Who makes the best laptops?

djnick702 · 03-12-2003, 02:57 AM

Besides Dell, has anyone got any idea on who makes the best laptops with the most bells and whistles for under$1500. My desktop just died and i'm gonna go laptop. Nowadays laptops have the same specs as some desktops, so might as well take the plunge and go for mobility as well.

spigidygak · 03-12-2003, 03:07 AM

Ap. . . *ahem* you know what I was going to say. But by "best" do you mean most sturdy? Best screen? What do you mean? I'd say IBM makes the best laptop currently. Solid build and rock solid performance for a windows machine. But overall, hate to say it, Apple's laptops are great performers over the others any day. Oh and a VERY good plus side. I've had an ibook just about a year now and used it so much the battery was starting to lose its charge (side note had a dell inspiron 7500, killed the battery in about 7 months, had to buy a new one for around $100) took it in to the applestore, got a brand new battery no questions since it was still under warranty. Now my ibook is running a solid 4-5 hours again like the day I got it. That alone has had me convinced to go with an apple laptop for a long time. If there is a windows laptop maker that does a similar thing please let me know.

Jeffbx · 03-12-2003, 05:18 AM

Yup, IBM is the best IMHO. However, that's pretty cool that Apple covers the battery under the standard warranty. Unless there is something wrong with it in the first 30 days, I don't think any PC mfr will cover the battery. Maybe that's why Macs cost so much?

ray · 03-12-2003, 09:42 AM

IBM and Macintosh hands down.

Jihforce · 03-12-2003, 10:15 AM

IBM are very expensive tho, and I hate that rubber pointer.

GraingerGuy · 03-12-2003, 12:34 PM

I like Toshiba laptops.

LPMiller · 03-12-2003, 03:43 PM

those interested in laptops, especially ones good for gaming, should check out www.powernotebooks.com. They sell the same laptop as the Alienware M-51, only for much cheaper. They also have the highest reseller rating period.

I will be getting in their newest Sager model to review sometime next month.

hapoo · 03-12-2003, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeffbx
Yup, IBM is the best IMHO. However, that's pretty cool that Apple covers the battery under the standard warranty. Unless there is something wrong with it in the first 30 days, I don't think any PC mfr will cover the battery. Maybe that's why Macs cost so much?

My HP's battery completely died on me (wouldn't even hold 5 min of juice) about 7 months after i got the laptop and hp shipped me a higher capacity battery overnight, no questions.

VNMZ · 03-13-2003, 08:24 PM

I like the VPR matrix (widescreen and sonopur), but that Sager looks so good though. Drools uncontrolably, 16.2" screen, Come to daddy.

djnick702 · 03-13-2003, 08:26 PM

Looking for a laptop with atleast a 15inch screen, built-in dvd/cdr, one that cooks, cleans....

IBM sounds good but are u guys pushing IBM cuz u work for them or bcuz u actually own those machines? I'll go check it out. Thx.

bachviet · 03-13-2003, 08:55 PM

The new Dell 600M looks pretty good.

attgig · 03-13-2003, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by djnick702
Besides Dell

I hope you meant that as saying...Dell shouldn't be considered as one of the best laptops....

sturdy, take a beating and keeps on ticking award goes to ibm in my book.

design goes to apple

performance...eh, you know what..you can get fast laptops from any company.

bells and whistles? go with apple.

NuTs62 · 03-13-2003, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by djnick702

IBM sounds good but are u guys pushing IBM cuz u work for them or bcuz u actually own those machines? I'll go check it out. Thx.

i hold no affiliations w/ IBM besides owning a few of their "wonderful" drives... and i'm sure the same goes for almost everyone on here.. but their laptops are built very nice.. and you get what you pay for.

Windsor · 03-13-2003, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NuTs62

i hold no affiliations w/ IBM besides owning a few of their "wonderful" drives... and i'm sure the same goes for almost everyone on here.. but their laptops are built very nice.. and you get what you pay for.

Yeah, I don't think anyone here works for IBM, any most everyone has had some issues with their DeathStar line of hard drives.

