17" Laptops - who makes the best ones?

[metta]

So I'm looking for a new laptop with a 17" screen. It is what I normally get being that I do work on them all of the time. I'm probably going to go with the vista (eekkk) operating system just because they are easier to find with the latest stuff on them. I'm hoping that I will not have any troubles with it working with my current wireless network. I'm going to upgrade to n soon.

I found that I could get a Dell laptop with xp but it would end up being around $3k. So the ones with vista end up being so much cheaper. I don't want to waste money but I also would like some of the lastest suff.

I don't want to get another Toshiba. I have already had 2 laptops (one tablet and one 17" screen whose harddrives have both failed. I realize it is probably a coincidence but I just would rather not. Also the keys on the keyboard always sticked.

I had a HP laptop previously as well and that thing always got so hot. I have heard that they fixed that problem but the problem that I had with my hp is the plug to plug the power cord into the computer always wore out and it was attached to the motherboard, which I don't like to have the techs mess around with.

So I'm also looking at the gateways. They look kind os snazzy...

Maybe something like this:
http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529667905.php

Which companies do you think make the best most reliable 17" laptops?

I'm pretty hard on my laptops because I do a lot of work on them. Thanks!

 

[metta]

Thanks, but my business runs on PC's. I don't want to run into unncessary problems with programs and files being used on the network.

I did notice that I can customize an HP laptop with everything that I want, except XP, for around $1800. That is a pretty big savings to not use XP.

 

[swerve]

Metta...

I'm in the SAME boat...

I have a 3 year old Dell that is starting to give me PROBLEMS...

Several ALL at the same time...

I agree with Comet about the Macbook Pro -- BUT -- I don't think they're worth 2 1/2 times the price of a PC...

So...

I have it narrowed down (for me) between the Sony and the HP...

Maybe I'll just spend the extra $$$ on the Macbook -- that way we'll only be ONE computer away from a TOTALLY MAC business...

Can't make up my mind either...

 

[metta]

Wait, I'm a bit confused here. It runs on PC's, but they don't use XP? You can run Mac OS and Windows XP on MacBook Pro's very easily. That's how powerful they are. Before you rule them out, I'd suggest taking a glance at one. Couldn't hurt eh?

Most of the new notebooks/laptops are vista now. I spent quite a bit of money last year on buying new computers and this laptop needs to work well with the other ones. My current laptop, I think that I'm going to get a new harddrive for it after I get the new computer. That way I will have an extra.

Metta...

I'm in the SAME boat...

I have a 3 year old Dell that is starting to give me PROBLEMS...

Several ALL at the same time...

I agree with Comet about the Macbook Pro -- BUT -- I don't think they're worth 2 1/2 times the price of a PC...

So...

I have it narrowed down (for me) between the Sony and the HP...

Maybe I'll just spend the extra $$$ on the Macbook -- that way we'll only be ONE computer away from a TOTALLY MAC business...

Can't make up my mind either...

HP had a coupon for $500 off...dang it...it was limited to a limited number of customers...

I will probably get it anyways. Here is what I'm looking at for around $2k including tax:

HP Pavilion dv9700t customizable Notebook PC
GT811AV

• – Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
• – Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T9300 (2.50 GHz, 6 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
• – 17.0" WXGA+ High-Definition Ultra HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1440 x 900)
• – 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
• – 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
• – FREE Upgrade to HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone!!
• – FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and BluetoothTM!!
• – 50% OFF 320GB 5400RPM SATA Dual Hard Drive (160GB x 2)!!
• – LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
• – No TV Tuner w/remote control
• – High Capacity 8 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
• – System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Business (32-bit)
• – Microsoft(R) Office Basic 2007
• – HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

That is a better deal than the Gateway's that just came out.
http://www.gateway.com/systems/series/529598006.php

I have an old Fujitsu that just keeps going but the new ones don't have very much in them and they are not customizable.

I just wish that I could find a coupon that would work with it.

 

[_AJ_]

If you dont care what it looks like go lenovo

if you do like me either Sony vaio
on second thought get this
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665291455

 

[metta]

Dell - Toshiba - Lenovo

I've had my issues with various laptop manufacturers but when they're weighed up those three still come out on top for me.

I'm not familiar with Lenovo. I looked at their web site but did not see any 17" laptops.

I would prefer a high end laptop without the high price just because I use it for business and I hate it when they slow me down. I don't do gaming so the entertainment stuff does not matter to me.

I looked at Dell and the one that I want would come to over $3k. I would rather not spend that much if i don't need to. The HP's are already running more than $1k less for similar features and that is without the discounts that I'm waiting for.

I have heard that the midrange Gateways can sometimes get a 15 to 20% discount when calling in the order. I really like the look of the gateways but the HP's still seem to be a little cheaper for the same things.

I want to pass on Toshiba's this time just because I have had 2 laptops where the harddrives have gone bad. And the keys stuck from the very beginning.

I'm hoping that HP will come out with some new coupons. They have been offering some very good deals on customized laptops but they only offer the deals in limited quantities and they go quickly.

