whereas the Dell cost me $4300 (no additional software included, tax included)..... and Dell was heavier and made more sounds..

[jilbagh]

i don't think the dell would be over 4g's...I have 2 Dell desktops and the service, configuration, prompt supprt (which I only needed once a year ago for a new mouse) like its been said many times, Dell is good. I was about to buy a Dell Inspiron 9100 (3.2 ghz HT, 100gb hd, 1gb ram, wireless, 128mb video) it was about 3 grand with 3 year warranty...it's on ebay for about 2 grand brand new with the same warranty plus office pro.

but again, nothing beats the apple powerbook...

stay away from compaq/hp. cheaply made, and numerous callbacks...

I've heard happy people with their Toshibas...

I'd go: 1) Apple Powerbook 2) Dell 3) Toshiba...I also would stay away from buying it from a big retailer, the computers are loaded with crap that interfere with other programs, another good thing about Apple and Dell...no junk

[Darorinag]

You'd have to send your computer in for repairs with Toshiba.
Dell will either overnight you the part (ie a harddrive in my b/fs case) or come out and fix it within a day or two.

Actually, wrong. You will get home repair service the next day if you have standard warranty. If it's something that can be repaired, it will be done. If not, it will be replaced.

They also have many types of warranty, including data recovery warranty, accidental damage coverage, etc.

[Darorinag]

jillbagh, I'm talking about 4g Canadian, when the U.S dollar was at 1.5 Canadian..

[patlajan]

Anoybody have any thoughts on packard bell?
If I get a warranty it will only be for one year. My thinking is if the harsdware is defective it will show up early. Anybody disagree?

Also I should mention I plan on hooking the laptop to a cellphone for occasional internet use.

[Sip]

I'd go with Dell. Toshiba and IBM are also good. Stay faaaar away from the sonys. They are junk for the most part.

[Sip]

All laptops/computers crash whether you like it or not..

The only time I have to reboot my Dell Latitude laptop is when I install a new patch or something from windows update. It has never crashed and works like a champ. I use it on a daily basis. It's big, heavy, bulky, but the batteries last a long time (more than 6 hours) and it's got a 14" screen. Best of all, intel gave it to me for free as part of a fellowship

[Darorinag]

IBM is good too!

Here's my top 3:

1) Toshiba
2) IBM
3) Dell (if I really can't buy Toshiba or IBM for some reason)..

[jilbagh]

packard bell got bought out a long time ago by compaq...IBM is mainly for business, I know of a couple people who are not happy with the IBMs...

Go with Dell, if you want a good deal go thru ebay and make sure the seller has a high rating and only do the transaction thru paypal...let me know if you want links of some good auctions on some kick aas units...

Again, nothing beats the Powerbook

But dont be in a rush, the new generations of laptops are just coming out i think...