Best brand in Laptop/Notebook computers?

Question

Actually, what's the difference between a laptop and a notebook computer?

I am going to buy a computer, but I have no idea which one is the best brand!
I have heard that the best are VAIO (Sony), Dell, HP and Toshiba.
But some say Toshiba is bad...

What do you think of Dell?

I am going to use it for college, so I'll need to use photoshop, and adobe illustrator!

And with time maybe other design softwares.

Also want one where I can hear my music, watch a movie and have wireless internet access

Answer 1

Dell is a great one and you can customize it to your own liking. It has a lot of memory and storage, and it runs very well and quick. If you ever have a problem, Dell is there 24/7 to answer any questions that you have. It has great warranties and a bunch of cool added features. It isup to you, but if you want cheap and great quality, you gotta get a dell!!

Answer 2

Laptop and notebook computer is the same thing. Computer companies started calling them 'notebooks' because 'laptop' gives the impression that you can use them on your lap. But they get too hot to use on your lap and your clothes can block the air intake for the ,fan and heatsink, so 'notebook' is a more usual term.

I have a low opinion of Dell, they're cheap, but not quality. They give good tech.support usually, but only if you are prepared to sit on the phone for a while trying to understand an Indian. I've heard so much bad things about Dell from other people and being a Dell user myself having had trouble with laptops and poor customer support service, I am not prepared to buy from Dell ever again. I've heard bad things about HP and Compaq laptops also. I've heard good things about Acer. But this is very subjective and varies from individual to individual, and what type of laptop model they have etc.

It's not so much the brand which is the issue - the important thing with laptops is aftersales service and warranty, because most laptops are only good for 2 years max, without some sort of parts replacement. Make sure you get that warranty.

Answer 3

First, there is no difference between a laptop and a notebook. Just different marketing terms.

Secondly, what will you be using the laptop for? That dictates alot of factors.

For general business use, nothing beats IBM/Lenovo.
For general personal use, a lower end Dell or Apple Macbook
For intensive graphics works, Apple Macbook Pro or a higher end Dell.

Vaios are a waste of money. Toshiba's overall quality has dropped off recently. HP/Compaq...eh, nothing great or bad to say about them. I don't recommend them, but wouldn't bash someone for getting one.

Dell or Apple are your best bets. Dell's tech support can be real hit or miss sometimes, but their build quality is generally much higher than other manufacturers.

Answer 4

A laptop and notebook are the same kind of computer.

As for Dell, dealing with them will make you insane with their 'Dell' ways. I still owe $1000 on a Dell which I bought 3 yrs ago and the motherboard is starting to fail. I just bought a Toshiba to replace it and so far I love it.

Don't buy anything at Circuit City though! They're business practices are awful. I bought a laptop and had to return it because it was defective (the Toshiba people told to return it!) and now I still owe Circuit City $300 on a computer I don't have for restocking fees! I bought my new laptop at Best Buy, much nicer and more knowledgeable people.

Answer 5

Dell is outstanding. Probably the single most important reason why is their customer service. You don't think much of this until something goes wrong. Well, my last laptop was a HP Pavilion. It lasted me less than two years. I've had to replace the hard disk and.. the keyboard doesn't work now... even replacing the keyboard, which set me back $50 bucks on ebay because HP did not stock them, did not fix the problem.

Needless to say, I do not recommend HP laptops.

Answer 6

Dell is okay, but they are kind of going by the way of Gateway...looking for profit more than customer service.

I would recommend an HP. I have an HP Pavilion, fully loaded and it only cost me $1100. Its not pretty to look at, but the wide screen is nice. Its just a really great, reliable workhorse. I'm on it constantly and have never had a problem. (Heck, I'm on it right now!)

Try to avoid a lot of the 'bells and whistles' on a laptop, they may sound fun and cool, but too many of them can slow the processor down and run down the batter too fast. Just stick with the absolute basics. I would also suggest going to CNET.Com. They have unbiased reviews of just about every laptop out there.

Answer 7

Toshiba!! You will hear good as well as bad comments about EVERY brand that is available. That doesn't mean one won't buy a laptop. From what I know, Toshiba laptops are strong and reliable. HP and Sony are also very good. I am not impressed with Dell.

Answer 8

Dell has a good reputation ... especially lately - their E1505 and E1705 series, cheap, reliable, good warranties :). Those are the ones most people on a tight budget go for. If you can pay a bit more - look for their XPS laptops. Those are more powerful.
Vaio - really small and lightweight. Never had one, but worked with one. A bit more expensive than Dells, but are good. Toshiba - wouldn't go for.
Try websites like pcmag.com and cnet.com for some review and top ranked laptops.
good luck :).

Answer 9

You really cant go wrong with any of the major brands anymore, Dell or Gateway will have many options to choose from and they all basically use the same generic parts, with good customer service and warranties, if you want high end get an Alienware.

Answer 10

Personally I like (and own) an HP. I have used Dell’s however and had not had any problems with them.