For what it's worth, Apples these days come with their new "Mighty Mouse" that's a multi-button scroll mouse. Also, the Apple operating system is Unix based, so if that's your thing it's a good way to go. But for a general student/business user, the Windows arena typically offers much more than Apple. For a home user, who does some video/picture stuff every once in a while, browses the Internet, and isn't too technically savvy, the Apples seem to be a better platform.

All IBM laptops are now made by a Chinese company, Lenovo - IBM sold off the business a few months ago. I have a couple older Thinkpads that I liked when they were still quick, but I don't know what the Lenovo Thinkpads are like.

 

Here's a timely article on $500 laptops in the Washington post for you:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...?referrer=email

Windows only offers more in terms of games, maintenance, and viruses. Apple is a pretty superior product from every other perspective imo, but I'm not out to convert anyone. If you think they are only for non-tech savvy people, you don't know much about the industries where they are prevalent or the people who use them. They are better for non-tech savvy people, however. Zero maintenance and everything is packaged better.

Also, IBM still owns a controlling share of its PC business, it just sold the business to Lenovo. The manufacturing and hardware are all still the same for now - Thinkpads are probably one of the best hardware designs out there due to the ability to swap almost everything in a minute, but they are not cheap.

 

No no no, you misunderstand me. I said that for people who are "not too technically savvy, the Apples seem to be a better platform". Never said that only non-tech-savvy people should use it. In fact, you probably missed where I said UNIX folks (typically much more tech-savvy than most computer users) would likely gravitate towards OSX.

 

Sorry for that. I just don't like to perpetuate that stereotype that Macs are only good for grandpa so he can get his AOL email.

 

We have 30 Dell Latitude C600's in our office and a good 60-70% of them have had the following problems:

1. screen turning bad because magnetic shielding tape was left out during manufacturing. We've had replacements and even the support people sometimes forget the tape.

2. touchpad causing random pointer movements due to lack of structural support on wrist rest, this occurs even after replacement with updated keyboard and wrist rest (it's so bad, we've disabled the touchpad in the BIOS on some laptops).

3. harddrives going bad (this could be either the controller card or the drive internals), latches breaking.

If I could, I would throw all of them off the roof of my building, giggling like a schoolgirl as each one smashes the ground in tiny little pieces, preferrably landing on Dell CEOs.

If you get a Dell and plan to keep it more than 2 years, get the warranty and sell it right away when it runs out.

BTW, if you like Apple laptops, consider ASUS laptops, they are the ones who manufacture Apple's laptops.

 

Me too!!

I see what I want!

But for the real question, my advice is to bring lots of $1s because.. oh wait.. I mean ..

I've had several Dell Latitudes and they hold up quite well. However, I think if I were to get a new laptop i'd probably get a powerbook or an IBM thinkpad. All 3 are quite nice. You can't go wrong.

 

Well, i just ordered this one from Dell:


XPS M140
Intel

 

IBM without Question! You can't got wrong with a T series!

 

Listen. I've tried them ALL.

Get a thinkpad X31.

Battery lasts forever;

Doesn't make any sound when you're trying to study or work;

The wrist pad never gets hot for those hours of typing;

Keyboard is a joy to type with, buttery smooth and quiet;

Very light and compact. No need for wide laptops but the screen is higher than most, which is great for working on a small desk;

It's just plain built like a tank. It's solid, when you close it you hear a clicking noise that reassures you it's locked in.


Be happy, get a ThinkPad X31. I've talked to a guy that assembled laptops for 10 years and he's never seen a machine so well put together like a Thinkpad X31 or X40.

Buy it and be happy. Period.

 

Well, as happy as one can be with Windows.

My T41p is also built like a tank. I'd recommend IBMs (Lenovos now) over anything else if you're looking for quality in a Windows laptop.