Looking for something that I can use to work from just about anywhere. Would prefer features that allow me to replace a desktop. Want an overall package of tech support and quality product. Don’t want to break the bank either, so maybe $1500 as a max, unless someone can really convince me of the superiority of product above that price range. Suggestions? Or does such a creature exist?
This was supposed to be in the Lavendar Room…not sure how it ended up here.
pm’d you
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I’m on my 3rd Dell notebook and I would buy from them again. Their support is fantastic. Make sure you buy the extended warranty with on-site service (this is the only time I buy an extended warranty). My notebook is almost 3 years old and I just had a problem with my monitor. They were on-site the next day with a brand new one. I have an Inspiron, but I would recommend you look at the Latitude line.
concur with dawnt…we have all dells at work and have had for several years…all have been durable and i think dell has the best extended warranty going…when we had an issue with a failed board…our only issue ever…it was very quick and good service
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Get a Macbook or Macbook Pro…runs OSX and Windows…perfect machines…I love my Macbook Pro!
Something to be aware of:
PC Bargain Now or a New Vista Later? 
If you are considering picking up a new computer for the holidays, you may want to hold off.
Earlier this year, Microsoft delayed the consumer launch of its first new operating system in five years, Vista, until Jan. 30.
Personal-computer vendors such as Hewlett-Packard and Sony are doing everything they can to keep holiday shoppers buying now, including slashing prices and offering free or reduced-cost upgrades to Vista once it becomes available. But consider your needs in deciding on the right time to buy.
Basic Systems at Low Prices
If you plan on giving your technology-illiterate grandmother her first PC simply to browse the Internet and email you from time to time, now may be the best time to get a great rock-bottom deal on a new computer. Research firm Current Analysis estimates that 70% of notebook PCs sold this holiday season will be priced at less than $1,000, partly due to Vista’s delay.
But the systems you get for that low price will be very basic. For example, H-P is offering its dv2000 entertainment notebook for a low $569.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. At that price, you get only 256 megabytes of memory. Microsoft recommends at least 512 megabytes of memory just to run the basic version of Vista that leaves out a lot of the consumer-friendly features.
Meanwhile, those counting on a new computer to help organize and manage the increasing amount of digital files, music, video and games that often caused their old PC to crash will clearly want Vista. The new operating system is specially designed to help manage all the new digital content that consumers are collecting and sharing across the Internet.
Vista’s new Aero technology features translucent windows and a three-dimensional interface on the screen, which are designed to make multi-tasking smoother and easier. You’ll be able to find programs, files, photos, music and even video using simple desktop searches.
Some new computer models won’t be unveiled until after the holiday season. H-P has said that it is delaying the introduction of some products to coincide with the Vista launch, because those products were designed to take advantage of the attributes of the software.
While it’s certainly possible to buy now and later upgrade to Vista, consumers may find Microsoft’s upgrade program and loading of a new operating system onto their computer tricky if they have little technical knowledge of the PC. Vendors and retailers point out that if a problem arises when loading the software, consumers can turn to them for help, but that help often comes at an additional cost.
Check the Labels
Also note that consumers will see two stickers on store shelves this year: “Vista capable” means that the machine is certified to run the basic version of Vista. But to take advantage of the Aero interface and some other features that only come with Vista Home Premium, consumers should choose the “Premium ready” computers which are sure to cost more.
If you are buying now, also check the operating system. Some consumers who get the standard Windows XP, rather than Windows XP Media Center Edition, will be upgraded to the basic Vista or have to pay extra to get the Premium edition.
Microsoft’s suggested retail price for a Vista upgrade is $99.95 for the basic Vista and $159 for Vista Home Premium.
November 26, 2006
Something to be aware of:
PC Bargain Now or a New Vista Later?
If you are considering picking up a new computer for the holidays, you may want to hold off.
Earlier this year, Microsoft delayed the consumer launch of its first new operating system in five years, Vista, until Jan. 30.
Personal-computer vendors such as Hewlett-Packard and Sony are doing everything they can to keep holiday shoppers buying now, including slashing prices and offering free or reduced-cost upgrades to Vista once it becomes available. But consider your needs in deciding on the right time to buy.
Basic Systems at Low Prices
If you plan on giving your technology-illiterate grandmother her first PC simply to browse the Internet and email you from time to time, now may be the best time to get a great rock-bottom deal on a new computer. Research firm Current Analysis estimates that 70% of notebook PCs sold this holiday season will be priced at less than $1,000, partly due to Vista’s delay.
