I was asked by a few weeks ago what was the best laptop. I use to answer this question, "I don't know, it depends on your needs and desires". There isn't one great laptop for every person, just like there isn't one great car (or better yet pair of shoes) for every person. This time I was giddy! I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share how I would educate myself on this topic. So, the good news is there are an almost unlimited number of choices. I speculate most people that ask the question, “What is the best laptop?” are hoping the answer will at least narrow down their choices. So, I did the research to do just that. So, if you're looking for a laptop, read this
CNET laptop buying guide. Hopefully, my post causes the best laptop for you to stand out. If it doesn’t, then hopefully you' ll be guided to the resources to use to find the best one for you. Oh! one more thing I am not reviewing this technology, I’m just suggesting where to go shopping based on the consensus of some experts. For those of you that want to get into the details follow the links to the lists for reviews.
I visited four different sources for reviews: CNET, Wired, PC Magazine, and PC World. I compared CNET's top 10 list,
CNET’s editor's choice (funny the latter list, wasn't an inclusive subset of the first list),
Wired Test 2007,
PC Mag's Top Rated, and
PC World Top 10. And for pricing and actual availability I looked up each laptop at Amazon.com, ClearanceClub.com (a resaler which I bought my last Sony laptop from, yet this isn't a recommendation because while I had a good experience, a good friend of mine didn't), and the manufacturer. Below are the consensus based on recommendations by at least two of the sources, and available at either Amazon.com and/or the manufacturer.
| Apple MacBook/Pro
(CNET, Wired, PC Mag) | Dell XPS M1730
(CNET, PC Mag) | HP Pavilion dv6500t
(Wired, PC World) | HP Pavilion dv9500t
(CNET, PC Mag) | Lenovo ThinkPad R61
(Wired, PC Mag) | Sony VAIO VGN-FZ180E
(Wired, PC World) |
| Use | General | Gaming/Desktop Replacement | General | General/Desktop Replacement | General | General |
| Processor | 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo | 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo |
| Memory | 1GB | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB | 1GB | 2GB |
| Display | 13.3” | 17” | 15.4” | 17” | 14.1” | 15.4” |
| Hard Drive | 160GB | 120GB | 160GB | 160GB | 80GB | 200GB |
| Removable Disk Drive | DVD+/-RW(8x) | DVD +/-RW(8x) | DVD+/-RW(8x) | DVD+/-RW(8x) | CD-RW/DVD-ROM | 2x Blu-Ray Drive |
| OS | MacOSX Leopard | MS Windows Vista | MS Windows Vista | MS Windows Vista | MS Windows Vista | MS Windows Vista |
| Weight | 5.0 lbs | 10.6 lbs | 6.1 lbs | 7.7 lbs | 5.3 lbs | 5.75 lbs |
| Price | $1499 (Amazon) | $2399 (Dell) | $1500 (Amazon) | $1350 (Amazon) | $1180 (Amazon) | $1939 (Amazon) |
Mfr
Warranty | 90days(full)/1 yr(hardware) | 1 yr(full) | Check Mfr | Check Mfr | Check Mfr | Check Mfr |
| Extended Warranty (time/price) | 3 yr/$199.99 (Apple Care) | Customizable by Dell | Check Mfr | Check Mfr | Check Mfr | Check Mfr |
These laptops come in other configurations. The configurations I chose are in the middle range. You can get higher end features (like a faster processor or more memory) and lower end features (if you won’t to spend less). All the laptops have wireless, and the Apple and Sony are compatible with the latest wireless protocol 802.11n, which is backward compatible with all other wireless networks). The Apple, Lenovo, HP, and Sony have Bluetooth 2.0. The Dell has special technology for serious gamers to enhance the experience. That’s all I’ll say since I’m not a serious gamer. In general, I always like to get the latest tech features within my budget, so my laptop will need fewer upgrades over time. I also suggest you identify the peripherals you will be connecting either permanently like printers or scanners (you may want to get a docking station) or temporarily (you’ll need FireWire and/or USB ports), like digital cameras, mp3 players, or digital voice recorders.
There was only one other laptop that got recognized by two sources, yet I couldn't find anywhere to purchase the Alienware Area-51 m9750. I mention it because it has such a cool “if you're a sci-fi geek” name.
Finally, before you buy a laptop, try it on. Keyboards and touch pads come in different sizes, so they feel different. Make sure the laptop is comfortable, and easy for you to use.
Knowledge, the ultimate fashion accessory.
Happy New Year!!!
Go, Go Gadget Gurl!
. I have a couple of pics in iPhoto that I want to print and haven’t because it’s isn’t quick and easy. A few years back, I bought my Mom a Kodak EasyShare printer for her digital camera and she took to it like a pro. She loved taking photos with her Kodak digital camera, coming home printing them, and immediately framing them. She printed copies for everyone else too -- neighbors, family, and friends, anyone that would come over. I was always being surprised by who had a picture of me. It was like she got the ultimate school picture package! Oh! Am I dating myself?! They probably offer school picture packages on CD now. 
