If you had to use another brand of computer what would it be

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mattbiernat · #31 Post by **mattbiernat** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 7:29 am

how much did it cost to get a court order against dell?

ryan1212 · #32 Post by **ryan1212** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 1:32 pm

I was given an HP elitebook 6930p at work, and I switched to a desktop instead of using it. The trackpoint implementation was awful, and the keyboard just felt cheap. My favorite was this flimsy little light that popped out of the top trying to be a thinklight....

It was fairly sturdy for a wanna be thinkpad though, except the screen had a ton of flex. On thinkpads if you wiggle the screen the colors do not distort.

I recently did a comparison of HP, Lenovo, Dell and Sony business and consumer level machines. I priced up 14" Models only, and to my surprise the T400 came out cheaper than all of the others once adding a P8000 series processor, dedicated graphics and a WXGA+ Screen (some models did not even offer saddly)

pianowizard · #33 Post by **pianowizard** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 4:41 pm

ryan1212 wrote:I priced up 14" Models only, and to my surprise the T400 came out cheaper than all of the others once adding a P8000 series processor, dedicated graphics and a WXGA+ Screen (some models did not even offer saddly)

Dell's Inspiron 14 and Studio 14z offer 1600x900, higher than the WXGA+ (1440x900). For people who don't need an internal optical drive, the Studio 14z with 1600x900 seems quite appealing. The Inspiron 14 does have an optical drive, but it's about a pound heavier than the Studio 14z.

To answer this thread's question, I would say Dell, especially the Vostro and Studio lines which I actually like more than any of the current Thinkpads. The Latitude line seems to have been getting rather poor reviews lately, and most of its models are a bit beyond my budget anyway. Sony and Panasonic are both way too pricey. Apple's new 17" Macbook Pro is awesome hardware-wise but I don't want to switch to the Mac OS. HP/Compaq's consumer laptops have awful touchpads (IMHO) wheras their business laptops tend to be too bulky and heavy and overpriced, although I would LOVE to get the newly released HP Mini 5101 netbook with 1366x768 resolution. Not familiar with Toshiba, Acer, Gateway, non-Thinkpad Lenovo, etc.

EDIT: I just remembered that I had owned three Toshiba laptops several years back, including a 2.38-lb Portege R100 which I liked. But I know virtually nothing about the current Toshibas.

#34 Post by **dr_st** » Mon Aug 10, 2009 10:16 pm

I think the tendency of people to give poor reviews to the Latitudes is caused by the same thing that causes them to give poor reviews to Thinkpads - higher expectations. I still rate Latitudes higher than consumer brands. Vostro are nice, but no trackpoint and no docking station support makes them incomparable to a true business laptop in my book. Studios look pretty and have nice hardware and features, but tend to run hot and have annoying glossy screens (again lacking business laptop features).

1600x900 on 14" is quite nice though, that's one screen size where 16:9 actually brings some benefit, so it seems.

tannerj · #35 Post by **tannerj** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:36 pm

Consumer class laptops... I'd probably go with a Dell Studio. Out of what I've seen, they're the least guilty of glossing the hell out of the machine.

Business class.. I would probably look first to the Latitudes. HP's business line feels about as cheap and flimsy as their consumer line does.

Although realistically, the only scenario in which I would go with another brand is in the event of my Thinkpad having a catastrophic failure, and needing a cheap laptop fast. Thinkpads aren't exactly abundant on sales floors.. or cheap for that matter.

visionviper · #36 Post by **visionviper** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 12:43 am

There isn't really a particular brand I would pick, but I do have a list of brands that I wouldn't pick. I would get an ultraportable that isn't from Dell, HP or Apple (I don't think Toshiba has one, but go ahead and add them to the list).

pianowizard · #37 Post by **pianowizard** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:26 am

visionviper wrote:I would get an ultraportable that isn't from Dell, HP or Apple

Is there something wrong with the Dell Latitude E4200? The only thing "wrong" that I'm aware of is that it's ultra expensive, but other than that it's a very tempting 2.2-lb ultraportable. And what don't you like about the HP nc2400/2500 series? I had the nc2400, which trumped all of the two-digit X-series Thinkpads (i.e. X2* through X6*) IMO.

visionviper wrote:(I don't think Toshiba has one, but go ahead and add them to the list).

Of course they do! It's the 1.72-lb Portege R500, the lightest laptop ever made. It's also lighter than the vast majority of netbooks.

visionviper · #38 Post by **visionviper** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 3:11 pm

pianowizard wrote:Is there something wrong with the Dell Latitude E4200? The only thing "wrong" that I'm aware of is that it's ultra expensive, but other than that it's a very tempting 2.2-lb ultraportable. And what don't you like about the HP nc2400/2500 series? I had the nc2400, which trumped all of the two-digit X-series Thinkpads (i.e. X2* through X6*) IMO.

Of course they do! It's the 1.72-lb Portege R500, the lightest laptop ever made. It's also lighter than the vast majority of netbooks.

