i've always been a fan of the IBM thinkpad

definately always reliable for me

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ltweintz
[B]

Oh man...and you still like them?

 

As for the not shutting down thing, I have found that most often to be a BIOS issue with the commands that are being sent from the system. An updated BIOS might fix that problem.

 

I have bothe a Dell laptop and desktop and have had no problems with either one. My business partner had some problems with his computer, but their service department fixed it quickly.

The laptop I have (Inspiron 7500) is a BRICK. It's so big and heavy. I love IBM laptops (used to work for them) but find that it's not worth spending the extra bucks for them. I think the next laptop I get is going to be a Sony.

 

Mingster - let me guess - Windows 2000? Sounds like your registry hives are corrupt. Do you have a backup or ERD?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by saliv8
[B]Mingster - let me guess - Windows 2000?

 

I hate to say it, but sometimes with support you just have to plain lie to get the correct solution. If you know enough to know it's really your HD then just tell them it completely died.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ltweintz
[B]

I hate to say it, but sometimes with support you just have to plain lie to get the correct solution.

 

I don't really think it matters. Besides you get the replacement before you send the old one back. I had to do this same thing with my DVD drive. The audio extraction wasn't working right and they kept telling me it was my OS. I called BS on that. I eventually called and told them my PC couldn't even identify the drive anymore. (Of course it still worked.) What do ya know...my problem disappeared when I installed the new drive.

Oh BTW - If you choose to go this route, make sure they don't send a tech and do the install yourself. They might not find it very funny that your HD still actually works.

 

Dell consistently ranks at the top of industry reliability and service rankings, usually by a significant amount. That said, portables aren't nearly as reliable as desktops...all those shrunken components, generating more heat, and getting banged around/open and shut more don't help longevity.

Call technical support, or use the online support @ www.dell.com if you can get online. I'm sure you're problem will be promptly addressed!