IBM does make some pretty spiffy laptops, might want to wait a little and check out the new Pentium Centrino line of mobile processors, I'm not sure how much they'll go for but so far performance looks good.

Jeffbx · 03-14-2003, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by djnick702
IBM sounds good but are u guys pushing IBM cuz u work for them or bcuz u actually own those machines? I'll go check it out. Thx.

I've been in the IT field for about 12 years now and IBM is the only company that has consistantly produced a high quality, durable machine that will last 3+ years of use and abuse by a business traveler. The only downside is the price... you pay for that quality.

I don't think I'd ever buy a desktop machine from them, but given the choice, I'd take a Thinkpad laptop over any other in a second.

bachviet · 03-14-2003, 07:34 AM

I don't know but my co-worker's IBM Thinkpad has two keys falling off within 3 years!

djnick702 · 03-14-2003, 08:27 PM

I'm quite surprised no one mentioned HP. There r alot of HPs out there. The reason why I said Dell is bcuz evry review I've read put Dell at the top. But i don't want a dell- too much hype.

NuTs62 · 03-14-2003, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by djnick702
I'm quite surprised no one mentioned HP. There r alot of HPs out there. The reason why I said Dell is bcuz evry review I've read put Dell at the top. But i don't want a dell- too much hype.

the only reason why i'd really buy a Dell is if there was like a Staples deal for like $600 for some cheapy.. but i wouldn't be looking for quality...

bachviet · 03-15-2003, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NuTs62

the only reason why i'd really buy a Dell is if there was like a Staples deal for like $600 for some cheapy.. but i wouldn't be looking for quality...

There was one deal on the 2650C for $600 shipped couples of weeks ago! I got my 2650 (P4-M 1.8Ghz with 40GB HD, DVD-ROM, and 256MB RAM) for $950 taxed and shipped.

Joshua · 03-15-2003, 03:38 PM

I would have to tow the party line and say the IBM makes the overall top laptops right now, but they are pretty pricy.

I don't agree with the comments that Dell's laptops aren't quality. I'm using a 4150 that I scored courtesy of a G|A deal recently and I think it's great. Quality wise, it doesn't feel as solid as a Thinkpad, but the keyboard is awesome, it comes with BOTH the eraser head and glidepad pointers, and every other major feature of the thinkpad. In my case, I got it down to $690 with a P4 1.8, 256mb, NIC, Modem, 30gb HD, 2 PC card slots, 24x cd, sound, etc...

The bottom line, for the price of a comparable IBM, I could have bought at least 3 of these.

Just my $.02

Johnnymac · 03-15-2003, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bachviet
I don't know but my co-worker's IBM Thinkpad has two keys falling off within 3 years!

Sounds familiar I've had 3 IBM's over the past 4 years and they were all junk after about 8 months. The 570 and A20 both had serious screen issues and everyone in my company seemed to have the same problems no matter what the model. They are great at first but they don't hold up very well. I have a dell now for business and then just picked up a 8200 a few weeks ago. I like the Dells, but I would have to say that you have to be very carefull with them.

All that being said, ibooks and powerbooks are the best in my opinion but I have to live on a budget

bachviet · 03-16-2003, 01:30 AM

There's a Toshiba laptop (107S with P4-M 1.8Ghz, 20GB HD, DVD-ROM, and 256MB RAM) @ CompUSA for $799.99 after MIR!

djnick702 · 03-22-2003, 03:36 AM

Tried out one of those Tablet PCs the other day. Man, they are awesome. I can actually recognize my writing on the screen with the handwriting recognition. Once you try it, you'll never want to write on paper again. The best I've ever seen. Pricy suckers though. But I still wish I had one. Laptops r too heavy to lug around. Almost reminds me of those pull-out stereos from way back in circa 1980-90ish.

~~Cantacuzene~~ · 03-22-2003, 10:44 AM

IBM laptops are the BMW, Dell are the honda, Toshiba are Daewoo and Apple are mercedez.

smurphy · 03-22-2003, 09:35 PM

I would recommend an Acer notebook. I have been using them for 3 years now with great success. They don't cost as much and you usually get more for your money. The warranty is great to as you can get it fix anywhere if you travel. I have about 5 being used right now and I saved my company about 300 per laptop vs IBM. With the extra money I purchased an extra year warranty as well.

