Laptop help

May 16, 2005 11:42 AM

Looking to pick up a new laptop. Where is the best place online to find reviews of laptops to compare specs, pricing etc.? Looking for a PC OS, not an Apple one.
posted by derekislost to computers & internet (6 comments total)

A decent starting point is ConsumerSearch . Check out their links to reviewers.

The problem is that reviews are rarely useful, much less side-to-side comparisons, because laptops are designed for different purposes and usage patterns. There's no "best" laptop for the same reason there's no best baseball glove -- everyone has their own style.

I have my own opinions about which lines are best for which usage patterns:

If you're planning on using it a lot, definitely get a ThinkPad. They are the most durable (barring the ToughBooks), and most comfortable for long-term use. They're pricey relative to other manufacturers for a comparable specification, and all that money goes into better keyboards, magnesium cases, etc. Lenovo hasn't changed this yet.

If smallness and lightness are critical, look into the Fujitsu line. They also are famous for having absurd battery lives (~8 hours).

If you're going to use it once a week, get a Dell. The Inspirons are thin and light, the Latitudes have more juice but are beefier. All are made out of plastic, so God help you if you drop them more than 3 inches.

If, like a friend of mine, you demand that your laptop have a number pad and full-size keyboard (!), get an HP.
posted by breath at 1:44 PM on May 16, 2005

AskMe has consistently recommended the ThinkPad. I suggest you use the search feature to find the umpteen previous threads that will address your question.
posted by five fresh fish at 2:04 PM on May 16, 2005

Well, he's not looking for a laptop reccomendation, per se (though I gave him some nonetheless). He's looking for a reputable reviewer of laptops to help him make his own decision. The real answer to that is probably ConsumerSearch.

Caveat: they recommend two HPs and an eMachines? This is what you get when you condense reviews into a meta-review. Read their sources to get a better sense.

Woo! My new ThinkPad just got delivered! Go me!
posted by breath at 2:24 PM on May 16, 2005

IBM T41, T44.
posted by Dean Keaton at 2:27 PM on May 16, 2005

Be aware that ThinkPads are now produced by Lenovo after IBM sold them all the rights. This just happened, so I'm not sure that there would be any solid reviews out yet on how or if the Lenovo machines compare to the older IBM models.
posted by thewittyname at 2:48 PM on May 16, 2005

I've found NotebookReview to be the best all around site for reviews, feedback and discussions of notebooks. The forum is good for help determining which notebooks will best fit your needs and budget. There's also list of coupons & promos that is updated daily on the front page.

I also like my T42, but the Lenovo (IBM) customer service has gone to poop. I spent 152 of my daytime minutes this morning trying to get through to a supervisor who could help me with a shipping problem. I had to speak to six people before I could get my sales rep's supervisor's name and extension. This person also gave me the name and extension of the person in charge of sales for the western half of the U.S., April Rainwater (what a name). Silly April leaves her cellphone #, email and IM on her vmail. I called her on her cell, told her my problem. She actually said to me "I'll have to call you back because I don't want to use my minutes!" On the upside, I got a call back a few hours later from a sales mgr who has assured me that my 2nd T42 will be shipped on Wednesday. We'll see.
posted by Juicylicious at 6:06 PM on May 16, 2005