Am I making a huge mistake

[accguy9009]

Am I making a huge mistake considering a laptop other than a Dell? I see just about everyone on these forums say over and over "just get a Dell dude". Am I wrong looking at Lenovo and HP? A guy I work with said only the Dell notebooks work at Starbucks or Panera via wireless hotspots. Does Dell use better parts and are they faster than other notebooks? Does Dell give you a better warranty or provide better tech support? I do not understand why so many people just reccomend Dell. Are the $ 500.00 Dell notebooks really a lot better than the $ 600.00 or $ 700.00 notebooks from HP or Lenovo? My friend told me the 4 cell batteries from Dell out performed the 6 or 8 cell batteries from HP and Lenovo? Is Dell really that good?

 

[TheStu]

The guy you work with and your friend are, forgive me for saying so, idiots.

If it has 802.11 wireless (except a) it will work at hotspots like panera and the like. Starbucks is a little different since they charge you money for it last I heard.

Dell's 4 Cell batteries are not better than anyone's 6 or 8.

HP and Lenovo are great choices, and you probably will not regret the purchase so long as you are sure to get a system that fits your needs. Don't get something with 1GB RAM and a 1.5GHz processor and then complain that you can't multitask. Get the system that fits your needs.

 

[VinDSL]

Well, it's a moving target...

In the past, there were some major differences between laptops!

Pretty soon 100% of them will be made in 7 or 8 factories in China (I think it's like 85% right now and growing).

Basically what's going on is, all the manufacturers are buying barebone notebooks from China, and building custom (so called) laptops on top of the line parts.

I'm seeing less n' less difference as time goes by, soooo...

No! IMHO, you aren't making a mistake at all! Buy whatever you like - they're all pretty much the same inside these days!

 

[accguy9009]

Thank you for the input. The reason I asked is so many people, especially guys at work, say Dell is the best. Why does everyone say this? Is it true like I have been told that the Dell hardware is better suited for Vista? My company has a lot of Dell notebooks and they seem to be shipping some back for repairs all the time. Does Dell really have the best notebooks or is this a myth?

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
Thank you for the input. The reason I asked is so many people, especially guys at work, say Dell is the best. Why does everyone say this?

It's like you go to New York, and the best baseball team in the world is the Yankees - always has been, always will be - they got the best managers, the best players, the best stadium, yada, yada, yada... Go to Boston, and you'll get a whole different story!

In an office environment, probably 99% of the computers are Dell - and 100% of the printers are HPs. Nobody ever got fired for buying Dells and HPs at work! Recommend them, and you're one of the boys, same thing as the Yankees! Dell makes the best computers and HP makes the best printers!

It's an EMOTIONAL attachment they have, beyond all reason and logic! It borders on insanity...

MAC users are the same way!

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
Does Dell really have the best notebooks or is this a myth?

It's a myth perpetuated by ignorance.

Dell is rather popular but popularity doesn't guarantee better (or worse).

 

[nace186]

The main and only reason corporate using dell is because they are cheaper than others. It has nothing to do with emotional attachment what so ever. Dell used to be good couple of years ago, but not now. That's why the current leader in laptop sales is HP not dell.

If you are looking to buy personal computer I would suggest you figure out what you need out of your computer. Then post it up here and we can help you find one that matches you.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Dell Schmell. Like the other said they are all basically the same. Although I'm not too fond of Inspirons build quality.

What it really comes down to is what you want to do with your notebook, and the desired configuration.

Also warranty these days plays a big part, at least for me. And so far Asus provides the best out of the door warranty.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
Like the other said they are all basically the same...

The "other" what?

In case you guys think I'm BS'ing you... check out this ASUS BTO...

SOURCE

"Verified By Intel" VBI Notebooks

Intel recently introduced a new notebook initiative called "VBI" or Verified By Intel®. These notebooks are not manufactured by Intel but are supported and warranted by them. Being Verified By Intel® means these products have met Intel?s verification testing for interchangeability of key notebook components as part of the Intel® Interchangeability Initiative.

The Intel® Interchangeability Initiative builds on the foundation established by the Common Building Blocks program to ensure ingredient suppliers are producing products according to a set of commonly adopted specifications. Today, the CBB program consists of 7 standardized parts that include Hard Drive, Optical drive, Keyboard, LCD Screen, battery, AC Adapter, and LCD "A Cover" panel. Having standards among these parts, not only allows you to share components from different models in a manufactures product line but also share them from different manufactures. For example, a CBB keyboard from a MSI notebook could be used in an ASUS model as a replacement if needed. The same goes for the LCD, the battery, AC Adapter and so on. This makes sourcing of these products much easier and simplifies handling of repairs.

