Five Best Laptop Computers Ever
By Mark Knowles
Laptop computer Review :: Cheap Laptop Computers
One of my criteria for buying a laptop computer is the likely life span. I use a laptop for work. To a major extent, it is a tool and one of the most important things for me is how long it will last. I know I end up being a little behind the times fashion wise, but that’s not why I buy them. I buy them because they are cheap if you buy the right one that will last a decent length of time.
Who cares if there is a slightly faster version available? If you picked the right laptop in the first place, it should make no difference. I just do not see the point of “keeping up with the Joneses,” just to be able to say I have the latest whatever. The problem is, the manufacturers of both the hardware and the software are very well aware that they need to keep advancing so they can sell you a new computer every year. How many times do you find the battery or the screen or some other part fail, only to discover it is so expensive to replace that you might as well buy a whole new computer?So, here are my recommendations for the “Five Best Laptop Computers,” based on the fact that they will not need replacing very soon.
Number one – The Apple MacBook Pro
I have had one of these since the day it was released. I had to buy a new one when my PowerBook was stolen. Admittedly, the first releases had a few problems. Mine had to have a variety of internal parts replaced when it kept overheating. Having said that, Apple were great – they replaced all the parts free of charge within 24 hours of me complaining. I recently upgraded the software to Leopard and I must say, the good thing about Apple is the fact that they don’t manage to make your machine obsolete every time a new OS comes out. These are well built, solid pieces of equipment – I fully expect to get a minimum of six years use out of this one which is more than double what is normally expected. My old PowerBook was 4 years old when it was stolen and worked just fine. And if you look at it from a life expectancy stand point, that actually makes it cheap. They sell for around $2,000 - $3,000 (depending on the specs) which means the yearly cost is about $350 - $500. If you choose to buy one, I recommend the 3 years AppleCare Warranty – Then you know exactly how much it’s going to cost to fix for three years.
 | Amazon Price: $1,099.99 List Price: $1,199.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $2,249.00 List Price: $2,499.00 |
Number Two – The Apple MacBook
This is another long life laptop. I had one of these which I used for nearly five years and then sold to a friend – he still uses it to this day. So far, it is working just fine for him and nearly 8 years old. At the current price of around $1,000 - $1,500 that means a yearly cost of around $150 if you can get that long out of it. Once again, these are solidly built pieces of equipment and it is not vital to upgrade to the latest software. The one I sold is still running the first version of OSX and is working perfectly. These are perfect if you are heading off to college – they will last the length of your course. (Unless you are planning on becoming a particle physicist.) Once again, the AppleCare warranty is worth the money.
| Amazon Price: $2,249.00 List Price: $2,499.00 |
| Amazon Price: $1,099.99 List Price: $1,199.00 |
Number Three – The Sony Vaio
I have also had and used in the past, Sony Laptops. If you need a PC rather than a mac, Sony also make very well built pieces of equipment. Their customer service has gone way down hill in the last few years, but if you are lucky, you will not need to use it ☺ Sony are one of the top laptop makers in my book – they learn a lot from all the other products they make.
I won’t go into too many details because the range of different models is ridiculously large. Unnecessarily so in fact. PCs in general are almost designed to be obsolete as soon as you open the box. The longest I have managed to get a useable PC is four years – After that time, it is practically impossible to keep the things running well – My best advice to get the longest life from one of these is to buy the best specifications you can afford – the higher the specs, the longer before it becomes un-useable.
 | Amazon Price: $489.00 List Price: $499.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $549.95 List Price: $579.99 |
Number Four – Toshiba Qosmio and Satellite
Once again, I have used these and they are tough. Anything I get a decent lifespan from is by definition well-built. Toshiba has a very good reputation and my own personal experience has taught me that they will look after the customer. These are not exactly the prettiest laptops on the planet – they never have been. But I don’t buy them based on how pretty they are, I buy them based on how well they will do the job I want them to do and how long they will probably last. Toshiba’s are built to last and are unlikely to fail because of a hardware issue.
 | Amazon Price: $1,049.99 List Price: $1,149.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $1,549.00 List Price: $1,499.99 |
Number Five – The ASUS eee 4G –Galaxy
I will be honest and say I have not actually owned one of these. But I have had a look and I must say, I like the idea of a PC that comes with pre-loaded, free Linux based software. It’s nit top of the range, all-singing, all-dancing stuff, but if you don’t start with the fastest, spiffiest software, you will not see the need to keep on top of the “latest and greatest.”
Every one who has reviewed them has had nothing but praise for them and if the hardware is as well built as it seems to be, I see no reason why it should not be possible to get the same sort of life span from these as a Macintosh. | Amazon Price: $315.00 List Price: $399.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $385.00 List Price: $399.99 |
Computer life spans
One thing you never see Apple do is sell their computer range on the basis that it will last longer than a PC. NEVER have I seen them sell them in this way - NEVER. Why not? You would think that this would make a fantastic selling point.
And it does, but they also wish to sell you a new one every couple of years. Even the latest MacBook Air. It looks good, but it’s just a thinner version of the MacBook Pro. Big deal! Does it really matter if it weighs a few ounces less? This is not a good reason to buy a new computer. The makers are trying very hard to sell computers on the basis that they are fashionable – Computers are a tool. With the possible exception of serious game players and a few professional video editors and the like, by far and away the bulk of computer buyers should have no need to buy a new one every two years, but the typical lifespan of a laptop is about 2.5 years. Why?
