lapop gurus

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Pabster
<PLONK>

And why don't you check out what you are missing. Look at the prices Sony charges for their "extended" warranty plans. Dell gives you a 4 year plan for the same price Sony charges you for 2! The warranty alone is worth several hundred $. Dell also sends someone right to your door to repair your laptop. Sony? Oops, no, you've got to send it back -- and if you didn't purchase "express replacement" service...

Seriously, is that all you are left with to defend your "The most overpriced proprietary POS crap ever manufactured" statement? Dell's support? Well that is just sad. Dell's support is so fvcking worthless it's not even funny. What, are they going to fly a guy in from India to look at your machine? Because apparently that where most of Dell's support comes from. But let me give you that. The price I quote above includes Dell's "3 Year On-site Economy Plan." WTF "Economy Plan" means I have NO idea. I also have no idea what Sony's basic warranty is, so let me add Sony's "3 Year Onsite Service Plan plus Accidental Damage Protection for Notebooks" for $315. So that brings the totals to:

Dell = $2047

Sony = $2255

So for an extra ~$200 let's what you get from Sony. With that service plan, you get ON SITE repair (that means at your home or office for people that have problems understanding what that is) and it includes accidental damage. You drop it, they fix it. With Dell, you drop it, YOU fix it, and YOU pay for it. Hopefully you don't crack your LCD. That will cost you a tad bit over $200. But let's see what else you get for $200. You get a bigger wide screen LCD with very little weight added, firewire, and a MUCH better looking laptop (if you find that Dell laptops look better than Sony's, you're in the minority). But what I find even better with that model is that you have the option to choose a MUCH better LCD (XBrite) which Dell doesn't even offer anything comparable. You also have the option for built in bluetooth, which is a must for me. So if you add everything up, the price really isn't an issue as the two laptop are VERY similarly priced. The only difference is, the Sony is the better overall laptop.

My point is that you can cherry-pick your "apples to apples" on a specific machine. But when you look at the whole product lines -- both Dell and Sony -- we both know who has the better selection, the better prices, and the better service. So quit talking out of your arse.

The point you are trying to make is that you have no idea what you're talking about. Don't give me this "cherry-picked" crap. That Sony laptop dominates anything Dell has in that category. And it looks like something the OP may be in the market for. If he wanted a big plasticy, heavy and ugly laptop, I'd definitely point him toward a Dell, as Sony has nothing in that category. But seriously, if he wanted a cheap gaming laptop, Dell pretty much has Sony, IBM, and HP beat as they don't really offer anything like that. But the OP wasn't looking for a gaming machine, hence, my recommendation.

 

[cmp1223]

Sony has nice screens, but i believe most are the glare type, which i find very annoying. And, alot are low resolution i think (XGA vs. SXGA+) Also, doesn't Sony still use 4200RPM drives? And they don't use standard so-dimms, some type of more expensive memory.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: cmp1223
Sony has nice screens, but i believe most are the glare type, which i find very annoying. And, alot are low resolution i think (XGA vs. SXGA+) Also, doesn't Sony still use 4200RPM drives?

Sony's XBrite is what you are referring to. The Sony I quoted didn't have XBrite, but me personally, I wouldn't buy a laptop without it. It does have a little glare, but the picture quality is MUCH better than regular LCD screens. That's just my opinion, but like I said, you can get the Sony without that type of screen. Also, the Dell I compared came with an XGA LCD, but it is on a 12" LCD so I don't consider that really bad. Anything higher and I'm not going to be able to see what the hell I'm typing. Again, that is a preference thing. The Sony on the other hand has a WXGA display which I think is also perfect for a 13.3" display. But the thing with the Sony is that it has a larger screen, and is also a wide screen. Now as far as the hard drive, I'm pretty positive they are using 5400RPM drives, but don't quote me on that.

And they don't use standard so-dimms, some type of more expensive.

Nope. Regular DDR2 PC2-4200 SO-DIMMS from Crucial will do. I'm telling you man, this "proprietary" bullsh!t that gets thrown around is just that, bullsh!t. Like I said, Sonys are no more proprietary than any other laptop.