 

[crisscross]

I wouldn't suggest going for a Lenovo anymore.. I have a Thinkpad T43.. and the quality is quite bad.. The LCD needed to be replaced (covered under warranty) and when they did it came back with an insect crawling inside! yes inside! after 2 days of crawling around it finally died and there is a nice black spot where it is dead. The Trackpad left click button has worn out. The spacebar on the keyboard only works if tapped on the left side of the key and this is not an isolated case. I picked up 3 laptops together with the other two being for my bro and a friend. Similar problems they have all been for repairs a couple of times. The service guy I spoke to laughed when I told him about the insect crawling and he said the quality has dropped significantly, I don't know if all manufacturers are equally bad since I haven't tried the others but Thinkpad is definitely not what it used to be.

 

[Minjin]

I'd have to say that sweetspot for laptops is 500-600. Lower than that and you can get huge increases for not much money. Higher than that and you don't get as much per dollar. And in that price range, I'd have to say that Dell makes the best laptop. Its just such a nicer product than your typical Compaq or Acer. IMHO, of course.

Also, because Dell laptops are made to be modular to allow for more options, they are easily repaired, parts will be easier to find, and often upgradeable.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Minjin
I'd have to say that sweetspot for laptops is 500-600... And in that price range, I'd have to say that Dell makes the best laptop.

I'd judge $599-$799 to be the "sweetspot", but...

In Dell's favor:

1) They are of good quality and have a reasonable service network.

2) A lot of money is spent on marketing Dell products, which builds the public perception of the brand.

3) This mass-marketing built perception improves the resale value of Dell products.

Originally posted by: Minjin
Also, because Dell laptops are made to be modular to allow for more options, they are easily repaired, parts will be easier to find, and often upgradeable.

Exactly!

Personally, I know I'll never buy another notebook...

I've been building my own desktop machines since well into the last century - why not a laptop?

Now that all the lappy parts are becoming standardized, I think you'll see more n' more ppl 'roll their own'!

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
Thank you for the input. The reason I asked is so many people, especially guys at work, say Dell is the best. Why does everyone say this? Is it true like I have been told that the Dell hardware is better suited for Vista? My company has a lot of Dell notebooks and they seem to be shipping some back for repairs all the time. Does Dell really have the best notebooks or is this a myth?

Ok, first thing you need to do is quit listening to "the people at your work" because they are obviously morons. I can't stand Dell laptops. They feel like cheap pieces of plastic. The reason a lot of people recommend Dell laptops is because they are cheap and decent quality. However, if you want something nicer, I'd go with a Lenovo or HP business laptop. If you want something with style, check out the Sony laptops. And if you don't mind switching to a Mac, I'd recommend any Apple notebook. All of those IMO, are much better than a Dell. I'd recommend a Dell laptop if you're a college kid that can't afford a nice laptop. That's pretty much the ONLY time I recommend a Dell.

 

[accguy9009]

I spoke with one of the IT guys at work today(again) about getting a notebook other than a Dell. He tells me I would be foolish to buy any brand other than a Dell. He was very persuasive mainly because he told me Vista Business was developed primarily for Dell hardware and my Vista experince would be far superior because the Dell hardware was optimized for Vista. This is my first laptop purchase in about 5 years and I do not want to screw it up. He said a Vostro 1000 was the best bang for the buck. I have no clue what to get. I am not a gamer, office apps, music, web, digital camera and some DVD watching mostly. Is the Vostro reliable or is it cheaply built?

 

[VinDSL]

I think you better do what they tell you!

 

[DarkThinker]

LOL I would like to see the Dell laptop that would prove to be of higher quality than a ThinkPad, hell even Dell's best Business laptops can't measure up to a ThinkPad T series. We get them at my company for free, I said screw it and used my own T60 for work and had them take back the Dell laptop, because it felt like cheap piece of crap for an engineer to work at. If you are looking at business laptops and you want to save a bit of money HP business laptops are not bad at all instead of ThinkPad, especially if you are not too hung on the luxuries ThinkPads offer (like three mouse buttons on all models, an excellent TrackPoint ....other stuff)
Your friends and coworker are a bunch of idiots, Dell is not bad, but they are cheap and feel like crap to work on, and I am talking especially about their laptops, I haven't yet used a Dell laptop that I would have liked to own.

But it looks to me that you are being pressured by your friends and coworkers, only people with weak personality would psychologically pressure / allow themselves to be pressured by others when it comes to buying a product instead of making their own investigation about what people say and what companies say. Go try some stuff out at places like Office Depot (They might even have some T series ThinkPads and business HPs)

 

[accguy9009]

Thank you for your response DT. I have always respected the opion of an engineer. Will Vista Business work as well on the Lenovo as it does on the Dell? Doesn't Dell have better support and warranties?

