Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a new notebook computer, and I'm really frustrated and tired with my Dell Inspiron 8000 that I purchased about 4 years ago. It practically fell about within a year, and I'm not sure how much longer it's going to last. I'm never buying a Dell again (so they're out of the question).

Anyways, I think I want an ultraportable. I already have a desktop computer, which I do most of my computing on at home. I'm a college student, and will be graduating soon with a business degree. I'm also planning on opening my own business in the next 6ish months, so I really think I need a computer that has easy portablility.

So far, I've narrowed it down to...

IBM ThinkPad X40: I had an IBM as my first computer, and that thing was a tank. Also, being the lightest (I believe), of the ultraportables, that really appeals to me. I'm also a trackpoint user over a touchpad user, so the lack of a touchpad won't be much of a loss for me. There is no optical drive built in, but any way I go I'm buying a docking station which'll probably house my optical drive anyways.

Apple Powerbook G4 12": I'm curious about Macs. They are very appealing in design, and arguably more reliable than an equal Windows based machine. I can get Microsoft Office on the Mac. I would, however, lose the ability to use my PocketPC (HP H5555), which would seriously bum me out. It has excellent battery life (I think), and is feature packed.

Sony VAIO: I don't know much about this notebook, or durability, but it seems to be a nice package, with features that I need/want. Firewire built in would be nice, and the IBM doesn't have that. All have USB 2.0 support.

Alienware also has an ultraportable.

Of course, on the subject of Apples, I also want a 17" Powerbook, so I dunno.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

I'm about to make the switch to apple, so you should get the power book to test it out and tell me if its worth it,

thanks

 

the hp dv centrino series rocks. its ultra portable light and has a top of the line screen.

 

right now i'm running a Fujitsu Lifebook S6000. Best money I have spent. Weighs all of 4lbs and has all the bells and wistles for less than a comparable Sony. Check it out.

Chris

 

http://www.pdantic.com/reviews/macs2ppcs.htm

Or you could get a Palm OS based PDA like I did.

 

Im really considering the 17" powerbook. Weights 6.9 pounds and performs just as well as many high end desktops (If not better).

 

Go with the Apple Powerbook G4 12" - you absolutely cannot go wrong with it. They're amazing machines.

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.ph...=246878&hl=x40

I'm tryping this from my Sony TR3AP1 - love this laptop. I also have an X40 for work and that's a great unit too. I prefer the Sony since the CD-RW / DVD drive is built in.

 

I used to have an HP, and it sucked.

I know you said Dell was out of the question, but I got a 700m about 8 months ago and it is rock solid. I've never had any problems with it.

You might check out Toshiba, they were also under consideration.

 

You can't go wrong with the IBM - its a solid computer, and IBM uses good internals - probably the best PC maker on the Windows side unless you're trying to buy on lower cost.

Of course, if you are even considering Apple, that would be my first recommendation. The 15" PB is probably the computer to get, and with MS Office you'll pretty much be set. The OS is way better than Windows in every aspect imo, and I know both inside and out.

I have a ThinkPad T41p now - not light, but its been great as far as laptops go. I had a 12" PB before, its a great computer for portability (why I got it), but you'll be happier with the screen on the 15" PB.

For the guy looking at the 17" PB, I'd be wary. That computer really is huge as far as laptops go, and I've found buying smaller and plugging into an external monitor when I need screen real estate works better than lugging a big screen around all the time.