I know you know quite a bit about computer crap. I've been looking into buying a new lap-top computer eventually. I'm very attracted to the Alienware computers, despite their price, but I don't know whether I should go with one of those or a more main-stream brand like Dell or HP. Right now, I'm using a Sony Vaio, and I like it, but I don't know if I want to stay with that brand, either. Any advice about which is better?

I'm not Wheetsin, but my DH is the king of this kind of crap.

He bought an Alienware that was about $12k.

I have.. a 1k dell.

We both use it for gaming (Secondlife, FFXI, Evercrack, etc).

Alienware is geared toward high graphics. If you play high graphic games, it's something to look into. However, if you use computers for work or normal mundane tasks (pogo is not a high graphic game).. stick with the dell.

On top of dh paying an unforgivably ridiculous amount for a computer, he has had to send it in to be fixed (we pay shipping, and that bad boy is NOT small) over 3 times in the FIRST year. Over the course of about 3 years now, he has had to send it in several more times. My dell? Well, it pooped out on me earlier this year, but we had a long run.. I had it for 5 years and never had a problem I had to call support about or have fixed.

I'm not Wheetsin, but my DH is the king of this kind of crap.

He bought an Alienware that was about $12k.

I have.. a 1k dell.

We both use it for gaming (Secondlife, FFXI, Evercrack, etc).

Alienware is geared toward high graphics. If you play high graphic games, it's something to look into. However, if you use computers for work or normal mundane tasks (pogo is not a high graphic game).. stick with the dell.

On top of dh paying an unforgivably ridiculous amount for a computer, he has had to send it in to be fixed (we pay shipping, and that bad boy is NOT small) over 3 times in the FIRST year. Over the course of about 3 years now, he has had to send it in several more times. My dell? Well, it pooped out on me earlier this year, but we had a long run.. I had it for 5 years and never had a problem I had to call support about or have fixed.

Yeah, that's what I figured the case would be. Damn. I just like the way the Alienware computers look, for the most part. The most I would be doing on it is internet, Excel, Word, etc.

Alienware looks cool, but they've become a bit watered down and not as high-end as they used to be. They're also specifically geared toward gamers - high image processing, lots of memory, a fast disk, etc. Not a lot of stuff that your average user is going to need. In fact, I think they used to go through the Windows install and completely blow out anything you didn't need for gaming (Office apps, accessories, services, etc.)

Dell, HP, etc. would be sufficient for a daily user. My laptop is a Gateway MX6445 and I think I paid about $700 for it. It's perfect for me. I can do all my school work, web work, and even the occasional game. Before this one I had a Toshiba Satellite and I didn't like it.

Really what it boils down to -- what type of power do you need? What applications do you spend the majority of your time in? Do you need to render a lot of graphics? Do you need to store copious amounts of data? Etc.

(DH is an uber-geek, I can only bow in his presence. he's a bit anti-Windows, but still knows much more about it than I do, so I will get his input too)

I'm really leaning towards either getting another Vaio or getting a Dell. I have hard feelings toward HP since they merged with Compaq, since my old Compaq Presario bit the dust after less than 3 years of use. But I do love my Vaio, and they come in pretty colors now, too.

And I've decided that I must have Windows. I despise Apple computers after having to use them to design my high school yearbook. Horrid things.

And I've decided that I must have Windows. I despise Apple computers after having to use them to design my high school yearbook. Horrid things.

I think that is the first outright negative comment I've ever seen about an Apple computer! I'm shocked!

FWIW, I am a loyal Dell customer. Never bought a laptop, but I've purchased three desktops for my home and at least six for two businesses. Never had a problem that they didn't fix right away.

I think that is the first outright negative comment I've ever seen about an Apple computer! I'm shocked!

FWIW, I am a loyal Dell customer. Never bought a laptop, but I've purchased three desktops for my home and at least six for two businesses. Never had a problem that they didn't fix right away.

Yeah, I hate Apple. They just aren't organized in a logical way for me, I guess. With Windows, I know where to look for stuff. For me, they are much more user-friendly (when you discount their propensity for viruses, at least :guess).

I like Dell, but I've just heard so many negative comments about their customer service. I dunno. I can get a discount on both Dell and Gateway if I buy them through my university computer store (12% for Dell). I may just do that.

I like Dell, but I've just heard so many negative comments about their customer service.

I've heard them too, but my experience has been completely different. Sure, I'm talking with Bangalore, but somehow I manage to get the right answer on only the first or second try.

And.. if you decide you do need a high graphic computer, my dell.. we just bought upgrades for the hardware.. better RAM, and a nice graphic card.. and mine runs on par with his Alienware (and again, my didn't poop out all the time like his!!).

Even though XP won't have updates after this year, VISTA is not for someone who uses their computer. It bogs down the system, and takes a crap load of memory.

Vista still has a lot of bugs to work out. So if you're going to buy a new computer, do yourself a favor and get XP for performance

FWIW, I HATE Mac's.

Vista was contracted out to the NSA as well, for that reason alone I will never buy it.

I've not been fond of Vista. I definitely prefer XP. And WTF is up with the stupid new version of MS Office? I can never find anything on there anymore.

aaah. I used to be a mac hater but now own 3 different macs. Once you get used to the lack of the right click button, its all icing on the cake.

I have a dell that I use at work- some of the healthcare software doesn't run well on the macs- even with Citrix or parallels. It's been very reliable.

Macs, however, IMO kick all kinds of ass. They are just pricey however

Im not a Mac (apple) fan at all either! Well, now they arent so bad, but they used to be HORRIBLE!! Ive considered buying one just for the virus cut-down, but then I would have issues trying to convert and run all my stuff on other ppls computers since most people around here have Microsoft. I like their sleek look, but thats about it lol! I have a Rasberry Red Vaio with matching Dooney and Bourke carrying case, Ive had it for a year, and it still looks good, but I had problems with it from the first day that I bought it (literally, I had to send it back after opening the box and turning it on for like an hour?) And Ive since had a couple of issues with the touchpad, but its still the best computer Ive ever had (and it better be, for OVER $2000.00!) lol

Vista was contracted out to the NSA as well, for that reason alone I will never buy it.

I've been looking for a laptop. I just want basic. I had a Toshiba Satellite (and as Wheetsin, I absolutely hated it, just gave it away as a matter of fact) and don't want another.

Vista... stupid question. If I can manage to find a basic laptop that has lots of RAM (Toshiba Satellite taught me that lesson) and just does basic stuff, Word, Internet, etc., can I wipe out the hard drive and install XP such as I have on my laptop or will that not work for some reason? I have specialized scanners and hardware that are not going to work with Vista.

I've been looking for a laptop. I just want basic. I had a Toshiba Satellite (and as Wheetsin, I absolutely hated it, just gave it away as a matter of fact) and don't want another.

Vista... stupid question. If I can manage to find a basic laptop that has lots of RAM (Toshiba Satellite taught me that lesson) and just does basic stuff, Word, Internet, etc., can I wipe out the hard drive and install XP such as I have on my laptop or will that not work for some reason? I have specialized scanners and hardware that are not going to work with Vista.

I just looked at the Dell website. When you get one customized, you can choose to either have Vista or XP installed on it. I'd be afraid to mess with one, otherwise.