Call be a cynic if you will, but there are two things that force people into buying a new one:
- The operating system takes over the hardware completely. Constant updates and improvements to the OS mean that sooner or later, your hardware will be unable to cope. And I can honestly say, I do not see a great deal of difference between this year’s OS than that of five years ago. Microsoft word is still the same bastard to use as it always was.
- Anti Virus software. One of the things that killed my last PC stone dead was the incredible amount of Anti-virus software it needed installed.
And it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if it later comes to light that the computer manufacturers and software companies are creating these viruses THEMSELVES. You heard it here first. I refuse to believe that there are enough private individuals out there with the resources to waste this much time creating this many viruses just to piss every one off.
This is one of my main arguments for buying a Macintosh – The OS will not eat your machine next year. Sure some of the programs I use have had to be discarded since I updated to Leopard, but on the whole, it actually works faster with the same hardware than Tiger did. You will not see me throwing out my current model for a new thinner one.
Consider buying used
It is certainly worth considering a used Laptop. At around two years old, a used MacBook should have a good three to four years life left in it and a two year old PC will probably last another two before the software eats it. There are plenty of people who can’t live without having the latest model, so why not take advantage of their actions? Try buying a used one. I bought my dad a used Powerbook three years ago. It cost me less than $900 and he is still using it every day. It is now five years old and going strong.
 | Amazon Price: $279.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $699.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $639.99 List Price: $599.99 |
Comments
Thanks. I try :)
I'm glad I read this. We will be in the market for a new laptop in the not too distant future. Of course, I want to wear out the one we have now first. Honestly, though, our current laptop wasn't built to last. When we purchase another, I want it to be something we can keep for more than 2.5 years.
Got to agree - that is the typical lifespan - it's insane.
Poo my laptop's not on the list :-(
Sorry - watcha got?
I love my Sony Vaio. I have owned at least 5 - my latest being the TX650. Light weight, thin and beautiful. I have kept two previous Vaio laptops. Each one was replaced not because there was anything wrong with them - I just wanted to upgrade features such as a larger hard drive, an internal DVD burner and the perfect size and weight of this last one (TX650). I use each one as a backup so if one goes down I am up and running almost immediately.
Hi Debbie - Thanks for not reading my hub :)
I guess you are one of the people I was talking about.
Mark very good article, you should do one about cell phones, they follow the same market logic as the laptops.
My old laptop is more than six years old, it's only disadvantage is that it does not have a dvd.
My son has the latest model with all the bells and whistles, I prefer to use the old one though.
Thanks Roger.
Good for you - I have never managed to get more than 4 years from a PC - That's one of the reasons I switched to macs.
As per usual your ranking zooms in my opinion
Thank you.
Purchase a dell and had it for 12 months and found I wanted a bigger motherboard. Not available
Hi Mr. M... I hate that about most of these companies - It's a joke - they just want to sell you a new one ASAP. It should be illegal.
Yes, I read your hub and yes I agree that the life expectancy is a great reason to buy a new laptop. Precisely why I by Vaios. Keeping up with the Joneses would be nice, but that is one trait that I have never been accused of having. I carry mine with me everyday in my purse so I want the smallest, lightest and most featured laptop. I am willing to pay for the convenience.
Like I said - Getting the lightest, newsest peice of kit is not what it's about for me. It's not about paying for the convenience - You have missed the point completely - I voted these my five best laptops because you don't need to replace them every time a lighter one comes out - You obviously feel the need to ghave the lightes, nexest version - and you will always be buying a new one - You cannot win. The only winner is the makers of this stuff LOL
Look at this hub:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Whats-hot-for-2008
And you will see what I am talking about.
Seriuously, if you had read what I said - I am saying you do not need the latest every time. Watch the video on the other hub.:)
Mark I realize that. I was simply agreeing with you about the vaio. They are very nice computers and anyone that is in the market to buy a new laptop should check them out. I have had the TX650 for over 2.5 years and it is satisfying my needs quite well. Some people buy new cars I buy laptops instead. To each his own.
LOL OK - I misunderstood when you said you said you upgraded them not because there was anything wrong with them but you wanted better features :)
Sorry - I agree, they are a good laptop.
Very helpful
It's a Dell Inspiron E1505
Neat article Mark. I am a fan of the Apple MacBook Pro. Keep up the good work. All of your hubs are amazing and very informative. Hopefully one day someone will comment mine as well.
My daughters choice for college was the Vaio . She really loves it. It does everything it should do. I'm glad to see it hit your list. Now I can't afford one of them for myself but after seeing what this baby does I hope she outgrows it fast. (Our deal, the next one she has to buy) Here is hoping.
as always a great HUB full of good info
regards Zsuzsy
Hi, we got a Gateway for Xmas. So far, so good. It has some really fancy things like the lightscribe technology and an incorporated webcam. Also, it has Windows Vista. I have not had to buy the wireless connectivity or a router because it will show me who has the closest wireless connectivity and mounting the internet is no problem. That in itself is great, I think.
Whitney - Dell are pretty good too - The reason they aren't on this list is I pretty much based it on longevity and the few Dells I have used were about average with all the others, so.... I used to run a business where we used a lot of laptops, and Sony and Toshiba were the longest lived, but they all get overtaken by the software in th end, unless you can use it in a vacuum.
Every one else - I wish your new computer long life and happiness.
