Battle of the Laptops: IBM, Dell, Compaq, others

[OldSpooky]

Ok... so I've saved up enough dinero and want to buy a laptop in the next few months. I don't care about raw speed and don't really care about games. I want a machine with the following characteristics:

Less than 6 lbs
1 media bay
14.1" XGA TFT
Sturdy
Solid Keyboard
WiFi

I am not interested in ultra-portables, and I have no interest in desknotes.

Some possible candidates: IBM Thinkpad T, IBM Thinkpad R, Dell Inspiron 4150, Compaq Evo 610c
I've seen the Thinkpad T30, and it's a solid machine with a sturdy case and keyboard. I would like to know your opinions on the Thinkpad R, Inspiron 4150, Evo 610 and any other notebook you might recommend.

 

[Buddha Bart]

I have a T23, and my roomate has an R30. Trust me, you'll love either. I'd go with whichever one your wallet is most comfortable. (work paid for mine, otherwise I'd have an R too)

bart

 

[PlatinumGold]

I don't care about raw speed

damn, what are you doing on AT??

 

[blues008]

If you want quality go for an IBM Thinkpad. They are the best laptops I've ever used. The 'T' series is around 4.5lbs, has one media bay, and is probably the studiert laptop out there.

Dell's are cheaper, but are not built with the same quality as the IBM.

Compaq's are also a step below IBM's - not as good with warranties, and heavier than the the T series.

If you can afford get the Thinkpad.

 

[UglyCasanova]

I have an Inspiron 8200 and love it, but I don't think that is quite what you are looking for. Look at the Latitudes or Thinkpads. I have never had an IBM, so I can't really comment, but I have heard plenty of good things about them.

 

[iamme]

I have the Inspiron 4150 right now, and I've owned an IBM T series laptop before.

With the Inspiron, I feel like I'm paying for a fast CPU, HD, and graphics card...while the casing is ok. The keyboard is sturdy, but not nearly as nice as a Thinkpad's (the 600E was the best, IMO).

The Thinkpad was VERY rigid and solid. Definitely built to last. However, it's all at a price premium, which I'm sure you're aware of. Since the Thinkpad line is aimed for business users, the graphics cards have always been lacking....but since you're not playing games on it, that's not a problem.

IMO, you should get a Thinkpad if you can afford it. An Inspiron will be a better value, but since sturdiness and solid keyboard are important to you, the Thinkpad will fit better.

If I could have my Inspiron's hardware inside a Thinkpad's case, at the Inspiron's price.......I'd be in geek heaven

 

[bozo1]

Another vote for IBM. After using Thinkpads for years, the Dells they upgraded us to felt like toys.

 

[N8Magic]

IBM T-Series sounds perfect for you.

 

[RossMAN]

This is the 30th time it's been asked in the past 2 weeks.

1) IBM ThinkPad R or T series (pay close attention to the weight, screen size, graphics card and if WiFi is included).
2) Dell Inspiron 4150, more bang for your buck but not as good as the IBM.

IBM's eBay store sells both the R and T series.

 

[ElFenix]

IBM or apple.

 

[singh]

IBM. Compaq's quality is horrible.

 

[BDawg]

I have a Compaq 2700T that I love. Even more than my Thinkpad A21 at work. The A31s are nice, but I still like the feel of the Compaq better.

I never have liked the dells. They just feel flimsy.

 

[Mister T]

whats the difference between the IBM R and T series?

good bet:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2076716984

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Mister T
whats the difference between the IBM R and T series?

good bet:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2076716984

The T series Thinkpads have a Titanium outer case (it's still painted black, so most people don't know that), a better video card, and a touchpad mouse to compliment the Trackpoint pointing device. It also costs more than the R series.

If you want a tough laptop, the T series Thinkpad is a good choice.

 

[MWink]

My Inspiron 8200 has by far the best feeling keyboard I've ever used. As for how sturdy it is, I'm not 100% sure. It doesn't really feel all that sturdy. However I know someone who has an Inspiron 3000 (Pentium 200) and it looks like it has been beaten to death but to my surprise the thing still worked perfectly. So maybe they are actually built to last.