Laptop Advice ($1500 Price Limit)

[MonsterMac]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a laptop to use for word, music playback, internet surfing, etc. in the price range of $1500 dollars. I haven't been keeping up on the latest deals, or the latest technologies related to laptops so I'm looking for any and all recommendations. The only thing that I'm looking for is a decent warranty and decent tech support (if possible). Thanks in advance.

 

[Brainonska511]

Do you want portability? Any particular screen size that you're looking at?

 

[Acanthus]

Honestly, for those uses anything you buy will work, id look at the other factors like warrenty, service, build quality, price, etc.

A dell E1405 can be had cheap thatll do everything you need.

Apple has the best service and warranty, but then you have to know OSX.

Toshiba and Lenovo have the best build quality, but come at a price premium.

 

[Commodus]

Acanthus:

I'm not sure if I'd say Apple has the best warranty. You have a year of hardware like anyone else, but 90 days for software (I believe this may also impact the cost of phoning even for hardware issues after the 90 days are up). Their strong point is North America-based tech support that actually knows what it's doing more often than not.

On the other hand, I'd much rather have Apple's build quality than Toshiba's. A lot of Toshibas are made at least partly out of relatively low-cost plastic. Certainly that's what it feels like! The MacBook is made out of plastic, but it's a toughened polycarbonate that really can survive a drop. And most any Mac at least feels like it's put together well.

As for OS X, that's not going to be an issue -- or at least, it shouldn't be. If you're technically knowledgeable, there's no reason you can't learn OS X. It may only take a few days of use to be comfortable.

 

[CptObvious]

I'd go with either a Macbook or a Lenovo T60. Both base models start around $1100.

 

[Chadder007]

HP has some nice models on their website now and come out cheaper than Dells when configured comparatively. Ive been impressed with some of their new PC products here at work too.
Then again if you want great support and warranty work then go with Lenovo. I haven't had to deal much with HP's support yet.

 

[corkyg]

Lenovo T60s come in three models, and are right now a good buy (discounted) because the T61s come out in May. Lately, Dell quality has gone down. HP/Compaq and Asus are all worth a look. Personally, I would go Lenovo T60 - it is well within your $1500 budget.

 

[Rockwell]

I agree with corkygm Lenovo's are great buys and i've always had great luck with them as far as quality and durability wise.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Rockwell
I agree with corkygm Lenovo's are great buys and i've always had great luck with them as far as quality and durability wise.

Post Op Sequel: I put my money where my mouth is and ordered a T60, 14.1" Wide Screen, 2 GB RAm, 160 GB HDD and a bunch of other goodies. Got $395 off.

The real clincher was that it has both a PC Cardbus (PCMCIA) slot and a PC Express 54 slot. I can use my current aircard on the orad. Yea!

 

[RossMAN]

I would get a Lenovo T60 with extended warranty.

 

[MonsterMac]

I'm on Lenovo's site, and all of the T60's I'm looking at and am trying to customize don't have the option for an extended warranty, can someone link me to it? The only warranty options I see available for those are "1 Year Warranty".

 

[Parasitic]

Originally posted by: MonsterMac
I'm on Lenovo's site, and all of the T60's I'm looking at and am trying to customize don't have the option for an extended warranty, can someone link me to it? The only warranty options I see available for those are "1 Year Warranty".

I think it's on the next page after you configure your hardware.

 

[IlllI]

15% Off All ThinkPad X Series & X Series Tablets Plus 5% Cash Back (Expires 5/11)


just saw this on fw