I have a HP NC4200 - I bought it about 18 months ago and it was 2 years old then - a refurbished laptop- I bought it specifically to travel dirt roads with and though it did break a motherboard connection - it got repaired by HP in Darwin. They told me because it was a business model they repair it - if it was a consumer model e.g. a Pavillion they don't - so next ask if the manufacturer supports their own hardware! It has a 7hr battery life which was crtical as was the
Good for you Lissie - It is possible to keep them a decent length of time. The best I managed was 4 years from Sony and Toshiba, but let me know if it goes longer than that :)
I love my laptop except for the fact that the AMD processor generates insane amounts of heat for no apparent reason.
I am looking for a laptop now and this hub is helpful.
Thanks Bob, glad to be of service.
I'm a journalist/analyst and write for a living. I've used either Toshiba, or IBM (Lenovo) laptops since day 1, and the "trackpoint" (little eraser-stick) pointing device is much more efficient for a touch-typist.... because your hands never leave the keyboard out of "touch-type" position. Yes, there is a learning curve, but once past that you won't want to use anything else. My other criteria would be 1)Heat generated (less is better) 2)Noise Generated (less heat = less fan noise) 3) Connectivity 4) Battery life and 4) form factor. Small size, light wt., with a full-size keyboard. THat's not going to add up to a "Gamer's" ideal laptop, or a portable engineering workstation - but it does add up to a "travelling business" laptop and something ideal for those who have to do a lot of writing. ThinkPads are also good because they're very modular, and it's easy to repair them if something does get broken.
Thanks for the info on laptops; I haven't bought one but need to soon. Your information is very helpful.
Lynne
HI MARK
great listing and perfectly agree with you.i owned a toshiba and now i am looking to buy a dell or sony vaio.
i live in india and there is a great disparity with dell marketing amounting to 500 us dollars between india and malaysia and the worst thing is it is cheap in malaysia than india by 500 dollars and we got to get it from malaysia only.
can you tell me about sony vaio nr 17 series the basic version. are they good or atleast worthy. they are offered for 950 us dollars in india.
Hi tinyteddy,
Sony are all good. The less well specified, the less time it will be before you need to replace it.
Very helpful,and clearly written so a non-techie like me doesn't get lost in the specs. Thanks. I was a dedicated Mac person for years,then in late 2003 decided it was a PC world and bought a Sony Vaio laptop. I miss the grace and elegance of the Mac OS and am thinking of replacing my Vaio with a Mac when the time comes...which will be soon. Good food for thought here. Big thumbs up.
Thank you. I am a dedicated mac fan now. I do understand some people need a PC and I think these are the best by my criteria.
thanks mark but the blue tooth is mssing . i cant replace it with a golden tooth. seriously does the bluetooth really add value ? in what sense?
i am a surgeon and telemedicine expert. please suggest mark
If you are a surgeon and telemedecine expert, I suggest the macbook pro and to hell with the cost.
I bought a Toshiba Satelite and is working fine. But I have had a lingering doubt whether i could have bought some other brand which might be better than this. Reading your article has reassured me that I have a great Laptop and should be proud of it. Thank you for the enlightening article.
Nice Hub, Mark. I would like a laptop (can't afford one yet). When I get one, weight will be very important to me. You look like a big strong chap and a few extra ounces maybe wouldn't bother you, but I'm puny and weedy. I'd like to be able to pop my laptop in my bag with my other stuff and be able to swing it onto my shoulder without falling over. What would you recommend?
Well. If money is no object, and you are looking for the latest and greatest, I would suggest the new Apple MacBook Air.
If cost is a consideration and you don't have to have the bestest, fastest, coolest, how about the Asus Eee? - It only weighs 33 ounces and does most of the basic stuff most would need.
Great suggestions - I like the look of the MacBook Air, but the cost is out of my league at the moment. Must write some more hubs and crank up the Adsense earnings.
im debating whether to get a laptop or desktop computer. I would like to play games on it so it hink i'll have to go for a pc but might buy a macbook a little later aswell.
great hub keep it up :-)
Probably a good choice. I see some of these super powerful laptops for games, but they suck down electricity like nobody's business. Which means you need to be by a power outlet at all times. So what's the point of having a laptop LOL
Great hub, Mark, very informative. But I'm still a little confused about a few things.
I've never used and MAC hardware, and some of the terms I'm seeing are confusing me. What's the difference between a PC and a MAC?? I mean, their both personal computors, Right?? I have a 6-year-old compaq the runs fine, but won't run some of the games I want to try so I hope to upgrade this year. My son also wants a laptop, so he can sit anywhere while on the computor.
And what the heck is a 'BLUETOOTH'?? And what does a MACMINI do?? I couldn't figure it out from the Mac site I was browsing earlier!
Keep up the great posts!
Wow, that's a lot of questions in one go. LOL
Mac and PC use different operating systems. My personal preference is for macs. But - if you are a hard core gamer, there are more options for a PC.
A mac mini is just a very small mac.
Bluetooth is a wireless connection system. Most new computers will have this facility.
Thanks for the quick reply! I'll keep and eye on your future hubs. the few I've read so far are great.
Take care
Having worked on computers, in one form or another for over 20 years, I was excited to see that HP/Compaq and IBM are not on your list. From the standpoint of notebook computers, we see them in the shop all the time. What does that say?
Good review!!!
