My DS, Shawn, is sitting here with me, and wants me to ask you all what you would reccommend for a laptop? He needs one for college. We have looked at Dell, Gateway, Toshiba and Sony. There are so many choices, it is very confusing.

We are looking for something durable, and with a fast processor. Also, he only has about a thousand dollars to spend. He works with a computer "geek" who has told him to stay away from certain micro processors.

Any suggestions? We'd sure appreciate it. TIA!

By Unschoolmom on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 07:17 am:

I'm always wary of advice from self professed geeks because they often give that label to themselves with no better qualification then reading a few issues of PCGamer. I'm just wondering what processors he warned your son away from.

However, since I'm a geek, I'd say you're best bet would be a laptop through a local Best Buy or similar store. Dell laptops are fine, but a little overpriced and service might be a little awkward to get.

If this laptop is for college and not gaming then you don't need a top of the line or even high middle range processor. I would stay away from celerons but that's more personal bias then anything else. For the money, there are better processors.

Things he mihgt need in a college laptop would be card readers, USB and wireless LAN. Also a DVD and CD burner and lots of RAM.

Here's one at Best Buy, a Gateway model, that fits the bill and is on sale for $780.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7889065&type=product&id=1149206139777

If you're son is a bit knowledgable he might look at the processor speed and think it's not good enough. But this is an AMD processor and they're built differently. A 1.6ghz AMD chip is comparable to at least a 3ghz Intel chip. I personally prefer AMD. Plenty fast, especially with a GB of RAM.

One more note, I never buy extended warranties but if I were to purchase a laptop I just might. Because they get carried around they're much more prone to damage.

By Karen~admin on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 07:28 am:

From personal experience, Dell and Toshiba. We have bought 4 Dell laptops, no problems with ANY of them. My sister has owned several Toshiba and Dell laptops, she loved both of them.

By Kittycat_26 on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 07:40 am:

I have to agree with Karen on Dells. My DH and I each have one and have been very happy with both.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 08:56 am:

My dad and my sister are both quite happy with the Gateway laptops, they bought, within the last year, or so.

By Debbie on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 10:09 am:

I have a Dell and love it. I have had to call for support, and they have always been great. I haven't had a single problem with it in the 2 yrs that I have had it.

By Conni on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 11:01 am:

DELL !!!! We have a Dell Desktop and will be buying a Dell laptop and possibly ANOTHER Dell desktop in the next 2 months. We have had to call customer service a couple of diff. times and each time they were great to work with.

In fact, we started to look at computers in Sam's club the other night and we both said at the same time 'Let's just order another Dell!' LOL

I have a Sony laptop but I have not been *that* impressed with it, to be real honest. It is older now (i think we got it in 2001?) and I plan to put it in Blake's room after I get a new computer. He will be able to play some of his games on it.

By Crystal915 on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 01:19 pm:

I think Dell is well-priced, but they have issues fairly often. A friend of mine got his when he was in college, about 4 years ago, and it's fried, the hard drive is just about shot. I've had mine for a year, and it's already showing signs of issues. Whatever you choose, get a protection plan. Personally, I'd get a Mac if they weren't so expensive.

By Tarable on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 01:29 pm:

Just make sure he gets one suited for what he wants to use if for, i.e. if he plays games and stuff like that he will need more than just a basic laptop. My DH and I have been looking into laptops and we have found that you best bet is going through somewhere like Dell. Good luck.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 07:26 pm:

Here's an article in the Washington Post on what to look for:
laptop

Also check out the September 06 Consumer Reports, which has a major article on laptops.

The December 05 Consumer Reports has an article on computer stores. Here is a quick summary:

If you want to customize:
1 Apple.com
2 IBM.com
Apple was tops for satisfaction, though note that it does not allow returns of custom or refurbished computers.

For the best prices for off-the-shelf models:
8 Amazon.com
9 PC Connection.com/Mac Connection.com
10 Costco.com
12 PCMall.com/MacMall.com
13 TigerDirect.com
17 Costco
All offer a wide selection except Costco.com (10) and Costco (17), which had average to below-average selection. But both of them have a six-month return policy for computers, far more liberal than the rest.


For very good selection and sales help at a walk-in store:
16 Micro Center
This retailer allows you to customize; you can also order online and pick up your computer in the store. But it has only 19 outlets in 13 states.

Buying a laptop is a major purchase, and I'd do lots of research before I plunked my money down. I strongly recommend you check out the CR articles at your library, and also check out reviews in PC World laptops

By Hol on Monday, August 14, 2006 - 10:32 pm:

Thanks everybody!