Cheers,
Scott Murphy

kimchicowboy · 03-23-2003, 12:00 AM

i'd let you know how my dell is doing, but it's been having a vacation in france for almost a year. dah. it was great while i had it though. the only real problem i had (as probably many others) is the slow HDD. it sucks.

Speedfreak · 03-23-2003, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by smurphy
I would recommend an Acer notebook. I have been using them for 3 years now with great success. They don't cost as much and you usually get more for your money. The warranty is great to as you can get it fix anywhere if you travel. I have about 5 being used right now and I saved my company about 300 per laptop vs IBM. With the extra money I purchased an extra year warranty as well.

Well, that is good to know about their laptops, but I am leary about Acer. About 4 or 5 years ago my friend and I bought a 17" Acerview 79g. We had a lot of problems. I went through 3 and my friend went through 2 of them. They are awesome 17 inchers (dual inputs[VGA & BNC], flat screen, 1024x768 @ 100Hz, 0.25dpi) when they aren't making loud shreaking noises.

We now have them in the office of our company (that us and another friend own). We have them as a dual monitor setup with a Radeon. They work fine if they are not used for long periods of time.

03-12-2003, 02:57 AM	#1
djnick702 Ensign Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vegas Posts: 31	Who makes the best laptops? Besides Dell, has anyone got any idea on who makes the best laptops with the most bells and whistles for under$1500. My desktop just died and i'm gonna go laptop. Nowadays laptops have the same specs as some desktops, so might as well take the plunge and go for mobility as well.

03-12-2003, 10:15 AM	#5
Jihforce Vice Admiral Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 4,352	IBM are very expensive tho, and I hate that rubber pointer. __________________ Auto Leasing Info @ RIDEwithG.com \| My Food & Travel Blog

03-12-2003, 12:34 PM	#6
GraingerGuy Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Working....and working...and working some more Posts: 3,573	I like Toshiba laptops. __________________ potato gun + marshmallow gun = FLAMING MARSHMALLOWS OF DOOM!!!!! -Welfareloser 4/13/05 Time to switch to AMD now I guess... (just kidding... ) -Darkfury 5/23/05 I don't think this'll stop anything though - the better you idiot-proof a system, the more impressive the idiot becomes. -ShawnLee 5/30/08

03-12-2003, 03:43 PM	#7
LPMiller Chief News Editor & Master of His Domain Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8,161	those interested in laptops, especially ones good for gaming, should check out www.powernotebooks.com. They sell the same laptop as the Alienware M-51, only for much cheaper. They also have the highest reseller rating period. I will be getting in their newest Sager model to review sometime next month. __________________ lpmiller Chief News Editor Nobel Prize Nominee Reverend in the Universal Life Church Once Shot A Man For Snoring Too Loud Way Too Lazy To Change His Signature "The strength to change what I can, the inability to accept what I can't, and the incapacity to tell the difference." - Calvin and Hobbes

03-13-2003, 08:26 PM	#10
djnick702 Ensign Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vegas Posts: 31	IBM? Looking for a laptop with atleast a 15inch screen, built-in dvd/cdr, one that cooks, cleans.... IBM sounds good but are u guys pushing IBM cuz u work for them or bcuz u actually own those machines? I'll go check it out. Thx.

03-12-2003, 03:07 AM	#2
spigidygak Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: Redlands & San Diego, CA. Posts: 5,882	Ap. . . ahem you know what I was going to say. But by "best" do you mean most sturdy? Best screen? What do you mean? I'd say IBM makes the best laptop currently. Solid build and rock solid performance for a windows machine. But overall, hate to say it, Apple's laptops are great performers over the others any day. Oh and a VERY good plus side. I've had an ibook just about a year now and used it so much the battery was starting to lose its charge (side note had a dell inspiron 7500, killed the battery in about 7 months, had to buy a new one for around $100) took it in to the applestore, got a brand new battery no questions since it was still under warranty. Now my ibook is running a solid 4-5 hours again like the day I got it. That alone has had me convinced to go with an apple laptop for a long time. If there is a windows laptop maker that does a similar thing please let me know.

