Buying a lap top - any suggestions?

My 5 year old Dell is dying. The antivirus program disappeared two nights ago and there are many other issues.

I am going to go shopping for a laptop this weekend. Any ideas or suggestions on what I should purchase?

I would get a Mac, of course! ;) They seem to last a lot longer than PC's.

http://bensbargains.net/

I would check out this site, they tend to have really great deals on computers and other things :)

I had to take a client's laptop to a laptop specialty place in Calgary. Because I get asked this question a lot, I asked my tech, Luc, what he recommended.

He said to get a Toshiba Targus. He said they aren't pretty, but they are built to last!
I would think a refurbished one would be ok too.

ETA: Perhaps you could look at just getting a new hard drive for your Dell and getting your files transferred over? Or get your OS (Windows or etc) reinstalled.

My next is a Mac! :) I would like to change it up a little this time around. I also own a Dell laptop and it's starting to fall apart - it's about the same age as yours.

Mac!:D

:) Well I am differant & Love my Toshibas.. I have two Tashibas & love them.. Both are Lap Desk Tops Satilite & Wireless..

I, too, am an advocate for Mac. :) I don't think I will ever go back to a PC.

I have a Mac and a PC. Way prefer the Mac.

Thanks for the responses so far. Toshiba seems to be a favorite among people I have talked to.

Never used a Mac. What is the difference and why do some people love them so much? I don't know if my old brain could figure out a new type of computer.

I like Macs, especially with the Boot Camp that enables one to run Mac os and Windows - but they are D*** expensive!!!

I can work Mac and Windows- but when I bought another netbook I bought a Dell again and it is fantastic.

In my experience with Macs vs. PC's.... Macs are GREAT for multimedia stuff, (photo and video editing, paintshop, photoshop ect) and are nicer looking, and more expensive that a PC. I have a Dell laptop, ,and although it does all the things I need/want, I still prefer a Mac.:)

Good luck with the new laptop, and let us know what you get!;)

Macs are an expensive PC, in my opinion.

Get the HP Pavilion dv7-1270us. Excellent laptop with great battery life.

I recently bought the HP Pavilion dv7-2019ca and I LOOOOOVE it. I don't know what the battery is like because so far I haven't used it (I keep it plugged in). I do suggest getting a fan for underneath the computer though... it really helps to keep it cool.

Unless its a hardware issue, could you backup your files and do a fresh OS install and restore your files?

For my usage Ild get an Acer, I dont need all the bells and wistles, and install XP pro on it.

If you need all the cow bells for multimedia, get the Mac. IF all you do is surf the web, basic office, email, and spread sheets the HP Pavilion looks real good.

Ive been looking at netbooks if my business ever gets off the ground, Ill dual boot with XP and Ubuntu until I can get certified for Win7.

I'm in lvoe with my little red Gateway. :love:

I've had it nearly a year and the only problem came from my stupidity of dropping it on the corner where the power supply comes in. I never needed to get it fixed because it fixed itself! :eek:

I have 23 pounds of cat sitting on it a LOT and nothing happens. I think it was the best bargain out there. Great price, red, solidly built, and powerful enough to do everything I've asked it to do so far.