But the systems you get for that low price will be very basic. For example, H-P is offering its dv2000 entertainment notebook for a low $569.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. At that price, you get only 256 megabytes of memory. Microsoft recommends at least 512 megabytes of memory just to run the basic version of Vista that leaves out a lot of the consumer-friendly features.
Meanwhile, those counting on a new computer to help organize and manage the increasing amount of digital files, music, video and games that often caused their old PC to crash will clearly want Vista. The new operating system is specially designed to help manage all the new digital content that consumers are collecting and sharing across the Internet.
Vista’s new Aero technology features translucent windows and a three-dimensional interface on the screen, which are designed to make multi-tasking smoother and easier. You’ll be able to find programs, files, photos, music and even video using simple desktop searches.
Some new computer models won’t be unveiled until after the holiday season. H-P has said that it is delaying the introduction of some products to coincide with the Vista launch, because those products were designed to take advantage of the attributes of the software.
While it’s certainly possible to buy now and later upgrade to Vista, consumers may find Microsoft’s upgrade program and loading of a new operating system onto their computer tricky if they have little technical knowledge of the PC. Vendors and retailers point out that if a problem arises when loading the software, consumers can turn to them for help, but that help often comes at an additional cost.
Check the Labels
Also note that consumers will see two stickers on store shelves this year: “Vista capable” means that the machine is certified to run the basic version of Vista. But to take advantage of the Aero interface and some other features that only come with Vista Home Premium, consumers should choose the “Premium ready” computers which are sure to cost more.
If you are buying now, also check the operating system. Some consumers who get the standard Windows XP, rather than Windows XP Media Center Edition, will be upgraded to the basic Vista or have to pay extra to get the Premium edition.
Microsoft’s suggested retail price for a Vista upgrade is $99.95 for the basic Vista and $159 for Vista Home Premium.
November 26, 2006
avoid all that crap, get a mac
Check out www.hypersonic-pc.com
Oops - $1,500? Well, that will pay for paint and custom extras 
Seriously though, I got a desktop replacement laptop from them 4 YEARS ago and it is still “current” (3.06G chip, 2G memory, 80G drive, 512MB Video, fingerprint scanner, 6 USB ports, etc.) VERY pricey though (was about $5K) - but, since I still use it and most laptops are “obsolete” in 2-3 years, the price is not so bad (actually a wash). Plus, they will paint your laptop, mouse, etc. whatever color you want with automotive finish quality. Very cool …
I agree…get a Mac
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I always end up with IBM laptops because they have great keyboards.
I’m a very fast typist and it’s the only one I can type on that doesn’t ‘stick.’
I’m on my second Dell and I will buy from them again. I bought the Inspiron E1705 and the support is excellent.
I’m an idiot when it comes to computers, I know some of the more computer knowledgeable people do not like Dell.
I’ve contemplated Macs. I run a lot of Wordperfect and they don’t make one that is Apple OS native. I’ve heard the Macbooks run the PC based stuff a bit more slowly. Any truth to that?
Maybe technically true, but the difference in speed is so small that I can’t tell the difference. Maybe for graphics if video heavy work it would more apparent but not for most work and certainly not for word processing.
same here. I’ve had terrible luck with Dell’s…frankly I’m surprised that there is so much love for their customer service. Everyone I know who has a Dell hates them.
I’ve had 2 IBM thinkpads (now lenovo) and they’ve both been rock-solid for me.
We also have a Mac iBook…also a very good machine.
No…they are actually faster…the new Macs have Intel based chips…they run Mac OSX and Windows natively…
Mac for sure. New Intel ones rock and will do windows if you must.
Old powerbooks rock inexpensively on craigslist.
brother bonk
written on a 12" Powerbook G4 that cost me $600 near-new
IBM no longer makes personal computers, they sold their entire line to a chineese company called Leonovo last year, and as I have heard there have been major changes to the product quality policies set by the new owner in order to compete with cheaper brands. I totally second on Macbooks, you get a great machine for what you pay. OS X is by far better than windows, and you can even both run at the same time!!!
IBM no longer makes personal computers, they sold their entire line to a chineese company called Leonovo last year
yep, I’m aware of that, hence the “IBM thinkpads (now lenovo)” in my post.
Several of my collegues have the Lenovo machines and like them as well…they are still sold under the ‘thinkpad’ brand.
I concur with the Macbook. I just bought one 2 months ago after about 6 months of researching. Yes, they are a bit more expensive than Dell, for example, but man are they AWESOME! Simple, fast powerful. For example, if you think you’ll use it for home movies/moive editing, the Macbook is amazingly easy.
So far, I give the Macbook 5 stars…oh, and I haven’t had to reboot once (not so with my PC desktop).
Happy buying!