03-12-2003, 05:18 AM	#3
Jeffbx Fleet Admiral Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Michigan Posts: 9,390	Yup, IBM is the best IMHO. However, that's pretty cool that Apple covers the battery under the standard warranty. Unless there is something wrong with it in the first 30 days, I don't think any PC mfr will cover the battery. Maybe that's why Macs cost so much?

03-12-2003, 09:42 AM	#4
ray captain awesome Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 7,054	IBM and Macintosh hands down.

03-13-2003, 08:24 PM	#9
VNMZ Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 93	I like the VPR matrix (widescreen and sonopur), but that Sager looks so good though. Drools uncontrolably, 16.2" screen, Come to daddy.

03-13-2003, 08:55 PM	#11
bachviet What's Da Pho*? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SoCal (714) Posts: 13,296	The new Dell 600M looks pretty good.

03-14-2003, 07:34 AM	#16
bachviet What's Da Pho*? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SoCal (714) Posts: 13,296	I don't know but my co-worker's IBM Thinkpad has two keys falling off within 3 years!

03-14-2003, 08:27 PM	#17
djnick702 Ensign Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vegas Posts: 31	I'm quite surprised no one mentioned HP. There r alot of HPs out there. The reason why I said Dell is bcuz evry review I've read put Dell at the top. But i don't want a dell- too much hype.

03-15-2003, 03:38 PM	#20
Joshua Rear Admiral Upper Half Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,390	I would have to tow the party line and say the IBM makes the overall top laptops right now, but they are pretty pricy. I don't agree with the comments that Dell's laptops aren't quality. I'm using a 4150 that I scored courtesy of a G\|A deal recently and I think it's great. Quality wise, it doesn't feel as solid as a Thinkpad, but the keyboard is awesome, it comes with BOTH the eraser head and glidepad pointers, and every other major feature of the thinkpad. In my case, I got it down to $690 with a P4 1.8, 256mb, NIC, Modem, 30gb HD, 2 PC card slots, 24x cd, sound, etc... The bottom line, for the price of a comparable IBM, I could have bought at least 3 of these. Just my $.02 __________________ The Apexer formerly known as SnotRocket. "Like I **ing said, "Ok, so I hear it may be a repost. Blah But I had never seen it, so..." ** you Canta." -Jenny 12/4/2003

03-16-2003, 01:30 AM	#22
bachviet What's Da Pho*? Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SoCal (714) Posts: 13,296	There's a Toshiba laptop (107S with P4-M 1.8Ghz, 20GB HD, DVD-ROM, and 256MB RAM) @ CompUSA for $799.99 after MIR!

03-22-2003, 03:36 AM	#23
djnick702 Ensign Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vegas Posts: 31	Tried out one of those Tablet PCs the other day. Man, they are awesome. I can actually recognize my writing on the screen with the handwriting recognition. Once you try it, you'll never want to write on paper again. The best I've ever seen. Pricy suckers though. But I still wish I had one. Laptops r too heavy to lug around. Almost reminds me of those pull-out stereos from way back in circa 1980-90ish.

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03-22-2003, 10:44 AM	#24
~~Cantacuzene~~ Banned Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Posts: 8,700	IBM laptops are the BMW, Dell are the honda, Toshiba are Daewoo and Apple are mercedez.

03-22-2003, 09:35 PM	#25
smurphy Lieutenant Junior Grade Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Igloo in Canada Posts: 144	I would recommend an Acer notebook. I have been using them for 3 years now with great success. They don't cost as much and you usually get more for your money. The warranty is great to as you can get it fix anywhere if you travel. I have about 5 being used right now and I saved my company about 300 per laptop vs IBM. With the extra money I purchased an extra year warranty as well. Cheers, Scott Murphy

03-23-2003, 12:00 AM	#26
kimchicowboy Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: in the middle of the pacific ocean Posts: 5,344	i'd let you know how my dell is doing, but it's been having a vacation in france for almost a year. dah. it was great while i had it though. the only real problem i had (as probably many others) is the slow HDD. it sucks.

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