 

[cmp1223]

Yeah just checked the new S series is 5400, but the old T series is still 4200. SXGA+ might be alittle much for 13.3in, but it is fine on my 14.1 inch.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: JackBurton
Seriously, is that all you are left with to defend your "The most overpriced proprietary POS crap ever manufactured" statement? Dell's support? Well that is just sad. Dell's support is so fvcking worthless it's not even funny. What, are they going to fly a guy in from India to look at your machine? Because apparently that where most of Dell's support comes from. But let me give you that. The price I quote above includes Dell's "3 Year On-site Economy Plan." WTF "Economy Plan" means I have NO idea. I also have no idea what Sony's basic warranty is, so let me add Sony's "3 Year Onsite Service Plan plus Accidental Damage Protection for Notebooks" for $315. So that brings the totals to:

Dell = $2047

Sony = $2255

So for an extra ~$200 let's what you get from Sony. With that service plan, you get ON SITE repair (that means at your home or office for people that have problems understanding what that is) and it includes accidental damage. You drop it, they fix it. With Dell, you drop it, YOU fix it, and YOU pay for it.

Let's look a little closer.

Dell offers this same level of protection. They offer CompleteCare Accidental Protection as well AT A SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT when you purchase the machine. It also provides for ON SITE repair, just as you quote. And it isn't someone from India. Keep making all the jokes you'd like...

Hopefully you don't crack your LCD. That will cost you a tad bit over $200. But let's see what else you get for $200. You get a bigger wide screen LCD with very little weight added, firewire, and a MUCH better looking laptop (if you find that Dell laptops look better than Sony's, you're in the minority). But what I find even better with that model is that you have the option to choose a MUCH better LCD (XBrite) which Dell doesn't even offer anything comparable. You also have the option for built in bluetooth, which is a must for me. So if you add everything up, the price really isn't an issue as the two laptop are VERY similarly priced. The only difference is, the Sony is the better overall laptop.

ROFLMAO. Anyone can tell you the glare on Sony lappies is pretty bad. XBrite? Quit spewing marketing trash. Or do you want to discuss TrueLife (Dell's version?)

The point you are trying to make is that you have no idea what you're talking about. Don't give me this "cherry-picked" crap. That Sony laptop dominates anything Dell has in that category. And it looks like something the OP may be in the market for. If he wanted a big plasticy, heavy and ugly laptop, I'd definitely point him toward a Dell, as Sony has nothing in that category. But seriously, if he wanted a cheap gaming laptop, Dell pretty much has Sony, IBM, and HP beat as they don't really offer anything like that. But the OP wasn't looking for a gaming machine, hence, my recommendation.

You mean Sony has nothing in the high-performance under-$2000 category? Yeah, you're right. But Dell does

And if he wants a "Business" laptop, you'd recommend Sony over IBM? Come on.

P.S. Did you happen to look at what Sony charges for "upgrades" ? People think Dell rapes you...

 

[cmp1223]

To those who say an IBM is overpriced, here is my configuration

Total Price: $1876 after tax, free shipping, after 10% discount to those who buy with Visa

IBM T43, Sonoma Based, WinXP Pro

14.1 inch SXGA+ LCD Screen
Pentium M 750 @1.86GHz
512MB (1 stick) DDRII-533
60GB 5400RPM Harddrive
ATI X300 GPU w/ 64MB video ram
DVD Recordable (No dual layer support, uses smaller form-factor optical drive than other notebooks)
Configuration shipped with Extended 9 cell battery, 6-cell standard free (Part of a lenovo special, i think it is still available)
ExpressCard, Ethernet and phone modem
Intel a/b/g 2915 Wifi
Only 2 USB ports, no firewire
5.2 pounds w/ 6 cell
3 year warranty

And of course, the goodies that ONLY an IBM will have:

Titanium and Carbon Fiber chassis (I think I would break the screen before it started to show ripples from pressure applied to the top surface)
Dual antennas in the screen for great wireless range
Thinklight
Fingerprint Scanner
Active Harddrive protection
Spill-resistant keyboard
Industry-best laptop keyboard
Pointing Stick w/ buttons
Access IBM software (Presentation software, Network organizer, recovery software, one-click software/bios/driver updating...the list goes on)

Who wants to compete with that? Sony? Dell? I don't think so. Unless you get a XPS2 or 9300, i wouldn't want to play Half Life 2 on a laptop, it wouldn't do it justice. My brother bought a top of the line Dell four years ago for college, now he is left with an 8 pound brick and hasn't played a game on it for years, needless to say, i didn't make the same mistake.

not to mention a dedicated community at forum.thinkpads.com!

