Laptop Brands...

[TechMouse]

I know it's been done to death, but I'm gonna get a Laptop for xmas and I need to decide what kind I want to go for.

I know the kind of specs I'm after, and I'm aware that a decent soundcard will be a must, but past that I'm interested if anyone has any particular horror stories / recommendations with respect to brand.

Firstly, and I can't stress this enough: NO, I'M NOT GOING TO GET A MAC. My reasons are threefold:

1) I don't have the budget for a decent model.

2) I know Windows / Linux inside out at an API level, and I can't be arsed starting from the ground up with a different OS.

3) It will be no good for work. We develop for Windows and Linux systems here, and though most of the time I'll be remote desktopping it would be good to be able to run stuff locally now and again.

If it makes anyone feel any better, I will probably end up getting a Mac one day out of sheer curiosity when I have the funds.

Currently I'm looking at Dell (because I get a 10% discount with them), HP, Toshiba and Sony.

I'd welcome any comments / further suggestions.

Plus - they seem rarer these days, but AMD chips seem to push the price down quite a bit. I ran an AMD for years until my PC finally bit the dust last year, and I was very happy with it. Are they still good value or has this changed?

[Barely Human]

Ive had a dell laptop for 3 years now. Its been a very reliable machine. AMD proccesors are a lot better imo than intel, but ive never used a laptop with an AMD in to see what they are like. If you want battery life, then the intel M proccessors really do the trick, (My p4 eats battries for breakfast).

Ive heard that toshiba do some good models aswell. Stay away from the usual suspects - acer, compaq etc.

[TechMouse]

Yeah, despite my knee-jerk reaction the Dell option looks pretty good, what with the discount and all.

The only reason I mention AMD is it looks like I can get an HP with a Turion 64 in it for less than the Dell...

Incidentally, anyone know WTF Windows XP Media Center is all about and why that seems to be the default operating system on most laptops?

I'm anxious to get a system with a "proper" version of XP included if poss. I'll make do with a Dell "reinstall" CD if need be.

[dan the acid man]

For the money, i'd probably go with a Dell, once you've got rid of the software they install for you they're good laptops.
The only problem with Dells is the upgrade options can be fiddly, as they used to use motherboards tweaked and specially made for them, not sure if they still do, but to be honest, all laptops are awkward for upgrading, so it doesn't really matter.

AMD still make great chips, although im not sure how good their mobile chips are.

Intel chips have always been more expensive, and i've always preffered AMD ones, but the new core duo chips by Intel are supposed to be the best on the market at the moment

As for media centre, avoid t at all costs, see if you can change to an xp install.
Media is more for connecting to tv's, recording tv channels etc

[RDR]

Check theregister.co.uk for a story about a man who clicked on 'No i dont agree' with having windows XP installed on his dell machine, apparently you dont have to accept the OS they provide if you dont want it... he got his money back after contacting Dell about refusing the OS...

Might be just the ticket for that linux install :; :;

Chris.

PS - get a mac...

[tonyc2002]

Ime afraid I have to reccomend Dell as well since I am the proud owner of a Dualcore Inspiron. Its fast as ****, ive had no problems, and am a very happy boy :cheese:

[TechMouse]

Definitely coming out in favour of the Dell then.

As for media centre, avoid t at all costs, see if you can change to an xp install.
Media is more for connecting to tv's, recording tv channels etc

Yeah, as I suspected. Seems like a rebranding of XP Home to make it sound more sexy, and probably more useless at the same time.

[TechMouse]

Ooooh, looks like you can get an AMD option on Dell...

Cat well and truly unleashed on unsuspecting pigeons...