Pragmatist
Pragmatist

Hells yeah, laptops are great! I've had my main one for three years or so and still use it everyday. I did buy a new one less than a year ago, but I never use it because I hate Vista. However, I've heard the new Service Pack fixed a lot of issues with it. Just haven't gotten around to downloading it.

I like Toshiba, in fact I have a couple that are about 15 years old with smashed cases that still boot right up. I also know of a newer Toshiba that survived hot soup being poured on it.

I would only specifically avoid HP/Compaq. When I was working at Office Depot we would see about 1 out of 5 have some very strange problems. Like serious demonic possession stuff.

I've never been a big fan of Dell either, they're pretty much the Wal Mart of computers-- cheap for a reason. They're also really shady with their selling tactics. So, expect to call them asking for their supposed $400 computer and end up paying a couple grand.

And don't buy anything you customize, just go down to Best Buy or wherever and get one off the shelf. You'll end up "customizing" the same thing for twice the price otherwise.

Also, a good bit of advice: People who are afraid of rebates are morons. At Office Depot, for instance, you'll see $200 rebates on a $700 computer. It's like free money.

And if you can't figure out how to fill out the rebate form then you shouldn't even get out of bed in the morning. Seriously, it's like your name, address, and the barcode from the box. It practically does itself.

Besides Toshiba, you might look at Apple unless you plan on doing any gaming. It's a myth that they're expensive and that there isn't any software for them. $700 will get you a damn good computer that will hold its value for a long time because Mac people are weird.

And plus you won't have to deal with Vista which is pretty much like having an annoying neighbor peeking in your windows and calling in the middle of the night to ask if you really meant to park your car in the driveway instead of the garage.

I love my laptop, and practically live on it. However, when dealing with a laptop and the internet, if you want true "freedom" from your desk you're looking at a wireless setup, which means you will need to buy more equipment to support a wireless connection.

Wireless connections almost ALWAYS are slower than a direct connection. I've seen it run as fast as a direct connection, but only once or twice.

Yes, they're reliable, but more expensive. You're also dealing with a smaller keyboard and whichever type of mouse solution each brand offers. You do have the option to attach a mouse, but if you are looking to sit in a comfy chair in front of the TV to be on your laptop, where do you put the mouse so it can be used?

While I do love my laptop, any time I want to do serious computer work (banking, school work, and so forth) I go to my desktop. If I'm just surfing and reading, perhaps sending an e-mail, I'll be on the laptop.

Good luck!
Alli

***waves Hello to you...
You are missed my friend!!!
but then none of us could get on diaryland for the past week or so..

Laptops use up to 80% less energy than PCs, and are less likely to be affected by power outages and lightning strikes. I would strongly recommend a laptop.

Love,
E.L.