 

[cmp1223]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

So for an extra ~$200 let's what you get from Sony. With that service plan, you get ON SITE repair (that means at your home or office for people that have problems understanding what that is) and it includes accidental damage. You drop it, they fix it. With Dell, you drop it, YOU fix it, and YOU pay for it.

BTW (can't resist) with IBM, you drop it, and you, well actually it doesn't break

 

[Deinonych]

Brand partisanship aside, if you look at the reliability ratings on Consumer Reports, you'll find that IBM, Sony and Dell rate about the same (in the middle of the pack). Apple and Toshiba fare a little bit better, with HP, Gateway and Compaq a little worse. Also, bear in mind that Quanta makes most of the consumer-level notebooks for the major vendors (if you look at an Inspiron 9300 next to a comparably-featured Toshiba Qosmio or HP Pavilion, you'll note the similarities). No major vendor is exempt from problems or customer horror stories.

That said, decide which vendor you trust the most. Then price out the most notebook you can afford within your budget. I'm sure you'll be happy with your decision.

 

[CreativeTom]

Originally posted by: Deinonych
Brand partisanship aside, if you look at the reliability ratings on Consumer Reports, you'll find that IBM, Sony and Dell rate about the same (in the middle of the pack). Apple and Toshiba fare a little bit better, with HP, Gateway and Compaq a little worse. Also, bear in mind that Quanta makes most of the consumer-level notebooks for the major vendors (if you look at an Inspiron 9300 next to a comparably-featured Toshiba Qosmio or HP Pavilion, you'll note the similarities). No major vendor is exempt from problems or customer horror stories.

That said, decide which vendor you trust the most. Then price out the most notebook you can afford within your budget. I'm sure you'll be happy with your decision.

I think you need to throw Apple out of the mix right away, an person that buys Apple is also loyal to Apple, therefore will never give them a bad rating.

As I said before Toshiba is at the top of their game, great laptops!!!!

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Pabster
Let's look a little closer.

Dell offers this same level of protection. They offer CompleteCare Accidental Protection as well AT A SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT when you purchase the machine. It also provides for ON SITE repair, just as you quote. And it isn't someone from India. Keep making all the jokes you'd like...

I can't believe your argument has come down to arguing over Dell's sh!tty support, but I'll go along. CompleteCare Accidental Protection is a totally seperate plan that you buy. Instead of putting it all in one selection, Dell breaks it down into three:

- 3Yr Ltd Warr,At-Home Service,and Tech Support plus Nights and Weekends
- Premier Warranty Support, 3 YR (add $89) *
- Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Svc to 3Yr Lim Warranty (SAVE 10% add $107)

That's pretty much $200 worth of service, which by my calculations puts it pretty much equal to Sony's price. And that is with comparing a Dell 700m because I couldn't find the Accidental Damage warranty for the D410. But I configured the 700m (which is also in the same category as the Sony laptop), and guess what, it came out to pretty much the same price as the Sony. So again, you are WRONG.




* Add Premier Warranty Support to quickly connect to a dedicated team equipped with your service history to resolve hardware problems covered under warranty. Must be equal to your Limited Warranty Term.

ROFLMAO. Anyone can tell you the glare on Sony lappies is pretty bad. XBrite? Quit spewing marketing trash. Or do you want to discuss TrueLife (Dell's version?)

Dude, you are a freakin' moron! Since Sony introduced their XBrite LCDs, everyone has started to move in that direction, but they call it a different name. Get out of your cave and go to Fry's/BestBuy/CompUSA and look how many laptop manufactures are using that type of screen. And don't give me this, "anyone can tell you the glare is pretty bad." There is very little glare, but the picture quality is MUCH improved. But like I said, that is a preference. If you don't like it, you don't have to order it with XBrite. I didn't configure it with that option in my comparison.