What's your take(Mark and Dumbledore) on Acer laptops? They have a closeout on one at Staples. 17" screen--$699-- I was there today and am having an attack of "techno-lust?":-)
If you are looking for long life from a computer, it actually makes sense to but the best specs you can. It will outlast the software upgades - maybe LOL
I don't know that one I'm afraid.
The Asus EEE PC is such a cool little machine. A friend of mine has one and now I have to have one. My one complaint was that the tiny keyboard took some getting used to, but other than that, its a fantastic little machine. Boots in about 5 seconds. :)
I tink the Asus EEEPC may be a requirement for my next backpacking trip! I think they are turely awesome and yes the keyboard is small - but nothing like as bad as some of the PDA's I've seen!
Good Hub mark, I have always sworn by the Toshiba Qosmio Range. But I do like the beauty of the Macbook's.
I'm a Mac girl and always will be. I switched because of my Photography in the beginning. Needed the better graphics and better compatibility with Adobe programs. Now the longevity and ability to upgrade hardware when you need to is such a great thing. Not to mention they're much more user friendly!
I owned a dell laptop before that and after one year it started to have problems. I don't like dell at all now. Their battery life is terrible and given that I used my laptop as a desktop and didn't take it places it should have lasted a long time. But no!
Now I have my G5 at home which I purchased from an Apple film company rep. Great way to buy a computer!
Film companies order and buy computers for specific projects. They have them specially built with suped up custom specs. Sometimes though, the movie falls through and they don't take the computer. Because they pay a hefty deposit you can pick one up for the price of a regular computer. Other times they use them once and then send them back. My particular computer was used once by a composer who needed suped up hardware to write a symphony for the Vienna Orchestra. My computer has 6GB RAM and 2x400GB hard drives, top of the line graphics and audio cards and cost no more than an average computer. Needless to say it will last a long time!
Then I have my Macbook for travel. It's sturdy, able to be upgraded and works like a trooper.
And I also believe there's something fishy going on with all the PC viruses out there. Why would genius anarchist criminals only want to target PC's? Logically it doesn't make sense.
Another great hub Mark!
Thanks. I appreciate the comment. You heard the virus reality here first LOL
Very posh choice of yours, but very quality one!
No Vista, please(it stinks)...still XPpro or Apple Leopard
Best laptops :)
leopard all day long...
i am planning to buy a laptop but wondering if the specs affect me much. all i want to do is to do blogging, document editing and no games. i wonder if it would be wise to just get a normal spec toshiba or go for apple macbook... any advise?
The Asus is cheapest. Or a 2 year old macbook.
Hey, Mark. My new Inspiron 1720 was delivered to my door fully equipped for $785, less than a third the cost of a comparably equipped MacBook Pro. I bought it at the Dell Outlet store at a HUGE discount. And I am really diggin' Vista! It's virtually maintenance free, quite intuitive, and stocked with greate features. The Speech Recognition feature, for example, is really quite magical.
And FYI, I'm not running an anti-virus program at all, none needed. PCs don't have viruses, inappropriate Web sites are always a cause for concern. Don't forget about the Canada security conference, where the Mac fell like a stone in under two minutes after visiting a malicious Web site. As for e-mail, my Gmail account guards against SPAM and viruses like no other.
Hi Mark, I'm a retired person that likes to do photography, cards and shop. I would like a lap top with lots of memory and with internal web cam. If Vista is tricky I don't need that. what's your advice? Barbara
Toodles - I would stick with a mac :)
Mark, nice write-up and very informative summaries. I like your approach of laptops as a tool. Nice hub.
Thank you. They are for me anyway - although I would think they are a toy for many :)
Having worked in the commercial software industry, I can tell you that in addition to the criteria you've listed above, there is absolutely a "conspiracy" between the hardware and sofware companies to make old hardware obsolete ... We were given a prototype machine and told to design software that would "max it out".... which is not how we were taught to build software.... kids and third world programers have lost the art of building elegent software. Word processors used to run in 640K ... how much more do you really need? Add all the bells and whisltes you need and it's still less than a few dozen meg.
In the specifics, you're right. Anti-virus sofware is the least elegant most bloated software of all, and, in some cases the "cure" has become far worse than the disease.
Oh, I know. I have friends in the design world and their brief is usually' "Make it last as short a time span as possible that still gives the customer the illusion that it was good value" LOL
Mark, I have a question right now I have a Dell Inspiron 1501 and have had it about two years, it is getting slower and slower everyday, I am looking to buy a new one due to schooling, I will graduate one program this december and start a bachelors program right after that, what ever laptop I buy will have to last me at least until I am finished with the bachelors program which will be another 90 credit hours after I finish the program I am in now. I have looked and looked, I want the best for the money, I don't necessarily have to have all the bells and whistles but just want one the will boot fast, and give me the power to run several pages at the same time while doing research for papers and have lots of memory as i have to save a lot of stuff for school. I was thinking a Toshiba, for this with the 4 GB RAM and as much hard drive as I can get, I can afford approximately 800 dollars give or take but just want to make sure that I am getting one that will last and give me the perks I want. I don't have to have or even want to watch movies on it or have the videocam, if i want to talk to someone I will call them. But from what i have seen most of them come with the videocam already built in and you cannot get one without it now. But from what I am finding out the Toshiba is best for what I need to do. Just wanted your input on this. I was looking at the Acer Extensa but with what you said about the Toshiba lasting longer I think maybe that is the one I will go with. unless you say otherwise? Your opinion please?