 

[DarkThinker]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
Thank you for your response DT. I have always respected the opion of an engineer. Will Vista Business work as well on the Lenovo as it does on the Dell? Doesn't Dell have better support and warranties?

Just ask around how many people got their laptops back within 72-96 hours back from IBM / Lenovo.
I have owned / used ThinkPads for longer than I can care to remember, the only time I had an issue with them, is when a battery died on my T60 6 months after usage, they air mailed me a brand new battery 2 days after the call, and I took my time shipping the old one back in the prepaid box.
IBM / Lenovo support is well known to be amongst the best, if not the best in the PC industry due to it's overwhelming majority of businesses and professionals who really use their machines for a living, they need them back and they need them back working and right away, they even send you a technician to your home / office within 1-2 days if you need your system replaced on site (now that's from what I have seen in person).

Bottom line is don't take anyone's word for it, my preference is ThinkPads and I wouldn't take anything else instead, however your preference might defer, who knows, go try some stuff out,
Many companies allow you to return laptops back within 30 days if you are not satisfied. Checkout HP and Lenovo and others, if you are not into gaming much, business laptops tend to have more reliability to them. Go read laptop reviews which offer expert opinion on the laptops you might be interested in. i.e NoteNookReviews.
And whoever told you that Windows Vista Business runs best on a dell and only a dell needs the sht smakced out of him. Where is the proof in his arguments? Is dell the only company that caters to business customers?

If there is anything that sucks more than vista, then it's a Dell fanboy.

 

[WackyDan]

Originally posted by: VinDSL

Well, it's a moving target...

In the past, there were some major differences between laptops!

Pretty soon 100% of them will be made in 7 or 8 factories in China (I think it's like 85% right now and growing).

Basically what's going on is, all the manufacturers are buying barebone notebooks from China, and building custom (so called) laptops on top of the line parts.

I'm seeing less n' less difference as time goes by, soooo...

No! IMHO, you aren't making a mistake at all! Buy whatever you like - they're all pretty much the same inside these days!

Considering that nearly all THinkPads are made in house by Lenovo, in Lenovo factories now, you're a bit off the mark. Furthermore, yes - Dell and many of the others use contract manufacture to produce their product, yet they have their own design teams. Try swapping planars and chassis components on a laptop from a major vendor... it's not going to happen. So yeah, same CPU, same video, sometimes same opticals.

In reference to your link in your other comments, Intel has done this many times on the desktop too... this is nothing new. Your major vendors however will continue to design their own and have their own unique options for them.

 

[drewfus]

my experience with dell is one of annoyance. i usually recommend people towards HP. ive had issues with dell shoving all their propriatary software on a laptop to make function things that already work fine in regular windows. that and dell tech support really bites. Go HP, they even look better

 

[ghost recon88]

Why is it that everyone runs and screams like little girls whenever a Lenovo goes on sale? I mean they're just another brand like Dell, its not like they're the savior of laptops. Their quality build isn't anything out of the ordinay, slus all their laptops are always way overpriced. Just my $0.02.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: ghost recon88
Why is it that everyone runs and screams like little girls whenever a Lenovo goes on sale?

I wouldn't own a Lenovo at any price!

Would you like to restate your question?

 

[ghost recon88]

Originally posted by: VinDSL

Originally posted by: ghost recon88
Why is it that everyone runs and screams like little girls whenever a Lenovo goes on sale?

I wouldn't own a Lenovo at any price!

Would you like to restate your question?

Ha, ok so that makes 2 of us.

 

[F1shF4t]

Originally posted by: accguy9009
I spoke with one of the IT guys at work today(again) about getting a notebook other than a Dell. He tells me I would be foolish to buy any brand other than a Dell. He was very persuasive mainly because he told me Vista Business was developed primarily for Dell hardware and my Vista experince would be far superior because the Dell hardware was optimized for Vista. This is my first laptop purchase in about 5 years and I do not want to screw it up. He said a Vostro 1000 was the best bang for the buck. I have no clue what to get. I am not a gamer, office apps, music, web, digital camera and some DVD watching mostly. Is the Vostro reliable or is it cheaply built?

Lol. No thats not even remotely true. What I find funny is all these IT guys don't even have a basic idea about hardware.

Wanna know how to optimise a system for Vista? Get at least 2 gig of ram!

Asus laptops are good also. I have a F3JP model for a year now. Not a single problem with it, build quality is good, but it does have a cheap plastic feel to it around the keyboard.

 

[Throckmorton]

Accguy, that IT guy is an idiot. There is no nice way to say it. I think HP really has the best quality mainstream laptops now, and they look the nicest too. Dell is still stuck in the 90s as far as their styling goes, and their build quality is not as good.

You should post that IT guy's email address so we can ask him ourselves why the hell he thinks Vista was designed for Dell.