Notebook Owners, input needed. Down to the proverbial wire between Dell, HP, and Mac.?

Question

Ok here's the scoop. I have researched and read and priced a new laptop to death. I have read all the reviews, tested the laptops in store, and asked tons of people. Here is what I have it narrowed down to, and help is appreciated.

Both systems are 1GB RAM, 80GB HD, plus larger Lithium-Ion battery instead of standard 6cell. CD/DVD drives, Wireless card, 14.1'' fancy screen, usual bells and whistles.

Dell is Intel® Core™ Duo T2050 (1.60GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 533 MHz FSB),
Total price with above listed features. 710$ plus tax.

HP is Mobile AMD Sempron(TM) 3500+ or the Athlon Mk 36
Total price with above listed features $720/ $740.

I only am using a new system for business travel, so mainly for music, DVDs and internet. I am not a gamer, and dont particularly care about the Vista upgrade. My main concerns are price and reliability.

I am also considering a refurb MacBook, with the 1.8gb Core Duo.
Its 799$

Thoughts, advice and opinions are most appreciated.

Thanks!

Sorry other processor option for the HP is the Turion 64 Mk 36.

Answer 1

I would go with the mac. System Stability and much better Hardware will last longer especially in transit.

Answer 2

well i would start with the idea of the Mac i would never buy any mac hardware since over priced and the operating system is just to nasty.

ok done to the other laptops both good choices, i would only advise getting the T2050 if your going to be running serious applications, that will use both cores, eg like video editting and copying a dvd.

so if you go with the AMD this will devote all cpu time to 1 mutli small applcations and will work just as fast, as the T2050.

so for your usage i would recommend the AMD laptop since if your not gaming you dont need the 2 cores.

Answer 3

I have an Acer and it sucks. Everyone I know that has any PC has had a million problems, just like me. But everyone I know that has had a Mac thinks they are the best thing in the world! I am seriously considering purchasing one for my next computer. I know it seems like a big change, but I heard you can even get a Windows operating system now becuase in 2007 they are making them with the Intel processors so it will be compatible. That will make the transition much easier I think. p.s. Dell has been very vell known for their customer service, but I have heard that it is not nearly as good as it used to be, I guess since they have become so popular now.

Answer 4

hp why? they have one of da best recovery restore cd's set up not only that there is a recover partition on da hard drive as well you set up ur recovery cds. and your be fine if you ever need to do a recovery with them cds all you do is pop in da cd and click on start recovery then sit back and watch everything is set back up for you all software/drivers/ windows os . all done with in 3 hours everything back and there pc's you have 1 or 2 gb ram and a good 500 gb hard drive your pc will fast . for gaming / + you get microsoft works / word in da manufacturers software set up and you have your recvery cds your not going to have any loss of manufacturers software or windows os if you do buy a hp- pc make sure you ask for 1 or 2 gb ram and a 500 gb hard drive .ATI video card *AMD* duak core processor . this way your have a verry good pc . but if you are going to by hp -pc hold back to vista comes out . as hp-computers will install vista on to there pcs so dont buy now hold back . your see hp- computers will be verry fast off to install windows vista on there pcs so hold back on da buying of a pc . hp- are verry fast to get there pcs out and they will have vista on them keep checking there website hold on to your cash for now