Della - From what you have said, the Toshiba sounds right. Of all the makers, Toshiba and Sony are the most long lasting. Although the new laws regarding heavy metal content are certainly adversely affecting the life spans of all computers.
I generally prefer macs, but that might be a stretch on your budget. And my last macbook has just died after only 2.5 years, so......
Thanks Mark. This is a good hub. I too have a lappy but it is Dell's Inspiron 1525, unfortunately not in your list :(
I too have the same concept as yours, buy something that lasts after all these are some important tools. I wanted to go for a MacBook but my budget did not support so came down to Dell but no regrects. I am very satisfied with it. It is working really well.
Very informative Hub!
I liked your reviews except for a few flaws. I have never owned a Mac, but use one briefly on a daily basis at work. I am very interested in them and curious about them, but would want a cheap or even free hand-me-down first, to learn all I can about them, since I heard they are much different than your basic pc's. I wouldn't want to go out and spend $2500.00 on a brand new one, just to mess it up some way by not knowing anything about them. But from what I have heard from owners, Mac pcs are solid, so i agree with you there. However, I do not agree with your Sony choice. In order for a computer to be a top choice, it isn't just about the computer itself. it is also about the whole purchase process and also the Customer Support that you get while you are in warranty status. And of one of them sucks, then that makes the whole purchase a very negative one. I have had firsthand experience with Sony due to the fact that I own a Sony Vaio. three weeks after I purchased the Vaio, the display became defective. I sent it in to Sony for a repair or replacement. When they checked it, they asked for $700.00 from me because they said that there was water damage to the display, which violates the warranty. I was furious because at No time whatsoever had I ever spilled water on it. I disagreed with them, but theys till refused to fix it under warranty. So I requested it to bes ent back to me. had it not been for the very generous owner of the place that i had originally bought it from, i would have been out $1400.00, ad would have had a piece of crap to show for it. But they guy took it back with no problem and replaced it with another brand new one.. Then, within a few weeks, the batter got to where it wouldn't charge up. I again contacted Sony, who had at first said that yes they would send out a replacement extended battery and that it was covered under warranty. They asked me to fax to them my receipt just for their records. When i did, they contacted be again and this time said that they refuse to send the replacement batter out because they do not accept the kind or receipt ( A legitimate PayPal receipt because I had bought the computer online using PayPal). I contacted the escalations department, who got back with me a few days later. They still refused to honor the warranty with a battery replacement, and they were also extremely beligerant and rude. I have always purchased Sony products up to this point. I did some research, and found that Sony Corp. actually trains and teaches their tech support to give out false statements about computers and gadgets that have beens ent in for repair or replacement, and so their tech guys lie about the products and how they were damaged just to get out of honoring their warranties. A current friend who also works for Sony has revealed this horrible practice to me. After finding this out, them refusing to honor warranties and sending me out a replacement extended battery all makes sense. So from now on, I will Not buy another Sony product, nor any of my families or friends will either. I also go to places such as here and at speaker events and speak on this as well. I have made it my dedication and goal to hurt the business of Sony Corp. as much as I can, because of their fraudulent ways. They are a big company, and should know better than to adapt these deceitful practices. So far at least 300 of my family and friends have quit buying Sony products. But I know that this is just a damper in what needs to be done about Sony.
Well I wanted to give you mys tory in hopes that you will also see that a Sony computer purchase is in fact Not a good purchase afterall. And I hope that if you reread your comments here, you will edit out the Sony good report, and take them off of your top pick of purchases for computers list. Thanks for listening!
Hey Brian - thanks for the comment. I am coming to the conclusion that they are all as bad as each other - my own macbook died recently and I was told to get lost by apple. :(
I am saddened to see that no Dell laptop models made your list. I do love Dell, but I can agree that MacBook Pro is by far the greatest laptop ever made!!!
I am seriously considering the netbook there at the bottom? I've wanted a laptop but I just don't need it for anything other than checking up on things over the internet. I don't want the internet on my phone because I enjoy having a keyboard and mouse. I'm old school that way I guess. Thank you for all the food for thought!
I've never owned a MacBook, although I've been tempted a couple of times. Are they as good as people make out, and is the extra cost justified? - It's the cost that has stopped me from buying one in the past.
They were until this latest incarnation - I always considered them to be the best because they lasted so long. My last one died:
Knock on wood, so far my Fujitsu an Dell are going on 4 years and are still kicking. They're just slow...lol Got both off of ebay because I saved so much. My neighbor buys laptops off of ebay that are a few years old because he can get yesteryears power houses for around $400 and they're usually loaded out.
One...maybe I'll spring for a new one..lol
That is pretty good. I used to expect at least that long from a macbook - but they just don't seem to be making them the way they used to. Now I sound old lol
I am buying a laptop, Im a kid, so i told my dad and everytime i find a good looking laptop, my dad says i could get a better laptop. Could you help me find a good laptop? I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
Hi, again! I thought i would tell you that i was thinking of getting a ASUS Eee PC 1000HE 10-Inch Netbook, i haven't showed this one to my dad yet. Can you tell me the up and the downs of this laptop.
Great article. Your information make I feel not fail to buy my Toshiba Qosmio.
Hey!!! i finally decided my laptop!!! I want a toshiba laptop. I have looked at it for a while, and decided that it is perfect for me!!! I must say that i havent gotten it yet, but it really does seem perfect. If you want a toshiba then go to www.toshiba.com or www.toshibadirect.com they are perfect sites to look at.
