OT - computers again

[clones_jer]

Ok, I didn't pay attention to the last time this was discussed and now I need some recomendations.

What's the best bang for the buck on laptops out there?

Uses: internet, email, excel & word - would probably take care of 99% of its use.

No need for quality sound cards or ultra fast gaming display.

I went looking at Best Buy last night and realized the world has flown by and I hardly speak the language anymore (sad for an engineer huh?) Cameras are damn cheap though - walked out with one.

What are minimums for speed and memory? Are the certain brands to stay clear of? Where are the price breaks for quality? Also software and virus protection ... where to get Office for the least cost and is Norten still the way to go? Is Best buy really the best buy?

[ISUFan22]

I've heard more horror stories than I have good ones about buying a PC/laptop from Best Buy. I go there to look at stuff and then find it online for cheaper. Saved $100 just by buying speakers online. Funny thing is, bought 'em from Best Buy online and picked 'em up at the store they were listed for $100 more.

I've read great reviews on the DELL laptops though. Seems Gateway is starting to improve their service/quality from what I've heard.

We have a Sony laptop, it's a beast in performance and size. Next time I'll probably go with a DELL because theirs are more sleek and just as good - if not better performance.

[HILLCYD]

Can't go wrong with a DELL. Order direct, Best Buy blows for many reasons I won't go into, and I won't give them my money.

I have a DELL for personal use and several from work. They are solid and well priced.

</Dell commercial>

[ISUFan22]

Aim for 1 gig of ram - that is starting to become the standard now. I really can't comment too much on processor speed. I have a 1.86GHz with 2 gig of ram here at work and it flies. Can't recall the exact specs of the laptop right now.

[bellzisu]

I bought a Dell laptop this spring. Works perfect. Our company then ended up giving us all IBM laptops and they are junk. I hate it. Probably why it sits in the work truck while this one gets used.

Order online is easy and you can modify anything you want. Plus speedy delivery and great customer service.

[Cybone]

I would avoid HP and Sony laptops. HP Laptops aren't durable. My experience with Sony's Warranty program leaves a lot to be desired.

I use Dell computers for my office and they are durable and reliable. My only hesitation with buying a new laptop these days is Windows Vista.

[ISUFan22]

My experience with Sony's Warranty program leaves a lot to be desired.

Ditto that, also had a frustration with it on my laptop.

[HILLCYD]

My experience with Sony's Warranty program leaves a lot to be desired.

One of my Dell's a few years ago got damaged due to being dropped. I called in and it was under warranty still. They sent a guy out 2 days later who replaced the motherboard and the thing has been good since. No charge. He came to my office and worked on it right there, done in 15 mins.

[bos]

I hear these are stellar. =)

One Laptop per Child (OLPC), a $100 laptop for the world's children's education

Id go with dell.

[DaddyMac]

Same here. Love Dell. Usually you can get decent financing as well. And they have a good selection in the refurb shop, with full warranty.

Check our cheapstingybargains.com. They have a whole section devoted to the latest deals and coupons from Dell. Can save you hundreds.

[CyinCo]

Dude, you're getting a dell!

[pulse]

You are going to certainly get divergent opinions. I have a Dell laptop which I can't stand (but their warranty replacement is decent). I used to have an IBM which was great. If you're using it for office/email/internet, it doesn't really matter what you get.. nowadays just get a dual core and gig of memory if that is all you're doing. Norton is still a big player in the AV market.

[Kyle]

I also have a Dell and like it. I recommend a business model as well, because they seem to be higher quality and don't come with a buttload of crappy software you don't want. If you are a student or know one, most of the schools partner with Dell for fairly significant savings if you buy one of the packages.

My wife got a Sony from Best Buy a bit over 2 years ago. I think it has been in for service for about 5 months of that time. Apparently the old S series had issues with heat. I was not especially impressed with Best Buy's service either.

I know the vet school also had a deal with Gateway for their convertible notebooks, and they turned out to be total crap. I haven't heard anything good about Gateway in a while. I think they may have actually been purchased by Acer.

As far as virus scan, I have been using Bitdefender for a bit over a year now and have liked it. It's cheaper than Norton or McAfee and usually does just as well on independent tests. Kasparov seems to be consistently the best if you are willing to pay for it.

[bos]

Do you mean Kaspersky? If you do, i have to say its horrible. We purchased it for our company which I was against and now people are regretting it. Lockups and unwanted blocking is going on constantly. I actually love the corp editon of Symantec. Its more expensive but its easy to use, configure, and roll out.

[dmclone]

Here is what I would do.

Wait until Dell has a sale on their laptops whether it be their business or home site. I got one for $450 last year. Any of their new ones should have enough ram (1gb minimum) and a decent size hard drive. The only thing I wish I would have upgraded was the battery.

Once you get the laptop do the following.

Run the Dell decraptyfyer. yorkspace.com » Blog Archive » Introducing the Dell De-Crapifier…

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