Dell Notebook

[Mark B]

Not a VX topic, but I am looking to purchase a notebook computer.
I have Dell desktop computers at work which seem very reliable and was wondering if anyone had a Dell notebook and liked it or any other recommendations?
Thinking that there will be some good deals around the holidays.
Also MS Windows Vista OS comes out after the first of the year.
Looking at the Dell Inspiron with 17 inch monitor for around $ 1,200.

[Tobert]

Looking at the Dell Inspiron with 17 inch monitor for around $ 1,200.

I have the core duo with that 17" screen w/ the NVIDIA chip and I love it. I paid the premium of early adopters and don't have a ton of regret even now.

$1200 isn't bad at all.

Don't worry about Vista until it has been out for a year. XP is a fine OS for just about anything Windows can do. Vista doesn't really offer anything useful over XP unless you want to play those vista-only games Microsoft is talking about. Then again, don't listen to me - I don't use Windows.

You can also get a Macbook for that price, which is also a nice box but with a smaller screen and about 1/2 the weight and a much nicer OS. You can also dual-boot to Windows if you please on the intel-based macs.

Here's a link to the OS I run on my laptop, desktop, and servers:
http://www.ubuntu.com/

[etlsport]

ive got an inspiron 8500 w/ 17" screen.. its 3 years old now and still runs great, i use it to run autocad 2005 at work because it runs faster than my work computer (i also upgraded it to 2gb of ram though) id highly recomment dells to anyone looking to get a notebook

[Anita]

I have a dissenting opinion (though I realize that others here have had good experiences with Dell). I have had nothing but trouble with numerous Dells purchased for work... as my work's IT I have to deal with break downs and have found that Dell puts cheaper components in to beat everyone else's price. If I had to choose today I would buy a Toshiba.

[Bimati]

New HP Pavilion DV8000 17"....Always an HP fan, but don't like this laptop.

My other laptop is a Dell, and I have mixed reviews on Dell...Great support, but you'll need it when the machine dies.

Burn "Recovery discs" first thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's much better and cleaner than the F11 or F10 or F8 recovery.

Bim

[JHarris1385]

Good topic for me to add my 2 cents..... I work in a claims department that deals warrany claims on numberous things such as computers. And our main focus is laptops. Here is my opinion through expierence...

Dell = Great support which is needed normally. Dell does put in cheaper but most of the time reliable components in their systems. Dells will give you a mediocore system for decent price paid

Top Laptop/Desktop brands are as follows


1. and by far TOSHIBA
2. Sony VIAO - but with SONY you run into only sony compatibility...i.e. memory stick
3. HP..Dell...Gateway



If any one else has any questions concerning
All major appliances and electronics feel free to pm me

I am an adjudicator/rixk-claims management specialist that deals with thrid party extended warranties......Servie Net is the name of the company.

[geshaw30]

Same story here Anita. I bought my step-daughter a top end Dell and I've never seen a bigger piece of junk. After 3rd breakdown I acutally pitched it in the trash. We then ordered a Toshiba and she could not be happier.
________
HERBAL VAPORIZER

[johnnyapollo]

The former CEO of our company has an x300 - very high-end dell. He's dropped it several times and every time Dell has replaced the entire computer for free - most recently (this past week) they sent him another new machine and the computer is almost 3 years old The complete care warranty is one of the best in the business and well worth the extra $300 bucks if you're rough with equipment. I don't think anyone else does that.

-- John

[k4tmc]

Another opinion... I have been very happy with the slightly-used IBM laptops I have purchased from eBay.

If you do not need the latest wiz-bang features that the marketing hype tries to convince you that are needed to survive, then a 1 to 3 year-old-technology unit will do all of the web surfing and word processing needed.

[MZ-N10]

another cheap laptop company is ACER. my mom recently got a 1.7p-m 15.5" ACER for 399 after rebates. im sure u can find a acer with a 17" for under 1000.

Jharris: im surprised u ranked sony that high. usually people put sonys pretty low on the list because of their price vs. quality.

[ojmagg]

We are on contract with Dell here at my work. They're OK, once in a while, they crap out. We switched to IBM for a while, but we started having a bunch of issues...we ended up going back to Dell. Go with Dell and Get the 3 yr warranty...all laptop parts come from China...just differ on where they are assembled. Never know when you're going to get a lemon.

[AndyC]

If you go Dell Check out the web site www.slickdeals.net
If you go there you'll find some great coupons and rebates on Dell items.
I ended up getting a Cannon SD600 a while back through Dell at a great price.
Well worth a look.

Andy