Any suggestions? I've heard Asus is good but I don't know much about them.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+Merlot/9556036.p;jsessionid=E7478976018DF80CD6306CBB96C0BCDF.bbolsp-app01-32?id=1218124204238&skuId=9556036

Macbook/Macbook Pro. Switched from PC to Mac 2 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made (computer-related that is).

 

No viruses, still runs as fast as it did on day one, battery life is still at full capacity.

 

Automatically converts PC files you receive or download, such as Word documents and Powerpoint presentations, into Mac format. Better/stronger wireless internet connection than my fiancee's Dell laptop.

 

Takes approx. 20-30 seconds to boot up and be on the internet, as opposed to most PC's I've used where it takes 5-10 minutes to boot up and do anything.

 

As an aside, it really irks me that EKU's lab computers (Dell PC's) take forever to boot up. It took me 7 minutes (yes, I counted) the other day to log in and get on Firefox. And that was just from the login page, I'd hate to see how long it would have taken if I had to boot the computer up, then log in. Just one of those things that you get used to with a Mac, that bothers you whenever you're forced to use a PC.

 

I know they're probably a couple hundred more than what you're looking at (approx. $1000 when I bought mine), but it's worth it. Previously I had owned 3 PC laptops, having to replace them every year or year and a half. My Macbook is on year 2 and has not slowed down one single bit or shown any signs of diminishing performance.

 

Yes, it may sound like I've been drinking the Mac Kool-Aid, but honestly, this is the best, most reliable computer I've ever owned.

Edited December 11, 200916 yr by Aiden Seamus

My parents got me this as a Christmas present a few weeks ago (for $330, now $299), so I haven't opened it yet...but a 15" Toshiba with Windows 7 and Intel Processor for under $350 is an absolute STEAL in my mind.

My parents got me this as a Christmas present a few weeks ago (for $330, now $299), so I haven't opened it yet...but a 15" Toshiba with Windows 7 and Intel Processor for under $350 is an absolute STEAL in my mind.

 

I recently bought my second Toshiba, I am very happy with both.

MAC!!! There is no doubt in my mind there's a better laptop out on the market than a MacBook. I have zero complaints about mine and the MacBook pro's start at $999 which isn't that bad at all if you're looking for quality.

MAC!!! There is no doubt in my mind there's a better laptop out on the market than a MacBook. I have zero complaints about mine and the MacBook pro's start at $999 which isn't that bad at all if you're looking for quality.

 

Or you can buy 3 Toshiba's and see what lasts longer.

Or you can buy 3 Toshiba's and see what lasts longer.

 

3 Toshiba's aren't as good as 1 Mac.

3 Toshiba's aren't as good as 1 Mac.

 

Absolutely--I'm a total Mac snob!:lol: I absolutely loathe having to use a PC. It is torture!

3 Toshiba's aren't as good as 1 Mac.

I've never owned & operated a Toshiba so I can't say for sure. Just having a little fun with Blue Magic.

Absolutely--I'm a total Mac snob!:lol: I absolutely loathe having to use a PC. It is torture!

 

I am as well. Bought an iMac around a year ago and its the best purchase (compute related) I've ever made.

 

I'll never own another PC. I have to use them at work and they are junk compared to my iMac at home.

I've never owned & operated a Toshiba so I can't say for sure. Just having a little fun with Blue Magic.

 

I think I've used a Toshiba. Regardless, IMO, the worst Mac is going to be better than any PC IMO. I can't stand PC's anymore. :lol:

My HP is pretty nice. Works great, runs quickly....no issues.

 

Later.

Any suggestions? I've heard Asus is good but I don't know much about them.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B2+Duo+Processor+-+Merlot/9556036.p;jsessionid=E7478976018DF80CD6306CBB96C0BCDF.bbolsp-app01-32?id=1218124204238&skuId=9556036

 

If by BEST you mean best and price is no barrier? Alienware makes the best PC laptops hands down. But the other guys are right Macbooks will outperform and outlast any PC. They take some getting used to, but my wife bought a Macbook Pro about a year ago and it runs circles around my laptop (and my laptop is pretty awesome PC-wise).

 

If cost is something that you are taking into account you cannot go wrong with Toshibas, some model Acers, and Lenovos. Lenovo is made by IBM and their budget brand. Asus is well know for making motherboards and other components so I would assume their actual computers probably work well, but I don't know anyone who owns one so I can't give you a fair assessment.

 

Just please stay away from Dell. I've worked on hundreds and hundreds of computers now for almost 2 decades and in my experience Dells have been expensive paperweights. I've worked on far more Dells than any other brand.

 

I used to work in IT for a large corporation that replaced all it's IBM's with Dells. Within the first six months with the Dells we had as many hard drive failures we had in the ENTIRE 4 years the IBM's were in service. I even bought one of the IBM's from surplus and it still runs like a champ despite being just over 10 years old now. When I left there we estimated that 92% of the Dell's would end-up replaced within 2 years. They are fine for casual home use, but if your going to use it a lot just don't even think about them.

But the other guys are right Macbooks will outperform and outlast any PC.

 

 

Not if you know what the heck you're doing. I will admit that Mac's probably have longevity for casual users, but if you know what you're doing, you can get long life out of whatever unit you're using. Macs are a powerful, powerful bunch, so you're not buying a bargain bin laptop when you get one. People who buy $400 laptops are getting what they paid for, hence a high amount of turnover. I've had my work laptop three years, and it doesn't miss a beat.

 

I agree with your Alienware statement as well. My video work finally grew too demanding for it, but I had an Alienware for 6 years that I finally downgraded to a storage server and burning unit this summer. It did all I ever asked of it.

I love my Lenovo ThinkPad SL500. I'll take it over a Mac any day.