 

[swerve]

That Gateway that Jav1231 mentioned was only $1699 at www.bestbuy.com

And -- it had 3 GB RAM...

Looked pretty sharp with GOOD reviews...

 

[kallipolis]

Four and half years ago I bought the cheapest, simplest laptop that I could find on my local Greek market.

My Acer Aspire 1353LM has given me no problems (I repeat, none), and provides for all my needs.

When I replace my current model, I shall once again buy from the Acer range.

 

[Atomw7]

I would suggest Dell, only because I have great experience with them. Be sure to get the full warranty (and accidental!), you won't regret it. If something breaks, the next day a technician comes out and fixes it. If they try to tell you that you need to send it to their factory don't take that BS. Tell them you conduct business on it and are going out of town for a few weeks in a few days, they'll bend the rules.

 

[thermodynamics]

Since Lenovo (my all-time favorite) doesn't make anything that honkingly huge (17"), I would stick with a Dell myself.

 

[_AJ_]

Metta, darling... please, PLEASE do us all a favor and don't get an HP. You will be sorely disappointed with it. I'm not exaggerating when I say this, but EVERY person I know that has an HP computer hates it, and they have more problems than any other computer I've ever seen. This goes for both the laptops AND the desktops. I don't know what it is about HP's, but I honestly cannot give you a good recommendation about any of their products. Even their printer/fax/scanner/copier machine that I had at one point failed on me after 6 months. I will NEVER own another HP product again, and neither will any of my friends that have their computers. I'm sorry to be so damn negative, but this is an honest statement, and I'm just trying to warn you about my experiences and my friends' experiences. I wasn't joking either, I can't tell you a single person that has had a good experience.

If you really want a good product, the best laptops (PC's) I've had experiences with are Sony VAIOs. I have one, and it's been very reliable, with the exception of trying to install Vista, which was the software problem. Of course, I solved that by getting the MacBook Pro, and I'll never go back. I hope this post has somewhat helped you.

user error perhaps?

Just saying

 

[metta]

Thank you for the advice everyone!

Ok, I finally ordered a new one. I was waiting for a really good deal but I don't want to wait any more. I did mange to save over $400...at least that is what it said when I put it together. Here is what I ordered:

Description

Inspiron 1720

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Inspiron 1720
Qty 1
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache),
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition

Catalog Number: 29 DNDWMA3
Module Description
Inspiron 1720Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Operating SystemGenuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
System Color Spring Green
MEMORY3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHzLCD
PanelHigh Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920 x 1200)
Video Card256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M
GTHard DriveSize: 320GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Network CardIntegrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe SoftwareAdobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
Optical DriveBlu-ray Disc Combo (DVD+/-RW + BD-ROM)
Sound CardHigh Definition Audio 2.0
Wireless Networking CardsIntel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-Card
CameraIntegrated 2.0 Megapixel Webcam
Microsoft® Office Small Business 2007-includes Publisher + Outlook2007
Anti-Virus/ Security suite (pre-install)Trend Micro Internet Security 15-months
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
Warranty & Service 1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor,24x7 Phone Support
Inspiron 1720
Bluetooth and Wireless USB
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
Recycling Kit and Plant a Tree for Me
Dell Digital Entertainment
No Entertainment software pre-installed
DOMS Camera Mod
Premium Metallic Green with Soft Touch LCD back color w/ 2.0M pixel Camera
Processor Branding
Intel Centrino Core Duo Processor
LabelsWindows Vista™ Premium
DataSafe Online Backup Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr

 

[corvuspirit]

I've had my Toshiba Qosmio for several years now, and have never had a problem since buying it. The keys have never stuck for me, and I hardly keep it clean. But as you know, they are big $$.

 

[andysayshi]

Hey, I'm an Apple fan, but you bought a damn slick machine for the money - there's not a bad spec in that whole list. Enjoy it!!! I'm sure it will do a great job.

I strongly recommend purchasing extended warranties for ALL portable computers, regardless of the manufacturer. If it's not too late, I'd look into your options.

 

[metta]

Well, I have had problems with this laptop from the beinning. They have replaced the harddrive 3 times and the motherboard. And now the harddrive failed again. They are sending the 4th one. They keep sending new ones. I have no idea why they keep failing. I'm guessing that it might have something to do with internet explorer because each time, it is internet explorer that freezes up a couple times just before the harddrive fails. I realize that internet explorer is a software issue and not a hardware issue, but I still wonder if it is possible for a software problem to cause a hardware problem.

The Dell tech support does the same thing each time. They have me run the diagnostics, then determine that the harddrive failed, and then send me a new one. I want to know why the things keep failing.

 

[gewhite3]

I have an HP DV9000t with Windows Vista Home Premium. Bought it over a year ago with XP and received the free Vista upgrade when it was released. Haven't had any problems, upgrade to Vista was a breeze, no driver issues at all and I love it. For the price the performance is really nice. I bought it because I don't have room for a desktop PC but I am extremely pleased with it.

I love the feather touch controls across the top of the keyboard. One quick swipe of the fiinger and it starts up.

As far as Vista..... LOVE IT!!!! Most stable MS Operating System ever with nice features.