And WTF is this "quit spewing marketing trash?" If I was talking about Toshibas, I would refer to those screens by whatever Toshiba calls them. That's the fvcking name Sony gave that type of screen retard. What, do you want me to refer to it as "The shiny screen?":roll:

And lastly, TrueLife? Yeah, let's talk about that. How can I get TrueLife on a D410 OR a 700m? Dell offers Crystal-Clear on their 700m but I don't know if that is the same as TrueLife or what. Sony offers XBrite on pretty much all their laptops, INCLUDING the one in the comparison.

You mean Sony has nothing in the high-performance under-$2000 category? Yeah, you're right. But Dell does

Yeah, that's exactly what I mean. :roll:

And if he wants a "Business" laptop, you'd recommend Sony over IBM? Come on.

No, I'd recommend HP or IBM.

P.S. Did you happen to look at what Sony charges for "upgrades" ? People think Dell rapes you...

Dude, I've already shown you a NICELY equipped Sony for about the same price as a comparable Dell. If you wanted XBrite, bluetooth, and a docking station, they don't charge that much more than anyone else. If you wanted memory, I wouldn't recommend buying extra memory from Sony, Dell, HP, OR IBM. I'd get the extra memory from Crucial.


Pabster, admit that you lost this argument and go away. I've already proven that BOTH of your statements are false (Sony laptops are proprietary and overpriced) and you are now just grasping at straws. You obviously have just delt with Dell and apparently have decided to put on blinder and parot off bullsh!t like "Sony is proprietary" and "Sony is overpriced" without even looking into it. So please, go spew that crap somewhere else.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: cmp1223
To those who say an IBM is overpriced, here is my configuration

Total Price: $1876 after tax, free shipping, after 10% discount to those who buy with Visa

IBM T43, Sonoma Based, WinXP Pro

14.1 inch SXGA+ LCD Screen
Pentium M 750 @1.86GHz
512MB (1 stick) DDRII-533
60GB 5400RPM Harddrive
ATI X300 GPU w/ 64MB video ram
DVD Recordable (No dual layer support, uses smaller form-factor optical drive than other notebooks)
Configuration shipped with Extended 9 cell battery, 6-cell standard free (Part of a lenovo special, i think it is still available)
ExpressCard, Ethernet and phone modem
Intel a/b/g 2915 Wifi
Only 2 USB ports, no firewire
5.2 pounds w/ 6 cell
3 year warranty

And of course, the goodies that ONLY an IBM will have:

Titanium and Carbon Fiber chassis (I think I would break the screen before it started to show ripples from pressure applied to the top surface)
Dual antennas in the screen for great wireless range
Thinklight
Fingerprint Scanner
Active Harddrive protection
Spill-resistant keyboard
Industry-best laptop keyboard
Pointing Stick w/ buttons
Access IBM software (Presentation software, Network organizer, recovery software, one-click software/bios/driver updating...the list goes on)

Who wants to compete with that? Sony? Dell? I don't think so. Unless you get a XPS2 or 9300, i wouldn't want to play Half Life 2 on a laptop, it wouldn't do it justice. My brother bought a top of the line Dell four years ago for college, now he is left with an 8 pound brick and hasn't played a game on it for years, needless to say, i didn't make the same mistake.

not to mention a dedicated community at forum.thinkpads.com!

That's a nice machine man. Especially for <$2000.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: JackBurton
Dude, I've already shown you a NICELY equipped Sony for about the same price as a comparable Dell. If you wanted XBrite, bluetooth, and a docking station, they don't charge that much more than anyone else. If you wanted memory, I wouldn't recommend buying extra memory from Sony, Dell, HP, OR IBM. I'd get the extra memory from Crucial.

Fine, then we can at least agree that purchasing RAM upgrades from the vendor is a big arse raping.

