Hey, i haven't kept up with computers and my father asked my advice on a new laptop. can you guys tell me what brands to stay away from and which to look at? He doesn't do anything fancy but he keeps his stuff for a LONG time (his laptop is still using windows 95) so i'd like to get him something that will last. Last time i checked into this i heard that i should stay far away from Sony. is that still true? price range is $2-3,000 but i'd like to stay closer to the low end of course.

thanks in advance,
dennis

 Re: Laptop rec for $2-3k please - MylesJ 13:48:58 12/30/04 (0)
 MAC? iBook or Power book ? - beken 10:34:57 09/20/04 (0)
 Re: Laptop rec for $2-3k please - Dawnrazor 07:19:42 09/16/04 (3)

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 Re: Laptop rec for $2-3k please - MylesJ 13:48:58 12/30/04 (0)
 MAC? iBook or Power book ? - beken 10:34:57 09/20/04 (0)
 Re: Laptop rec for $2-3k please - Dawnrazor 07:19:42 09/16/04 (3)
 Consumer review site anybody? - kublakhan 10:34:20 09/16/04 (2)
 Re: Consumer review site anybody? - Dawnrazor 11:30:23 09/16/04 (1)
 I have a Thinkpad T41 - nathan_klassen 11:31:36 05/26/05 (0)

The IBMs are more stable, and better built!

I was thinking of buying an HP desk top. any experience with those since you mentioned HP?

Still looking for a good consumer review site. anybody?

I do have an HP desktop through my work...it is an Hp Mediacenter PC. I think it has more to do with microsoft, but this thing crashes repeatedly...well, at least the Media Center program. I just use it to record TV programs, so I can't comment on it as a computer for other purposes.

Anyhow, I had a friend who worked for HP, and when I told her that my company supplied HP laptops, she said that they were stupid to do so. Anyhow, I now have an IBM, and compared to the HPs I had (2100, 4400, 6500) the IBM is a tank, and a ton more stable.

Here is a link that might help you:

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/1,aid,103169,00.asp

If you can wait a bit, check costo.com and see if they are putting together any group buys. Sometimes you have to look and see that delivery is in 6 weeks to tell this. A year ago I got an HP ze5200 with 2.4G P4/512MB, DVD player, 15 inch active screen under $1200 delivered. That is about what the single unit quick delivery price is today.

They have, more or less, fixed the 'little red button'. Its not little anymore they've changed the endpoint on it and its a lot easier to use. That being said its easy to disable and doesn't interfere with typing at all. You always have the touchpad option if you prefer it.

My Thinkpad has been incredibly reliable, stable, durable (I walk 30 mins to work everyday with it), not heavy, a little thing but everyone I've ever shown it to has been impressed with it. The ONLY other laptop I would consider would be a 15" or larger powerbook.

I've used them all and sold them all in the past, no longer in computer sales, and the thinkpad is simply fantastic. The support is also top notch, had one linux related issue and needed the restore discs couriered out to me. They did it on their dime. I called on a Saturday it was here on the Tuesday as monday was a Stat holiday.

They aren't a gaming machine, they don't have the 'best features' but I am completely satisfied with my purchase.