Notebook Suggestions

[converge]

rrr... code fry.. meant underestimate..

there's probably worse that I didn't catch...

[converge]

don't underestime dell, actually... I just decided to go with an inspiron 8100 for around $1700... very decent build for my tastes in a laptop. watch out for their financing plan though... you'll be paying ungodly interest unless your one of the lucky ones to be approved for their special financing... yes.. read the loan agreement very well

[|SJ|]

I just bought myself a Sony GR114MK for £1500 :)

Its pretty sweet, no problems so far. I wouldve gone for an IBM but they werent that competitive on price/spec .. although they do have great build quality.

Just looking now to get another OS onto this baby.

Anyway, Im happy.

[omega884]

Granted, that is no excuse, but I still think that when you consider all that went into OS X, one hole of of hundreds of possible holes is pretty good. Nothing is perfect.

[Golden_Eternity]

They may have better time to patch than Sun, but that doesn't make the holes any less stupid.

[omega884]

Root holes?

Not quite sure what you're talking about, as far as I know, there are only two major ones.

The first, the IE/BinHex problem is more virus than root problems and is fixed with a preference change (an IE preference I might add) and the second, the NetInfo one, already has a fix availible from Apple (released only 2 days after the exploit was discovered and made public)

[Golden_Eternity]

Yeah, and OSX is giving Sun a run for their money on stupid root holes...

[omega884]

Compaq, Sony, Apple

Well, I have been thoroughly impressed with compaq laptops. Though compaq may not have the best reputation, their laptops are very self-serviceable, and they have trackpads to boot. But I suppose that bonus depends on your "mouse" preference.

As for Sony laptops, they are a little fragile and overpriced, but in terms ove size for power they really can't be beat. And they too have trackpads :D

As a final note, depending on what you want to do with your laptop, I might also recomend purchasing an iBook from Apple. They are durable as hell, fairly lightwieght, have enough features to keep you going for a while, and they are pretty damn cheap as far as laptops go. Downsides are of course the lack of floppy drive, a mediocore video card and only a 12 inch screen, but that really isn't all that bad. Not only that, but if you don't want to run the Mac OS, you can always get OS X (ships with them and I have to say, it's one of the best *NIX implimentations I have seen) or you can get any one of a number of linux varients for the mac.

[Golden_Eternity]

Re: The coolest Laptops

Originally posted by simon
The downsides are: some if not all have WinModems built in. There for you cannot use the built in modem with another OS than windows. (WinModems if we remember are software based and use win api's). And new they can be a little expensive. But if you have the cash to kick down for a Sony get a IBM instead.

http://www.linmodems.org/ <~~ Problem solved

[converge]

Older models...

I haven't been able to shoot for any newer models yet, but I've actually been impressed with Compaq for older laptops. Whoa!--> hear me out first. My 266mmx Compaq is insanely easy to completely take apart and service myself. I've looked inside other laptops without as much luck. (definately avoid Gateway, even if for some strange reason you seem to find one for cheap) I haven't checked out any newer ones though.. so I guess my advise is limited to what they used to be.. Ditto on the Sony's. I do have a couple friends with Sony's and haven't echoed sentiments above...

[nulltone]

Its not just that, its actually defective from the time when its built. The monitor might have never been used until you take it out of the packaging and boot it up. So its faulty manufacturing, not overuse.

[gemikit]

I never would've thought about the burnt pixel thing, but it makes sense since some stores leave the thing on all day long on one certain screen.

[nulltone]

Oh yea, one more thing

If you are buying this at a store, check for bad pixles. Or burnt pixles. On the monitor, a pixle may be burnt on the screen. Check this by having the screen be all black (thought turned on). You should see a little light (blue) pixle stand out. Beware of the burnt pixle!

[nulltone]

One more BIG tip!

Check the warrenty. 90% of laptop warrenties DONT COVER THE SCREEN. Beware!

[gemikit]

Good to know. Thanks guys!