Pabster, admit that you lost this argument and go away. I've already proven that BOTH of your statements are false (Sony laptops are proprietary and overpriced) and you are now just grasping at straws. You obviously have just delt with Dell and apparently have decided to put on blinder and parot off bullsh!t like "Sony is proprietary" and "Sony is overpriced" without even looking into it. So please, go spew that crap somewhere else.

Actually I've been "dealing" with Dell for years. What has that got to do with Sony laptops? Get off your soapbox. If you want to go buy a Sony, go for it. But don't mislead someone into spending more for less.

I don't have any blinders. But I know people don't like to pay more for less. Do you see anyone recommending Sony, besides yourself?

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Pabster
Actually I've been "dealing" with Dell for years. What has that got to do with Sony laptops?

Umm, because you talk about sh!t you know nothing about (regarding Sony laptops).

Get off your soapbox. If you want to go buy a Sony, go for it. But don't mislead someone into spending more for less.

WTF? Do you have some kind of comprehension problem? That's what this whole discussion was about. YOUR bullsh!t claims about Sony laptops. I just freakin' showed you an example of were equally configured laptops from Dell and Sony were about the same price.

I don't have any blinders. But I know people don't like to pay more for less.

Please refer to my above comment to answer your bullsh!t repetitive claim.

Do you see anyone recommending Sony, besides yourself?

I make my decisions on facts NOT blind faith that others know what they are talking about. You obviously have proven you DON'T know what you are talking about. I supported my claims, you did not. It's as simple as that.

 

[gsellis]

First, all laptops suck. The shortcuts made to put a full-size computer in a little box that is portable and runs off of a sucky power supply (battery) make them problematic. And the fact that Harry Lightfingers can more easily make it his own when your back is turned...

OK, vent over. The only reason, at the lower end, that I choose a HP Pavillion 6010 over a Dell was a single feature... The touchpad 'off/on' button. Only the HPs had this and it was incorporated into Compaqs after the merger. AND it was only in the consumer line. Best feature to have with a touchpad

I like the 6010. Low-end Wide Screen LCD, ATI X200 with 128MB dedicated memory, AMD A64 3200+, 512MB, 4pin Firewire, 4 USB ports, 80MB (but SLOW 4200) drive, DVD dual-layer writer. All for $1150. This is a replacement for another HP that is finally dead after 3 years (mobo connector has taken too many rough knocks.)

As for "Anti-Glare", most of the implementations I have seen are polarized panels over the screen. As for tough, the Toughbook fits as well as... crap, cannot remember whose, but it is not mentioned at all in this thread and you would not want to pay for it anyway (it is a Tablet too.)

If I had an unlimited budget, I might consider an Alienware, a HP Workstation (8200?), or a top-end Toshiba. I like Sony's camcorders and TVs, but have not had great success with the rest of their divisions (last time we did a RFP, no product stability for enterprise and they had too many quirky components, like Compaq.) The most non-proprietary laptop I have seen was HP's, but they dumped those for Compaqs during the merger. Damn. IBM has too many wierd pieces with poor survival rate at the low end.

In fact, a favorite pet peeve with IBM is the implementation of the J Point. Some idiot decided that a J point's PNP ID would be EXACTLY the same as a PS/2 bus mouse. AND, that the Synaptecs Touchpad would use the same! So, if you have the Synaptec drivers in a PnP path and some old PS/2 mouse with a roller ball, the Synaptec touchpad drivers will load. Piece of carp.

 

[Deinonych]

Originally posted by: CreativeTom

I think you need to throw Apple out of the mix right away, an person that buys Apple is also loyal to Apple, therefore will never give them a bad rating.

Hehe...yeah, you're probably right.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: CreativeTom

Originally posted by: cmp1223
NO IBM? You must be kidding. I would take my T43 over any dell any day. The X300 is definately "light" of gaming capabilities, but it will play any game released 2 years ago a max settings and i've heard it can hl2 at adequae levels. A t43 is built like a tank.

OK, you stay happy with your IBM, I will take my Dell 9300 and kick the IBM's butt....lol

HP NC6000 > T42 > Dell 600m.

I use the 600m. My mom has a NC6000, and my uncle has a T42. It's not like I didn't ge tto use each of them.

