Buying a Laptop--advice?

[Joe Henderson]

Hey guys,

My laptop's crapping out on me, and I need to get a new one. What's the best bet nowadays? My only requirement is a 17 inch screen, since I use it as my personal computer.

I see some great deals from Dell--how good are they now? Is there a brand that stands tall above others? And no, I'm not getting a Mac.

I promise this is the last tech question thread I'll have for awhile. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: This is what I'm looking at, costing a little over a grand with the deal:

Spoiler:

Inspiron 1720
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5750 (2.0GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)

Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition

LCD Panel
High Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920 x 1200)

Optical Drive
CD / DVD writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)

MEMORY
3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz

Hard Drive
Size: 320GB3 SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)

Video Card
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8400M GS

Sound Card
High Definition Audio 2.0

Wireless Networking Cards
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini Card

Yr In-Home Service,5 Parts + Labor,24x7 Phone Support

[TV Zombie]

Whatever you decide check www.techbargains.com for an online coupon I think Dell has an Inspiron coupon for 20% to 30% off sometimes.

I just bought a dell XPS systemabout 5 days ago (I just got shipping confirmation today so it's on its way). Long story short I too was pricing a decent Inspiron model but decided to call the Dell Sales Rep to see if she can get me a better deal. And she did:

$1,259

XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB 2M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for XPS M1530
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
160G 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive Free Fall Sensor
8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPSM1530
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Intell Wireless "N" Series Mini Card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery, for XPS M1530
Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
15.4 inch Black Wide Screen WXGA TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MP Camera for XPS M1530

[GelfXIII]

And no, I'm not getting a Mac.

Yes, but have you considered

Spoiler:

?

[costello]

I've had HORRIBLE experiences with Sony VIOS laptops. My computer tech at where I work has had similar experiences as well.

[Joe Henderson]

Whatever you decide check www.techbargains.com for an online coupon I think Dell has an Inspiron coupon for 20% to 30% off sometimes.

I just bought a dell XPS systemabout 5 days ago (I just got shipping confirmation today so it's on its way). Long story short I too was pricing a decent Inspiron model but decided to call the Dell Sales Rep to see if she can get me a better deal. And she did:

$1,259

XPS M1530, Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB 2M L2 Cache)
4GB, DDR2, 667MHz 2 Dimm, for XPS M1530
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
160G 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive Free Fall Sensor
8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive for XPSM1530
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy
Intell Wireless "N" Series Mini Card
56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion P Primary Battery, for XPS M1530
Dell Wirless 355 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR)
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530
15.4 inch Black Wide Screen WXGA TrueLife LCD with 2.0 MP Camera for XPS M1530

Sweet, I'm going to give them a call and see what I can get. Thanks!

[Whip]

Don't get Sony. Toshiba is good -- fiance and future mother-in-law have them and they seem to work really well. And they're affordable.

[Patton]

Jeez, new TV and new laptop huh? What's your address again?

Bump because I'm thinking of getting a new one soon too so I want any info I can get.

[Princesa]

I will be getting a new laptop myself before the end of summer how are those Macs?

[mike black]

Dell is hand down the best big name computer company around right now. That's not even including their support (which is top tier).

[Jason California]

Dell is hand down the best big name computer company around right now. That's not even including their support (which is top tier).

I have had the exact opposite experience.