[J_A_X]

Yeah, it really did take a shit. At least it went down with a glorious noise and flashing lights!

Anywho, it was like 4 years old, I'd expect it to die soon. I need a new one now, one that suits me for my business needs. It needs to have a good casing, fast enough, fully linux compatible, integrated webcam and microphone, nvidia graphics card preferred, fingerprint reader preferred, 17" preferred(15.4 is also viable) and optionally have good looks.

Of course, many people say Lenovo is the way to go, and I agree with them for the most part, but Lenovo's are a good $500 to $1000 than you would get with any other laptop cause of the brand. I know they all have magnesium/aluminium alloy casings and they're next to impossible to kill, but I'm not exactly going to be that careless about it.

I was looking at System76 and Alienware which both do really nice laptop, some neat features on it and all, but customs would freaking kill me adding another $500 on top of the price is something I don't want to deal with. However, if one of you nice gents live near the canadian border (NY, Vermont) and would be willing to help out a friend, please contact me

So, right now, I'm looking at Dell as the most viable option. Fully customizable, magnesium alloy casing, financing options, good price, decent reviews. However, I've been getting mixed feedback from a lot of people. Some love it, some say they die after 2 years, etc etc...

I'm really torn. I need a laptop ASAP or else I might lose some business. Any input would be appreciated.

[Shaken]

I've never had a problem with any of the Dell's I've purchased, that includes an Inspiron laptop.

[Twisted1616]

I usually don't go by brand when I buy stuff. But I wouldn't buy Alienware.. Last I knew it was extremely overpriced.. But ofc. Dell owns Alienware.

I would just keep an open mind to any brand and look around for GPU/CPU/RAM vs. price, then check some reviews on your selection.

Btw, here's a couple GPU comparison links if it's of any use to you:
http://www.notebookc...ards.130.0.html
http://www.notebookc...List.844.0.html

[Cujo]

If you've ruled out Lenovo and Alienware is too pricey, then you really are looking at a Dell. (Which owns Alienware FWIW) I've used Dell's at work for the last 4-5 years. For the most part they are reliable. You will see the odd lemon come through.

Considering you are going to customize it and not get one of Dell's cookie-cutter machines, you should be good.

[Maelgwyn]

I (and now my sister) has owned a Dell for the last 4 years. It still ticks over happily (though all of the plastic trim is worse for wear - sister is harder on it than I was)

[Mizafim]

Dells aren't all problem-free, though. After a year my adapter went for shit, and had to replace it. I've now had my laptop 2 years, and the touchpad is going on it, the batteries have seriously dropped in life (6 cell was originally 3-3.5 hours, now at about 1.5-2, 9 cell was originally 5-5.5 hours, now max 2-2.5), and it just isn't running like it should anymore -- even after a clean install of XP. Have to replace it, but I'm cheaper than you, so completely avoiding the higher-end stuff

[J_A_X]

I bought a $2000 Lenovo yesterday. I'm very happy with it, my wallet is not. I'm probably going to receive it end of the week.

Here are the specs:

Elite T500 with discrete graphics
ATI HD 3650 gpu + intel GM45 onboard gpu
15.4" WSXGA+ TFT
4gig dual channel ram
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.52Ghz cpu, 1066mhz FSB, 6mb L2
160gb 7200rpm sataII free fall sensor HD
42x slim CD/DVD recorder
fingerprint reader
integrated camera
bluetooth
Intel WiFi Link 5300
9cell battery (should give me 6hr uptime)

Reason why I went with Lenovo is that the quality is pretty much unmatched unless you want a military grade laptop, which is then another 1-2 grand more. They were also having a 15% off sale (saved $462 in total). I'm expecting this computer to last me many years (probably 5 to 7). The only thing that puts me off from this laptop is that it's just plain ugly. However, I was looking online and there are many many creative types like myself that took the laptop casing apart (which is apparently really easy to do and doesn't void your warranty if done properly) and paint it properly. I'm seriously thinking of doing that, but we'll see.

Either way, I'm happy at the purchase, but god damnit I was going to use that money for other things

[Cybercat]

That looks way too expensive to me. Ok, it may last 5 years, but you can buy a laptop with similar hardware for half that and then buy a new one in 2.5 or 3 years. That way you spend the same amount of money, but you don't end up with a 5 year old laptop at some point.

[Solar]

yeah.. you could have used that money on booze and broads, what were you thinkin?

[dbl90]

That seems a little bit pricey.

Next time see if you can get it refurbed. Lenovo has a GREAT refurb program.

[J_A_X]

Refurb only has a 30 day warranty. Eff that. This has a 1 year.

And yeah, this is a bit pricey, however, looking everywhere, the best price I could find was another Vaio at like $1400 which almost did everything I wanted it to, but Vaios are shit for ubuntu support cause of their crap electronics. Anything else that came close was a Dell Latitude E6500 at $1700, but reading reviews, it was pretty much crap, most would die within 2 years. Lenovo and Dell were the only one doing magnesium alloy casing, with all the proper customized business options. I just wish there was a way to order it without an OS, then it'd be cheaper.

Either way, it was a good decision, nothing else comes close to what I just bought unless you want to go with a panasonic toughbook, Clevo, GD, Armor or Mitac, and those are *really* expensive.

[Cujo]

Anything else that came close was a Dell Latitude E6500 at $1700, but reading reviews, it was pretty much crap, most would die within 2 years.

I wonder how those people writing the reviews would know that considering the E6500 hasn't even been out for a year yet.

[J_A_X]

I wonder how those people writing the reviews would know that considering the E6500 hasn't even been out for a year yet.

A lot died already, and for the rest was my opinion on most business dell products. They aren't make for lots of mobile use.