US Side Laptop Sites?

El Moose Monstero · Post by **El Moose Monstero** » 2003-08-27 01:27pm

I'm going to demonstrate several things in this thread - the main one being my total lack of knowledge with regards to anything laptop based - so - the question:

Can anyone recommend a decent site for US laptops? They're a lot cheaper in the states, IIRC, so am going to get it over there. Am I best just going to suppliers like Compaq? Or is there a better place to get one?

Axis Kast · Post by **Axis Kast** » 2003-08-27 02:10pm

Rolls-Royce of Laptops. Alienware. Mercedez-Bens of Laptops. Apple.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-08-27 02:40pm

Some suggestions - Compaq's EVO line is well-built but as it is designed for business users it is somewhat pricey. IBM's ThinkPads are very well built and designed, but expensive.

Dell usually isn't that good, especially their Inspiron line. The Latitude ( for business) is much more sturdy.

Stay away from Sony and HP.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-08-27 02:41pm

Axis Kast wrote:Rolls-Royce of Laptops. Alienware. Mercedez-Bens of Laptops. Apple.

Bah. IBM makes the finest laptops on the market. Apple makes good ones too.

Alienware makes fast desktop replacements, but if you want to travel the things are very heavy.

Axis Kast · Post by **Axis Kast** » 2003-08-27 03:46pm

Desktop replacements says it all.

TrailerParkJawa · Post by **TrailerParkJawa** » 2003-08-27 06:54pm

Im firmly in the IBM camp. Durable, long lasting. Although Ive heard tech support has lagged in recent years, I have not experienced it. ( have not had to call them except for dead Hard Drives ).

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-08-27 08:46pm

Axis Kast wrote:Desktop replacements says it all.

Yes, but I actually bring my laptop around with me and I don't feel like breaking my shoulders lugging this huge monstrosity with me. IBM makes desktop replacements anyways (ThinkPad A-series) at higher quality than Alienware.

Axis Kast · Post by **Axis Kast** » 2003-08-27 09:20pm

Better quality as in more durable, or faster?

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-08-28 09:31am

Axis Kast wrote:Better quality as in more durable, or faster?

More durable, better overall design (for example - the ThinkPad keyboard is widely considered the best of the laptop ones and the TrackPoint is the best of breed). Support tends to be quite excellent as well and their parts last longer than the others.

It won't be as fast as an Alienware - though OTOH, Alienware doesn't actually design their own laptops. It's a generic OEM design that's customized for various companies.

El Moose Monstero · Post by **El Moose Monstero** » 2003-08-28 01:08pm

Ok, thanks people, we were looking at a compaq anyway - with the exchange rate the way it is, price isnt too much of a bother, so I've seen something from Compaq for about 900 dollars which looks pretty damn good - will probably get that - thanks for your help.

Axis Kast · Post by **Axis Kast** » 2003-08-28 01:14pm

Speed is key. Alienware also does cooling systems very well.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2003-08-29 09:42am

Axis Kast wrote:Speed is key. Alienware also does cooling systems very well.

If you want speed, save yourself a lot of money and purchase a desktop. Battery life, case construction and support should be key considerations when it comes to a laptop that one will tote around.

Alienware's cooling system is nothing special on their laptops, and all they offer is interestingly-painted designs. Their Area 51 weighs nearly ten pounds - their Sentia is more acceptable at 5.5 lbs, but for that price you might as well get a similar laptop from someone else.

I have never been impressed by Alienware's desktops or mobile solutions. Anything they do can be done at a much lower cost yourself.

Glocksman · Post by **Glocksman** » 2003-08-29 10:21am

I have never been impressed by Alienware's desktops or mobile solutions. Anything they do can be done at a much lower cost yourself.

As you said, Alienware doesn't actually manufacture anything themselves.

Tarting up a generic Chenming case and slapping an Asus or Gigabyte motherboard in it is something I could do myself for cheaper.

And as far as laptops are concerned, I think Clevo is the actual manufacturer of Alienware laptops.

Buy a laptop from another company who uses the same OEM and save some bucks.