Laptop question for the masses!

[genarti]

Do any of you have recommendations or anti-recommendations for laptop brands? I'm looking to buy a new computer, for the first time in a good while, and I'd love to hear if you have any words of wisdom to share.

Comments

[lil_1337]

My last computer was a Dell and I would not recommend the brand. They are popular because they're inexpensive not because they are good. Everyone I know who has had issues with them early on. The built in DVD drive on my old one died within 6 months. My new one is Lenovo which I like a lot, but have only had for a short time so I don't know how long lasting it will be.

I'm liking Windows 8 quite a bit, but if you don't want an OS that looks like a tablet it is not the one for you. However, finding systems with Windows 7 on them is not very easy these days. If you have the disc and some skills you might be able to install 7 on a new system if the hardware will take it.

I'd look for something with decent memory (6-8 gig) and a processor that is 2.5 or higher. If it has a video card with memory just for it that would be good too.

[pat_trick]

If you get a higher end Dell, like the Latitude line, and not the consumer line (Inspiron), you'll have a pretty solid laptop. Windows 8 is...odd, but they are releasing an 8.1 update that makes it look and feel a bit more like Windows 7. That said, you can still get laptops with Win 7 installed on them. I would recommend this one from Dell: http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/latitude-e6530/pd I've been using it at work for the past 3 years or so, and it's a solid workhorse.

Lenovo is probably the best, but you pay for that quality.

Stay the hell away from anything Sony.