Without considering cost let me explain my choices:
Apple: I hate their case design, do not like that they use metal (for case) and I do not like that they have been having reliability/build problems as of late.
Dell: Do not like case design, never quite seem to have the features I want in the package I am looking for.
HP: I think their laptops look ugly, do not like that they use some sort of glossy plastic.
Toshiba: As far as I can tell - very poor tech support for their laptops. I don't dislike their case design but I don't like it either. I would probably pick them if I felt confident that tech support would be painless.

If I had to pick a company right now I am not sure I could. Maybe after the next new range of laptops come out...

portsample · #39 Post by **portsample** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 2:51 pm

An SGI...

http://www.jumboprawn.net/jesse/projs/laptop.html

#40 Post by **KristianJ** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 10:25 pm

I'm on the lookout for a new laptop right now...for the first time my main machine will be purchased brand new. Basically my options at the moment are a Dell Studio 15 and Studio XPS 16 (both configurable via Dell, of course), and probably one of the upper spec 16 inch HP Pavilion dv6. The online reviews seem pretty good on the Studio XPS 16 in terms of build quality, and it would appear that they have full HD screens as standard. I had a good look at one last week and the screen was quite good...not as crisp from wide angles as a Flexview, but definitely very acceptable for my needs.

#41 Post by **dr_st** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 11:42 pm

The Studio XPS (both 13 and 16) are known to run quite hot though.

Does the DV6 have models with FullHD screens?

#42 Post by **KristianJ** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 9:42 pm

dr_st wrote:The Studio XPS (both 13 and 16) are known to run quite hot though.

Does the DV6 have models with FullHD screens?

The ones I was looking at had 1600 x 900 - so not quite ideal, but I think I would be able to manage, and consider buying an external Full HD monitor if I felt that more real estate was necessary. My nw8240 ran quite hot as well, and I have a cooling fan pad with built in USB 2.0 port that I'd most likely be using to help dissipate the heat somewhat. The build quality seems better on the XPS model than the regular Studio, which is why I'm probably favouring the XPS 16 over the Studio 15.

But I'm still looking at the moment...no real rush to shell out $$ yet.

#43 Post by **KristianJ** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:32 am

Well, I ended up shelling out my money for a HP Pavilion dv7t (as it's referred to in the US). I was given an extended 3 year warranty for free, which was a nice bonus (no way would I settle for the standard 1 year) Specs are in my signature, and Windows Experience scores are as follows:

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P7550 @ 2.26GHz 5.2
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.9
Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4530 4.7
Gaming graphics 1774 MB Total available graphics memory 5.0
Primary hard disk 303GB Free (455GB Total) 5.8

It's definitely a step up in terms of size, having a 17.3" 1600x900 display, which is quite bright at its highest brightness levels. Wide angle viewing is acceptable, however there is a marked decline in viewing quality from a higher angle. It is a glossy screen, but there is little reflective effect at a normal viewing angle. Although I initially preferred full HD, there's enough onscreen real estate for me not to need an external monitor quite yet.

Weight is 7.6 lb according to most reviews I've read - it doesn't feel too weighty in my backpack, however due to the glossiness, carrying it closed in my hands requires a little more delicate care. I don't care too much for the artsy accents on the left palmrest and lid, but overall it looks quite...well, nice.

The keyboard is quite good for a consumer notebook - doesn't really compare to the NMB, but has good tactile response. The number pad will be handy when I don't use my external keyboard. Touchpad is okay, and could possibly do with a bit more refinement. The touch sensitive volume and wireless controls (which I was introduced to on the nc2400) and entertainment controls (play/pause, stop, forward, back) work well. Small amount of fan noise at intermittent times, but I'm pleased that it doesn't run anywhere near as warm as the nw8240 did.

I look forward to installing Windows 7 on this machine - programs seem to load quite responsively on Vista, even though it is bogged down with a fair amount of bloatware. I'm still working through the services and seeing what can be safely stopped so that the notebook can run well with less background processes.

For a notebook that is aimed at being a music and video/DVD hub, I think it is designed very well. It doesn't quite live up to the nc2400 and nw8240 that preceded it, but it will be very usable nevertheless.

#44 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:49 am

What is a TPF moderator doing without a TP?

#45 Post by **schen** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 2:10 pm

I would love to use a Mac, but just can't get myself to use that instrument of the devil (touchpad).

So I guess, I'd have to use either an HP or Dell of some sort that had a lesser TrackPoint!

#46 Post by **KristianJ** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:46 pm

RealBlackStuff wrote:What is a TPF moderator doing without a TP?

I still have the T42p...it's just not my "daily driver"

ajkula66 · #47 Post by **ajkula66** » Fri Oct 16, 2009 11:58 pm

How does it feel to go from 1600x1200 on a 15" LCD to 1600x900 on a 17.3" ?