Dell has a PLASTICKY build that just SUCKS. It's made for nubs and it's just cheap. Yea so what if its 4.6 lbs starting. The IBM and HP models are higher starting weights EVEN THOUGH they are all 1.3" thick and 14.1" screens. Hmmmm maybe a better build by the other 2 companies?

I like the HP's Radeon 9600 and long battery life. Cnet tested the 3 and concluded NC6000 has the BEST battery life. Dell had the worst.

Don't tell me IBM sucks. It doesn't. You're just saying that because its EXPENSIVE. But in NO WAY does IBM suck. Dell sucks. I want to throw my 600m against the wall. Motherboard burned out on me in 5 months and hard drive died within 3 months.

thecoolnessrune: I love your NC6000 recommendation. THUMBS UP TO YOU.

Same with you Jack... If there are newer versions of the NC6000, go get it. This is business line stuff (kinda like latitudes), but Latitudes still suck cuz they're almost like inspirons. Don't get hte nubby HP consumer crap. It sucks.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Originally posted by: Pabster

Originally posted by: JackBurton
I rank HP WAY over Dell. With Dell you get what you pay for. You want a cheap laptop, get yourself a Dell. HP nc6000 is a nice laptop, but the nc6230 is MUCH nicer. For me though, I'd configure one of these. AWESOME laptops, but you'll pay an awesome price too. I rate the Sony S series laptop #1 for me. Everything I need in a laptop and the style to match.

LOL. HP? Give me a break.

And Sony? The most overpriced proprietary POS crap ever manufactured?

Dell rules the roost in the consumer arena and for good reason.

Dell just sucks ok. Newbs buy it. What more do you want to say. Why don't you buy your next desktop from Dell and not build your own? I have a 600m. It's fine when you use it alone, but when you compare it to competition (IBM T42, HP NC6000), you'll see that it SUCKS BALLS.

I would trade laptops with my mom (nc6000) anyday. I hate my 600m. The only reason I dont want to trade is cuz she has XGA display only. The fact is, HP NC-series models have a superior build. Above them all is IBM. I just don't like the LOOK of IBM laptops though.... HP NC6000 looks sleek, black, and sexy.

 

[gsellis]

Oh, forgot to mention that the HP Pavillion 6010 we have has an additional feature. If you carry it around, you can save money on the monthly health club dues. Yep, it weighs about 8-9lbs. Strength training baby! (or a serious ad for rolling cases )

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: DLeRium

Originally posted by: CreativeTom

Originally posted by: cmp1223
NO IBM? You must be kidding. I would take my T43 over any dell any day. The X300 is definately "light" of gaming capabilities, but it will play any game released 2 years ago a max settings and i've heard it can hl2 at adequae levels. A t43 is built like a tank.

OK, you stay happy with your IBM, I will take my Dell 9300 and kick the IBM's butt....lol

HP NC6000 > T42 > Dell 600m.

I use the 600m. My mom has a NC6000, and my uncle has a T42. It's not like I didn't ge tto use each of them.

Dell has a PLASTICKY build that just SUCKS. It's made for nubs and it's just cheap. Yea so what if its 4.6 lbs starting. The IBM and HP models are higher starting weights EVEN THOUGH they are all 1.3" thick and 14.1" screens. Hmmmm maybe a better build by the other 2 companies?

I like the HP's Radeon 9600 and long battery life. Cnet tested the 3 and concluded NC6000 has the BEST battery life. Dell had the worst.

Don't tell me IBM sucks. It doesn't. You're just saying that because its EXPENSIVE. But in NO WAY does IBM suck. Dell sucks. I want to throw my 600m against the wall. Motherboard burned out on me in 5 months and hard drive died within 3 months.

thecoolnessrune: I love your NC6000 recommendation. THUMBS UP TO YOU.

Same with you Jack... If there are newer versions of the NC6000, go get it. This is business line stuff (kinda like latitudes), but Latitudes still suck cuz they're almost like inspirons. Don't get hte nubby HP consumer crap. It sucks.

Dude, you're preaching to the choir. The nc6000 has been a great laptop for us, but the newer nc6230 is freakin' AWESOME! Beautiful laptop, with loaded features. As a matter of fact, I have 8 sitting here right beside me.

