IMHO
Toshiba has always had a good reputation. Owned one about 10 years ago it was OK.
Sony = show pony ;) paying for the name
Dell, reputation for being expensive but if you are not going for top end stuff they aren't really.
Entering the MAC/Microsoft debate will confuse and take too long........
NB: WHAT EVER BRAND YOU GET BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND GOLD/PREMIUM SUPPORT if you are not confident with computers it will save you heartache !
In todays market when it comes down to it a PC is a PC is a PC, (yes even Apple) choose your notebook on the following criteria, (in order).
1. Length of Warranty
2. Length of support, and what support you get.
Take it from me there is nothing more frustrating than calling a help line that closed 20 mins ago, get 24x7 assistance it's worth it.
3. CPU speed < hard to upgrade in a notebook
4. Graphics capability < hard to upgrade in a notebook
5. Size of hard drive / amount of ram, both pretty cheap and easy to upgrade so don't worry too much about them
6. display bigger = better also = heavier
if you intend to carry it around a lot don't get a 19" they are quite heavy, stick to a 15" or 17"
7. Colour, well you have to give the kids some consideration:cool:
8.
9.
10. what computer your neighbour bought that he says was a bargain.;)
I can't comment too much about other brands but I buy Dell's at work.
The prices are cheaper than other brands if you compair exact systems taking in account warranty etc.
The sales service is terrible BUT the after sales service and support is IMO second to none. But, and I keep saying it, get the premium or gold support.
The Dells I have used, (models from Inspiron to XPS) all seem quite robust. In the past 4 years we have only had one notebook die and tat was due to a faulty docking station. Dell where onsite next day and fixed it.
Don't buy one straight away check out the special offers. Mostly stuff like free RAM or HDD or CPU upgrades etc. Check the site once every couple of days for a few weeks.
Last year they had a one day offer, buy 2 get 1 free ! but I would be happy with extra ram or whatever.
**p.s. I don't work for Dell :)