#48 Post by **KristianJ** » Sat Oct 17, 2009 5:24 am

George, I thought it'd be more difficult to adjust to less pixels per inch than it has been. The main area where I've really noticed the difference would be in internet browsing, and the simple fact that the pages I regularly visit require more vertical scrolling. Otherwise, when it comes to word processing, 3D architectural modelling, and the small amount of photo viewing and editing I'm doing these days, I haven't really felt any worse off.

I guess that my needs in a machine no longer demand as high a resolution as WUXGA or UXGA, but I knew that I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable with WXGA. 1600x900 seems to be a good compromise for my personal needs.

mattbiernat · #49 Post by **mattbiernat** » Mon Oct 26, 2009 9:13 pm

schen wrote: but just can't get myself to use that instrument of the devil (touchpad).

+1
on top of that i can't get used to non thinkpad keyboard.

asiafish · #50 Post by **asiafish** » Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:21 pm

I already do, an Apple MacBook Air.

My T400 was second string, mostly for gaming until Windows 7 came along and evened the playing field a bit. Now I just use each for the tasks they are better at, T400 for long haul travel (battery flexibility) and Air for daily grind travel (constant suspend/resume).

Just as Windows 7 allows me to finally consider Windows good enough, without ThinkPads Apples are more than adequate.

AIX · #51 Post by **AIX** » Wed Dec 09, 2009 5:28 am

Any brand!

as long as is a Thinkpad

mattbiernat · #52 Post by **mattbiernat** » Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:43 pm

I recently had a look at my friend's asus 17in. It actually had a better keyboard than my X300. no trackpoint but seemed quite sturdy. seems like other manufacturers had caught up with lenovo... or should i say lenovo caught up with other manufacturers?

Tõnis · #53 Post by **Tõnis** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 2:38 pm

My ThinkPad is the best compromise/blend between "ruggedization" and up-to-date, practical usability. If I couldn't have a ThinkPad, I would lean towards rugged and choose a Panasonic Toughbook.

rjenovai · #54 Post by **rjenovai** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 8:37 pm

In addition to my many thinkpads, I have a black macbook. It's nice. I like OSX and it's good for stuff I have to do with pictures and video. It's a good complement to my thinkpad. I just wish I could get one with a trackpoint

mattbiernat · #55 Post by **mattbiernat** » Sat Dec 19, 2009 9:48 pm

rjenovai wrote:In addition to my many thinkpads, I have a black macbook. It's nice. I like OSX and it's good for stuff I have to do with pictures and video. It's a good complement to my thinkpad. I just wish I could get one with a trackpoint

i would even consider buying one.

A31 · #56 Post by **A31** » Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:54 pm

...don't know!!! I've had lots of PC's before, HPs, IBMs, some really old one running 98SE!!! Hav eto say by far the IBM is the most powerful, most efficent yet...as for the laptops. Well I sourced some old write off laptops for spares for my Thinkpads (use hard drives, RAM etc), one of the two that I got was a Fujitsu, seemed quite nice...maybe use that? The hard drive which was in the Fujitsu, which was a 40Gb is now sitting produly in my A31!! The other was a HP...wasn't as nice as my IBMs and the Fujitsu. Currently own three IBMs (one PC, two laptops), but actually - I really don't know! Probably use a modern HP or Toshiba or something...still not as well made as my IBMs though!

asiafish · #57 Post by **asiafish** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 11:14 am

I already do, its called a MacBook Air. My primary machine (T400) is also being replaced by a MacBook Pro.

I like ThinkPad keyboards and TrackPoint better than Apple's keyboard and touchpad, but the new Apple keyboards are good enough, while the unibody enclosures are stunning and the display quality is simply on a whole other level to what Lenovo is selling these days.

pianowizard · #58 Post by **pianowizard** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 12:29 pm

asiafish wrote:the new Apple keyboards are good enough, while the unibody enclosures are stunning and the display quality is simply on a whole other level to what Lenovo is selling these days.

IMO, the 17" MacBook Pro with WUXGA is currently the most perfect laptop out there. If I liked the Mac OS and the Apple keyboard more, I would have bought one already. All the other laptops/netbooks I am considering are non-Thinkpads: Dell Vostro 1720, HP Mini 210 HD Edition, and Sony Vaio W121AX.

ThinkRob · #59 Post by **ThinkRob** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 1:37 pm

If I had to use a machine that wasn't a ThinkPad...

Hmmm...

I'd have to say I'd go with the ThinkPad Edge in that case.

More seriously, I'd have to see what was available at the time. Few manufacturers have as straightforward and consolidated a line as Lenovo does (with Apple being the notable exception), so my choice would ultimately decide on what was available for me to try out.

killer · #60 Post by **killer** » Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:33 pm

How many of us are familiar with MAC OS? I'll stand up and start an orderly queue and say I have never used it, know nothing about it, and might find it scary.

That said, it can't be difficult after a couple of days of playing around. Isn't that how we learnt to use Windows or Linux?

If the product is good then maybe it is an option?

However, I'd look at a T500 first.

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