I'm doing engineering in college, which labtop would you recomend buying?
Does that guy come on here any more??? I really want his opinion
Do you mean me? I don't recall you asking for an opinion. What did you want my opinion on exactly?
I would like your opinion on which labtop you would prefer for people majoring in engineering?
These were the best at the time I wrote this. What does your college suggest?
Yeah, Macs are pretty good especially when it comes to viruses and stuff. The vios however... I don't know bout that one. My brother used a vios that only lasted about 2 years and was a total piece of crap.
Myself, since I haven't much money to afford an apple, I went with a pc, dell but bought it with gamer upgrades and video editing capabilities etc... I have had mine for about 6 years now.
Though I have had my share of unwanted viruses it is easy to set it back to factory settings. So after than I learned to keep my important files on back up on an exterior hard drive.
Anyways, it hasn't failed me yet... when it does though, I am prolly gonna get a mac. :D
Hi Mark, nice hub on making choice laptop. Going for a Toshiba Qosmio soonest, I love that machine. Thanks.
@sandra - Yeah, I think they are all becoming the same. My last mac only lasted two years - I was pissed. I do have a 6 year old mac desktop which is fine. :(
@Andrew - thanks. Hope it lasts a decent length of time.
My college recomends a labtop that can opperate well with alot of programs such as CAD on it. We will also use windows alot. But otherwise they said it was our preference. I'm thinking Dell or HP but I don't really know anything about labtops.
Mark,
I am in the market for a new laptop. I am a amatuer photographer so I want a laptop that is going to hold up to the pictures and the editing software.. Do you have any suggestions?
I was a Mac virgin until about a month ago and I LOVE it!!! I'm still learning my way around it, but it is so smart, it practically knows what you want to do before you think of it! Half the fun of using it is discovering how it absolutely blows the doors off Windows (I was pretty fed up when I decided to finally go Mac). The only thing Apple really needs to work on is their customer service in their stores, because I walked into the Apple store, cash in hand and ready to buy the works when I COULD NOT GET WAITED ON! I ended up go to Fry's Electronics, where I was greeted within 2 minutes and they went to work on getting me what I wanted. Even found me a returned MacBook that was $150 less than what I would have paid at the Apple Store. The customer service at Fry's was excellent. Could have been a fluke, but I heard several POTENTIAL customers complaining at a class I took at the Apple store today about Apples lack of interest in the "older" customer and those w/out "appointments." Whoever heard of making an "appt." to spend money, anyway? What's that all about?? Great Hub, keep 'em coming.
First of all its a fantastic blog ..But you seem biased towards Macnitosh .. I suggest you try out Dell laptops ..According to me they have much better configurations for much lesser price ! No hard feelings . I always felt Macnitosh .. is a bit too overpriced ..
HI!!! I was thinking of getting a Apple...why do so many people like it so much? I dont get it. to me it is just one of many different brands.
We can say nowadays we are living in computer age. Due to this computer age it is very easy to see a computer in our surroundings. Laptop computers as you have defined therein are really very useful. As per my experience 'Faulty Parts' replacement is really a great issue. Keeping in view the situations in regard to repair problems, the make and type of laptop computers mentioned in your hub are quite unique.
Glad to read this nice article.Keep on writing...........Waiting for next one.....
which laptops are good for games ~?
I have owned 2 Toshiba laptops each only lasted 2 years, what a waste of monie, the 1st 1 Dec 2002 paid $3,000, the 2nd Dec 2007 crashed the first of Jan 2010 paid 1899 not including tax, 17inch screen, not becuase I do gaming ; so disappointed and can get no help from Toshiba because they said you should have spent 3 or 4 hundred more on a longer warranty, this is rediculous when you consider what the cost was for only 2 years
my laptop is the new design of hp compaq
How come not one Thinkpad was listed? They are known for their longevity and durability, much more so than the Vaios.
I have had my MacBook Pro for the last 2 years and 6 months and the only issue I once had was that the battery was not charging . as I have apple care I made the easy call (the one where you actually get a person in a few rings and they dont put you on hold1) and I had a new battery the next day . and then .. Monday morning I awoke and my MacBook didnt. . oh no . so I quickly removed the battery . tried that but nothing. . she wasnt waking up .. and so i called Apple .within minutes the tech told me to take it over to Apple. he made an appt for me at the genius bar .. and off I went. . and so they had to take my mac from me for a few days . .but as I have apple care, the processor went out . .but no fear for it was replaced within 3 days at no charge , ,and here I be . .happy as ever .. but I must say playing in the store .. I want a new one!!!
Anyway. . great Hub as always Mark:)
I have had Apple before starting with the MacPlus in 1986. I think I will get my first laptop soon to be an Apple
Thanks for this really informative hub. I do wonder about all these viruses as well and whether the computer companies make half of them!
watever
Mac is always the best, no doubt!
Hi! Useful info! My latest laptop is LG with a 4GB DDR and core2duo processor.
DDR and the processor info are the most important factors that determine a laptop's performance.
Could give this info for those computers that you recommend? -- Thanks
Hey mark, Just stumbled upon your site, It's really nice to see another likeminded person helping clients. i myself am a techie by trade, i've got a MacBook Air and a Sony Vaio both work really well,(the future might present an IPAD). I generally don't bother with the cheaper stuff, Like you said you get what you pay for. I respect your ethical approach to evaluate regardless of cost, After all if the machine keeps coming back on warranty we can't exactly call it reliable now, Can we?. I preach this everyday to my clients to make them understand. But , they keep buying Dell Cheapies. What are you gonna do. I shouldn't complain too much, Dell computer's make up about 97% of my onsite repairs. haha Take care mate, i'll be back soon. Great site, I really enjoyed myself here.
