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Mospaw
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| reply to insomx
Re: [Notebooks] Rant about laptops
My very first laptop, in 1997, was a Toshiba, back when they were built like tanks. I bought the extended plan and it came in handy when the machine had some issues.
My second one was a Winbook that I got at work. Not a bad machine and perfectly reliable. I only had it for about a year before we upgraded.
My third laptop was an IBM ThinkPad A21p that was purchased new (by the company I worked for) in 2001. It's still going strong. I sold it to a friend a few months ago and he's really happy. It only had one problem, the screen connector getting a tiny bit loose on the motherboard causing some flicker in and red lines, and I fixed that myself in 15 minutes. It's been rock solid since.
We had lots of various ThinkPads in the office and they were all terrific. There were some minor issues, but since the machines pretty much lived on the road, that's expected. Only one outright failure and IBM took care of that in a hurry.
My "new" machine I got about 3 months ago. It's another IBM ThinkPad. New ones are Lenovo ThinkPads, but they're still solid machines.
There are lots of excellent brands out there. However, you do tend to get what you pay for in durability and ruggedness design. ThinkPads might not be the most stylish, but they tend to hold up pretty darn well. They're a tiny bit more money, and probably not for uber-gamers. But my 3-year-old T42p is a terrific machine, and looks and runs like new.
I admit my prejudice for ThinkPads. I really didn't consider other brands before purchasing, based on my super good luck with them.
If you have to get a new machine, I'd recommend a ThinkPad with the longest warranty you can get for it.
And you know, despite your bad luck with laptops, you're not doing well. Sure, the machines are crapping out on you, but you're getting new, fully warranted machines for the price of the warranty. Kind of like free upgrades. That's not a bad deal. So really, the route your taking isn't all that bad.  | |
PeteC2
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| Thinkpads do have a good reputation, construction-wise.
My wife has a Sony Vaio which is over 3 years old now. Aside of the battery finally crying "uncle", it is as good as the day she brought it home.
I have had good luck with HP/Compaq for work notebooks, and currently have a HP at home, but it is still new...
For many years now we have had Toshiba Sattelites, going back to Intel 486 models, and frankly, they have not been the most reliable, and this goes over several different generations. May be just bad luck, and of course, some of our folks are good with 'em, and some are "ham-handed", but I am a little leary of Toshiba notebooks...
Dell enjoys a very good reputation for laptop construction/longevity also.
I like the newer Acer's, and they have a very nice price versus configuration...I am not sure what their longevity is like.
Frankly, a large part of it though is "how much" notebook you buy in the first place! There are more...and less rugged Dell's/Sony's/HP's etc., based on the model you shell out for.
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insomx
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| reply to Mospaw
said by Mospaw  :And you know, despite your bad luck with laptops, you're not doing well. Sure, the machines are crapping out on you, but you're getting new, fully warranted machines for the price of the warranty. Kind of like free upgrades. That's not a bad deal. So really, the route your taking isn't all that bad. That is very true. I've been getting upgrades almost every year for the price of a warrenty (which isn't bad). It's kinda sad that this way is almost better
said by Mospaw :how is the power at your house ? do you have problems with other appliances ? if no , you're just unluccky with laptops . i've had dell , acer and now hp and have NEVER had a single problem with mine in 10 years , my 4 year old dell 1560 is still going strong and it's been on 24/7 for 4 years . ibm , dell and hp all make good laptops , buisness class seem to be a bit more durable , go through fewer changes and have better warranties . hope your next purchase has no problems It would be nice to have all these issues connected with a single source, but that isn't so  . The power in the house is fine, and in fact I use an APC Smart-UPS and I plug my laptop into there to charge it (overkill eh?).
Like quetwo mentioned, business laptops seem to be more durable, I might have to go with that on my next purchase.
I'll update once futureshop gets the word from the repair company they are outsourcing too... 
Thanks for your replies everyone | |
PeteC2
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| said by insomx :Like quetwo mentioned, business laptops seem to be more durable, I might have to go with that on my next purchase.Thanks for your replies everyone There are rugged "business" notebooks...and bargain "business" notebooks...don't be fooled. It really is quality of construction, and price will be your best guide. Even Dell has some cheap, bargain business laptops...note: I did not say "bad"...just cheap. Frankly, there is no brand name out there that can make an exclusive claim to quality, most major brands have both better, and lesser built notebooks.
IMHO, there is nothing wrong with a low cost notebook, based on your needs and usage...as long as one acknowledges that there is a reason that one notebook costs $499, and one costs $1,499. It really is more than just a larger hard drive, or faster cpu...
This I will say, and not as a jab at anyone: How a notebook holds up is ever so often at the hands of the end-user! None of my co-workers claim to be tough on their notebooks, yet I can usually make a very accurate prediction when new notebooks get sent out to the field, which 3 or 4 will be the first to require repair/replacement...almost like clock-work!
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