Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Comparative Laptop Reviews?

Posted by Cliff on from the knowing-what-you-get-before-you-buy-it dept.

clambert asks: "A few co-workers and I are in the market for a new laptop, but it's been incredibly difficult to try and explore what's out there. How do Sony's warranties rank up against Dell's? Can I get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the new Toshibas? What model IBMs feature DDR memory? There doesn't seem to be an AnandTech/Ars/Toms for the notebook market, and short of filtering through all the marketing hype on every {brand}.com, its tough to find out what systems offer what specs. Are there any comprehensive resources out there for those of us in the market for a new laptop?"

6 of 355 comments (clear)

  1. This is a site to get started at by ssheth · · Score: 5, Informative

    http://www.notebookreview.com/reviews.html

  2. If you trust their opinions... by ACK!! · · Score: 5, Informative

    Listen the regular cnet and zdnet sites usually have reviews of laptops. They are not as tech centered or as unbiased as other sources IMHO. However, they make for a good starting point.

    If you are going to use an alternative OS (linux or BSD for examples obviously) then check out a quick google search first to see people's impressions of the compatibility. This is a good idea anyway since people often sprinkle general comments into these and give you an idea of the quality of the product.

    Finally, unless you are going for a Dell please go to a computer store and browse. Laptops are very personal machines and pointing device preference and the feel of the keyboard beneath your fingers as well as general layout of special buttons and the brightness and clarity of the screens are something you need to get a feel for first-hand.

    If you get a Dell or other mail-order product it also gives you a point of reference so you know what to look for. For example if you try a box out at a store and realize you can't live without at least 15" screen or something.

    I have Dell Inspiron 4000 and have been very happy with the quality of the product. SuSE 7.3 installed with no issues and Sax2 did a better job than Dell in figuring out my video settings.

    Castle Wolfenstein looks damn good.

    ________________________________________________ __

    --
    ACK /ak/ interj. 2. [from the comic strip "Bloom County"] An exclamation of surprised disgust, esp. i
  3. Re:SONY HAS NO WARRANTY... by CheechBG · · Score: 5, Informative

    sony has a 90 day limited warranty UNTIL YOU REGISTER THE PRODUCT, then it goes into a full 1 year limited warranty. Read your book, troll.

  4. The best place to compare... by mcwop · · Score: 5, Informative
    that I know of is CNET. YOu can select laptop models and click the compare button. While not every detail enough to easily narrow things down.

    Click here for example

    --

    "I don't think it's selfish, to eat defenseless shellfish." -NOFX

  5. Linux and laptop by AtomicBomb · · Score: 5, Informative

    At the end of the day, many of us would like to check the laptop for "linux compliance" before actually purchasing the machine.

    I found these 2 site quite useful:
    Linux on a laptop
    UniX with Mobile Computers

  6. Anand Covering Laptops by OctaneZ · · Score: 5, Informative

    In the last month Anandtech had begun reviewing laptops with the same rigor with which they approach everything else! While they have only covered 3 laptops so far, I think the reviews are exactly what a technical person wants to read when they are trying to make an educated decision.
    They have covered the:
    Asus T9
    Toshiba Satellite
    and just today:
    WinBook N4

    I am really glad to see someone as trusted at Anand filling this niche!
    -OctaneZ