VAIO Z series stomps any Mac. Nice try, but it's not even close.
I tried to get the Macbook 'Pro', but couldn't find a 13" with ANY of these: RAID 0, a BlueRay player/burner, 1080p display, an i5 OR i7 processor, weight ANYWHERE near 3lbs (Macbook Pro is 4.5lbs. Yeesh. I like the Olympics, but not currently training to compete), ANY dedicated video memory (VAIO Z has 1GB dedicated), fingerprint reader, ExpressCard slot,
built in mobile broadband card, or GPS.
The Macbook Pro is really cool, but I have stuff to do. What does 'Pro' mean to an Apple person? I wouldn't try to use this thing for much more than my 10yr old daughter's school work, or perhaps looking good at Starbucks.
VAIO Z has all of the above. It's a long list. Pull your head out of your apple.
LOL - Not a Mac fan then?
I think Macs are cool. They're neat and a ton of fun to use, but just don't make any sense to me when I actually need to get work done, travel, etc..
There should probably be a 'Best Laptop Computers' article for productivity, functionality, portability focused users and another article for fun, sexy laptops.
I would like to have a Mac, but it's sort of like wanting a parrot. Cool idea, but tough to justify spending the money when you weigh the options.
ps- Sony support is terrible. Big win for the Macs in that area.
I have a Sony Vaio myself as well as an IPAD, and I phone.
Vaio is really cool and reliable, it more than does the job.
I am also an apple fan, Great stable Linux based operating system. for those of you wondering, what??
Apple uses the B.A.S.H (Bourne Again Shell) as it's CLI
Ever notice how Unix began with the BSH and then later introduced Linux and then Developed BSH into BASH.
How nice, of Apple to take a freely distributed piece of software (which is brilliantly stable) and charge the earth for it..huh
But it is true, The prices are a bit ridiculous. and there is no negotiation on the price.
I'm not quiet sure, how to feel about apple, But they do have good stable hardware, I question the ethics though.
Refurbished laptop computers are also a good idea on a tight budget. Nice article. Enjoyed reading it.
Almost forgot. I am a fan of Toshiba laptops. Why would you put Toshiba on 4th place :( Why would you do that to me? :)
Some good information. It is also amazing how fast the techology is advancing withe performance doubling every 18 months at the same price. But clearly this is swamped by new feature inclusion
MacBook Pro's really are the way to go! You will get at least a couple more years out of them than PCs, plus they are much more stable OS-wise...less need to stress about viruses messing up your system.
And just from a purely visual point of view - aesthetically Mac computers look a hell of a lot nicer on your desk or your lap! They just do! They're built strong and the attention to detail really shines through - the design is flawless.
I was always a PC user and swore I would never make the switch - perhaps it was just out of habit...but once I used my first Mac, I definitely won't go back!
I have worked around computers for 25 years if not longer. When given a choice, I will always choose a desktop. They don't overheat. They are much tougher than any notebook. A regular repair guy, such as me, can almost always fix one. The parts are readily available and reasonably priced. And the manufacturers are more reasonable when it comes things like warranty repair.
Laptops and notebooks have their place - and they are not substitutes for desktops. With the price of PCs being so low any more, you should have at least one of each.
When used appropriately and for appropriate applications, I have never had a problem with either my notebooks or even my new netbook. Realize that limitations do apply.
I wouldn't suggest Toshiba's... I've had problems with the battery life and have freqently had to replace the adapters...a major problem with the brand! Now at 3 years out it looks like I'm going to have to replace the entire unit! I'm definitely looking to another brand...will give Sony a shot...heavy sigh!
I'm so glad I read this!! I just bought a Macbook Pro, so this was very interesting!
Some of the best deals on laptops occur at refurbished laptop sites (eg, http://www.cheetahdeals.com/Refurbished_Laptops_s/ I know they're not as "sexy" as buying a new MacBook Air, say. But there's nothing sexy about being broke, either!
I stumbled across this while looking for a new laptop.. after the OS ate my old one. I was torn between a few different laptops (including mac)- I get the impression a Macbook is the way to go after reading this and price will decide which one of those as I'm spending no more than what I've got stashed.
Thanks for the article ..nice info
Just now I need a laptop but I couldn't make my mind that which one is good for me. By the way I'm from Bangladesh. Here Samsung is available. Is it good? Pls let me know. Thank you.
I got a Toshiba Satellite around the time you wrote this, and I'm happily typing away on it right now. I LOVE IT!!!! When I bought it, the battery life was only about 2 hours which I wasn't thrilled about, but 3 years later and it still lasts for about an hour and a half, which is great...it only lost 25% of it's juice! The two main issues I have with this laptop is that it overheats...85 degrees C and above, and nothing cools it down, and the monitor randomly flickers and gets static across it. It cal also freeze up a lot and get super slow for no reason, but then again I'm running Win7 with only 2GB DDR2 RAM and my processor is only 1.83 GHz. However, I'm super happy with it overall, especially given its age.
