Decent PC Laptop makers

Posted on Jun 10, 2008 05:22 pm
TyphoonCutter
Oversexed Lord of the Dance
Member Since: May 30, 2008

Yes, another "help-me-I-need-a-computer" thread... :D

I'm pretty set on either getting a Linux-based PC or a Macbook. Obviously, Macbook is only available from one manufacturer. With a PC, I honestly don't know what a decent brand would be. If I were getting a desktop, I'm pretty sure I would just build one, but mobility is important.

As far as memory, storage space, processing power etc, I'm fairly set on what to look for. I just haven't heard of any manufacturers that make overwhelmingly reliable laptops. Any ideas?

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Rob Stemple
The Czar of BS
Member
Since: Dec 31, 2007

Jun 10, 2008 06:14 pm

Just to let you know right of the bat, that I am not a recording guy.

I work on the live end of things.

That said, I own two Dell's. One Inspiron 8600, and One Precision M6300.

I have never had an issue with either. And I drag these things to every gig that I do.

Since they have never failed me, I can't say how tech support for Dell is.

The Inspiron is about four years old. I just reconfigured it for my wife today.

Just my two cents. But, that would be my vote.

Noize2u
Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 10, 2008 10:15 pm

Ya, we've switched to nearly all Dell now at work and they have been working splendidly. No issues other then user caused problems. For pre built or a laptop Dell would get my vote.

But that said, I do prefer to build my own. And you can actually buy a rack case for a decent price and build a PC into that and then stuff it in a road case to make it portable.

zekthedeadcow
Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002

Jun 10, 2008 10:25 pm

My dell is rebuilt from parts for about $250... was easy to work on and parts were readily accessible on ebay....and is running ubuntustudio as well...

...seems to be a lot of people stepping on their screens...

CptTripps
Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006

Jun 11, 2008 02:25 pm

Dell makes a good laptop for sure. I have owned 4 over the last 8 years (8100, 8200, 9100, XPS2) and only called in for service once (vid card on the gaming laptop was replaced).

Check techbargains for dell coupons also, I once got a 25% off plus my 12% employee purchase program for a total of 37%. If you are patient over a few week period you can save hundreds of dollars.

www.techbargains.com/dellcoupons.cfm

(I see they have a 25% off Inspiron laptops over $999 coupon that expires tomorrow)

Also, check craigslist for your local area.

fortymile
Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003

Jun 11, 2008 05:37 pm

dell. customer service is good, btw. they've got online tech service chats and phone service if you're covered for that.

get warranties if you can. i've had failing batteries replaced, and they send people to your house to fix things. when i spilled a drink on the keys, some guy came out and replaced the keyboard.

watch out for their soundcards, though. make sure you do not get sigmatel anything.

BeerHunter
www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member
Since: Feb 07, 2005

Jun 11, 2008 06:05 pm

Well here is my experience. I have purchased at least 100 laptops since I started working here.
DO NOT BUY TOSHIBA SATELITTE's. Tecra's are ok. I would say Dell or HP are the most relaible.

TyphoonCutter
Oversexed Lord of the Dance
Member
Since: May 30, 2008

Jun 11, 2008 11:35 pm

Totally agree, Beerhunter. My comp right now is a five-year-old Sattelite that barely runs Winamp on its own. Definitely not able to run Ubuntu studio.

My roommate has a newer Sattelite, and it's running on it's last breath. Another friend of mine bought a Toshiba this past year, and it had to be replaced immediately. He has an Acer now, which he seems to like.

Thanks for the advice, guys!