Recommendations for new notebook.

[cowboydoc]

dekker,
Thanks for the recommendations. Yes I will be using voice recognition. Funny you mention that pointing device as that was figuring into my decision as well. I will definitely be going the cr-rw route. I've learned to use it and it is so easy to just burn a backup cd compared to the tape route. Each night whoever shuts down the office copies the days data. It takes about 5 minutes and they do it while they are closing up. I really like that route. I think I am going to go with the dell. I'd like to go the hp route because of price but you guys have me scared going that route. The last thing I need is downtime.

 

[ddl]

This post led to a lot of I like this or that. If you stay with IBM type of computers, they are basically the same as long as you stay away from the walmarts and best buy computers. What I suggest to do is look at all the programs that you are using and may want to use in the future. Note the RAM and HArd drive requires of these programs and double the amount for fast use and future use. Everything else seems to be unimpotant for everyone buys from the same companies, again this is with top line computers. The other thing is who can repair or provide service after you buy the computer. Sending it in the mail to repair seems to be self defeating. You have lots of choices.

Dan L

 

[rf33]

I hope that all of these posts are not causing information overload, but here is my .02. I like both the Dell and Sony laptops (I currently have a Sony VAIO). I have had several Dells, and I find them to be of the highest quality. I now have a Sony, simply because I liked the display better. I think that with the Dell, you would get better support though. With your taking the laptop to your office, you might want to look at one with an available docking station which makes it much easier to hook up all of your external devices. Good luck/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

rf33

/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

Well I decided on a Dell. John Miller sent me some info. and I just decided to get it. Thank you so much for all of your advice and help it was much appreciated.

Gratefully,

 

[glennmac]

MikePA,

Which Thinkpad do you have. On the IBM employees' purchase site, I am looking at 28% discounts on the T22 and A22m, both with PIII 1 gig engines. Can't quite figure out all the differences except for $400 more, the T22 has a 32gb hd (vs. 30gb), a 14.1" SXGA+ TFT screen (vs. XGA TFT--have no idea what these mean), an external floppy drive (vs. internal), and 5.6 lbs. (vs. 6.4). The Ultrabay options and other options seem the same. There must be something else I am missing.

 

[MikePA]

I have an a20m. The items you mention account for the $400 difference. Better screen (SXGA+ vs XGA), internal floppy and lighter equal more $.

 

[HarveyM]

I have used Mac laptops and IBM, NEC and Toshiba laptops. Other than liking the Mac OS, I will take IBM over the others. The hardware always seemed to hold up better for me and be a little more consistent in hours up versus maintenance. The biggest thing for me though is that I like the nubbin as a mouse replacement better than the thumb pads. Many people seem to prefer the opposite. FYI, I don't believe Nubbin is the correct term.

 

[JJT]

My vote - go with Dell. We switched from IBM to Dell about a year ago and our laptop support costs have decreased dramatically. The IBM Thinkpads were nicknamed "Stinkpads" due to their reliability issues.