Unfortunately, what I think the best laptop is isn't made any longer. That would be the Compaq. And when I say Compaq, I mean Compaq...not the HP-run Compaq. I had a Compaq that I got for a great deal riiiiight when HP took them over so they were unloading all the 'old' stuff. That computer lasted me for 4 years, and if my hard drive had not become corrupted beyond repair, it would still be alive and kicking today. I'm actaully thinking of just giving up hope of recovering my files and wiping the drive just so I can use the laptop (boy do I miss XP!). Other than the hard drive, I didn't have a single issue with the machine. No overheating, no funky graphics issues, nothing! I can't attest to the battery life though...I used it when I was in high school, so it was always firmly rooted on my desk and plugged in.
Thanks so much for this information. I have been researching Vaios and Macs. I did fall in love with Mac's features, because it's what I'm looking for for schooling, however, I know I could get the same or similar features with a PC. The deciding factor I was really looking for was longevity. I'm definitely going to get me a MC207LL/A now. I think I can probably get one off of eBay for less than $600.
Most people who prefer PCs play a lot of games. I am a bit of a gamer. That said, do you find Macs to play games relatively well? I don't really intend my laptop to be used for gaming, but I don't doubt there will be times where I'd like to.
Hi Great articles.. I have a Packard Bell laptop which has now been going for 5 years. its a sod at times takes ages to load and shut down but in between that and freezes, goes well.(But now its only used for surfing and e.mails lol.. But now im after a imac...
I would like to steal from that pile $$$$$
Good article. I bought my college daughter an Acer Aspire 5738Z and yes, she mistreated it, she clam shut the screen with a large metal clip still inside. When she opened it, there were beautiful fractals on the LCD screen of the permanent kind. She then dropped it from a table top height when her friend accidentally kicked her power cable that yanked her notebook to the floor. The notebook looks like a war veteran, now retired on the desktop with a life-line, a LCD monitor is permanently attached to it. The cracker is still useful as ever. Recently, however, it was necessary to remove the dormant battery unit that had given up its spirit (juice). All this happened in the short life span of 18 months. I reserve verdict on Acer and my daughter.
I just bought a MacBook Pro and Im not looking back. I totally agree with this list, Macs are just better, they last longer, are a real pleasure to use, and aesthetically speaking they're gorgeous. Plus if you have an iPhone you're can sync with your laptop (I know you can sync with iTunes and exchange if you have a PC but the Mac App store has all sorts of Mac only nonsense for the iPhone). Oh, and so long as you're not a total n00b on the internet you shouldn't have to worry about viruses too much! :D
I used a my friends new Macbook Pro and My Vaio owns that POS.
I think you were paid for this because not in any of them did you mention the Acer and the acer's last longer then any computer you mentioned i know from experience don't let these people buy junk because you got a nice pay check to tell them they should!
I am information technology student,i just want an advice on what brand of laptops i should going to choose for a student like me.
Hi there. . .Great day to all participants of this forum. I just wanna ask you some concepts of the laptops that I am planning to buy.
Have you considered buying Dell laptops and at the same time Hewlett Packard Laptops?
software doesnt eat eat anything, a quick tweek and running as fast as new. macs dont last longer, that a poor comment. i have over 100 toshiba satellite 4200's here that would outlive your house. they all last as long as their cared for and used in correct conditions. as long as its not an n-vidia graphics chip
someone above made valid point. acer's relatively are decent if looked after. I am a laptop engineer and have been for many years. I personally use an ace myself for work, so speaks for itself.
I bought a sony vaio this past summer for $25. I had to put a new fan in it and replace the battery. I also put a cd/dvd burner in it. After doing a little research on the model, I found out that the laptop was made in September of 2003! I couldn't believe how well it works for it age. For a nine year old laptop, I am impressed by the Sony Vaio.
have to buy a latest dell model. plz suggest me models
Excellent article. I have had my Vaio for 5 years and it's finally starting to crap out lol. But I use it every day so I feel I've gotten my moneys worth. I would love a Mac of course, someday, when it's in my price range! :)
Great article. I have had my Toshiba satellite for 6+ yrs and used almost everyday for college and studying for CPA exam. Now they tell me it has a bad motherboard. Told myself (and probably jinxed myself) I'd buy a Mac next time around. However, bad timing; can't afford; replacing with another Toshiba.
i have bought my sony vaio.........
It is amazing to be have such a nice laptop
And with high core processor
So i gotcha my vaio
Are you........,,.
Be next
yping from a Dell Inspiron 4100 which is nearly 9 years...my sis's highschool lapop and now my college one. occasionally crashes bu aside works fair well. Main issues are mechanical-CD drive no longer works, usb for mouse no longer works, ouchpad is acing up, and one of my alphabe keys doesn' work, guess which? haha
i am confuse which one to buy hp g62 a13se or lenovo g560.
both are available for me in same price
sorry its lenovo b560
yeah! macbook 4 life bro, got me 12 yr old powermac g4 i still use evryday! its fast than my 4yrold pc!
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We still use a 7 year old ibook g4 with leopard. It works pretty well for its age. I use an early 2008 macbook and it still runs almost all of the latest software and OSX Lion. I expect to use it for another 2 years.
i just wanted to point out how could your macbook be 8 years old and this was a few years ago and to today the oldest one is 6 years old but other than than great article i love my macbook too.
IBM Thinkpad had to have made this list. They were the best in the 90s.
I am looking for a new laptop to buy so that i can use Microsoft word, powerpoint, exel. which one would be the best for me?
Iðunn 4 years ago
nice view of the various considerations prioritized~