 

[fstime]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: cmp1223
To those who say an IBM is overpriced, here is my configuration

Total Price: $1876 after tax, free shipping, after 10% discount to those who buy with Visa

IBM T43, Sonoma Based, WinXP Pro

14.1 inch SXGA+ LCD Screen
Pentium M 750 @1.86GHz
512MB (1 stick) DDRII-533
60GB 5400RPM Harddrive
ATI X300 GPU w/ 64MB video ram
DVD Recordable (No dual layer support, uses smaller form-factor optical drive than other notebooks)
Configuration shipped with Extended 9 cell battery, 6-cell standard free (Part of a lenovo special, i think it is still available)
ExpressCard, Ethernet and phone modem
Intel a/b/g 2915 Wifi
Only 2 USB ports, no firewire
5.2 pounds w/ 6 cell
3 year warranty

And of course, the goodies that ONLY an IBM will have:

Titanium and Carbon Fiber chassis (I think I would break the screen before it started to show ripples from pressure applied to the top surface)
Dual antennas in the screen for great wireless range
Thinklight
Fingerprint Scanner
Active Harddrive protection
Spill-resistant keyboard
Industry-best laptop keyboard
Pointing Stick w/ buttons
Access IBM software (Presentation software, Network organizer, recovery software, one-click software/bios/driver updating...the list goes on)

Who wants to compete with that? Sony? Dell? I don't think so. Unless you get a XPS2 or 9300, i wouldn't want to play Half Life 2 on a laptop, it wouldn't do it justice. My brother bought a top of the line Dell four years ago for college, now he is left with an 8 pound brick and hasn't played a game on it for years, needless to say, i didn't make the same mistake.

not to mention a dedicated community at forum.thinkpads.com!

That's a nice machine man. Especially for <$2000.

Go IBM!

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

You guys are all mentioning laptops that cost like ~$1700+. Personally, that's way too expensive for my tastes. I wouldn't even consider buying a laptop that's more than $1300. And Dell offers huge performance for that kind of budget. IBM, Sony, and Apple don't. The Dell Inspiron 6000 is PC Magazine's Editor's Choice for budget laptops. At $1000, you get a lot of power and battery life (~6 hours), even if it is a bit heavy. What's so bad about a 7 pound laptop? It's not like we're 5 year olds that have like no muscle... And a carrying case/backpack will make it a lot easier to carry around, so quit complaining...

 

[FreshPrince]

with dell laptops, you can install xp fresh without the restore cd, which makes the lappy perform like a champ.

with other laptops, you have to re-install using their restore cd, which sucks because you will be left with 25+ processes running.

I love my D600 with 18 processes running on bootup

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: FreshPrince
with dell laptops, you can install xp fresh without the restore cd, which makes the lappy perform like a champ.

with other laptops, you have to re-install using their restore cd, which sucks because you will be left with 25+ processes running.

I love my D600 with 18 processes running on bootup

Um, you can do the same with Sony, HP and IBM laptops. I'm sure you can do it with the others too.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: t3h l337 n3wb
You guys are all mentioning laptops that cost like ~$1700+. Personally, that's way too expensive for my tastes. I wouldn't even consider buying a laptop that's more than $1300. And Dell offers huge performance for that kind of budget. IBM, Sony, and Apple don't. The Dell Inspiron 6000 is PC Magazine's Editor's Choice for budget laptops. At $1000, you get a lot of power and battery life (~6 hours), even if it is a bit heavy. What's so bad about a 7 pound laptop? It's not like we're 5 year olds that have like no muscle... And a carrying case/backpack will make it a lot easier to carry around, so quit complaining...

Save your breath. The only one preaching overpriced crap here is JB and you aren't going to change his mind

I personally don't consider weight of a laptop. Then again I usually have mine on a desk or table, rather than actually sitting in my lap. So the big, bulky ones don't bother me. Give me a huge LCD and decent battery power and I'm happy

 

[t3h l337 n3wb]

Yeah, I'd take a good long battery life over an extra couple of pounds any day.