Dell Vs HP?

chachita07

Hi everyone!!! I searched on this board thinking it was more of the technology and Its great, so many questions about gadets that we can all use.  

We are looking into purchasing a new lab top and am not too sure what to get, can anyone help?

Here is what we want and can afford...

$800 and less

3-4 GB

Intel core 2 Duo pro

Web cam (if possible but not a must have)

3-4 hours battery life

15.6 inch Screen

Pls Rec another brand if its not Dell or HP, I wish I can get a Mac but its out of our price range

Thank you so much!!!

CornFed

I know it's slightly above your price range, but you can get a refurbished Macbook for $850.  Here is the link: LINK.

Take a look at Newegg.com for anything electronic, including computers.  They have pretty good pricing and an excellent return policy.  They have great customer reviews too, and that's why I love going there.

For brands, look at ASUS, too (link goes to newegg filter for ASUS laptops).  They're mainly known for their netbooks, but they have a lot of laptops that meet all of your requirements - even price!

Nonny

CornFed:

  ASUS, too (link goes to newegg filter for ASUS laptops).  They're mainly known for their netbooks, but they have a lot of laptops that meet all of your requirements - even price!

In the US they are mainly known for netbooks, but outside of the US they are a big name.  My DH and I have been using ASUS motherboards for years and my current laptop is an ASUS and I love it.  The docking station sucks, but no worse than any other docking station I've ever used.

What ever you do just don't buy a Toshiba.  They are notoriously bad and have terrible batteries.

DeniseandBrad

Between my son in college and me using mine for college and work, we went through six and I can tell you for gaming my son would tell you HP but the customer service is a nightmare-nightmare-nightmare. But me personally, DELL. When warranty time comes, their techs and support team are more reliable.Toshiba is fine until it breaks. Gateway is good in customer service ( the best I have ever experienced) but their laptops can't handle wear and tear. Acer is good for the price and they have come a long way.

chachita07

Thank you so much for your help!!

I am going to look into Asus, So far I am leaning towards a Dell. 

T!ckledP!nk

I've had my DELL at home for almost 6 years now and its still running great. No problems at all. We also use DELL at work.

anglyn

I would not get a Dell. The customer service at Dell was not the best. There were times I wanted to rip my hair out. I think they had my laptop more than I had my laptop. One time they  had it for a month. Something on it was always breaking etc. It died the day after my warranty expired.

I just bought a HP from Costco and they have their own really great Customer Service/Tech Support. I've been pretty happy so far. i also had an HP before this one too and I only needed to call tech support once about getting a new keyboard after a button stuck.

Aerorea

Between HP and Dell, I'd go with Dell. While their customer service isn't always the best (just like everybody else these days), they do make a good product in general. There is a reason why my husband's IT consultant firm only orders Dell from servers to laptops. I do recommend getting the warranty.

CornFed

It won't last too much longer, but there is a deal on Sellout.Woot.com that is right up the alley of what you are looking for!

Here is the link:  Acer Aspire Core 2 Duo 16" Laptop w/ HDMI for $429.99.

It's a deal that will expire by the end of the day, but hopefully you'll see this in time.

cdscholz

You couldn't pay me to buy a Dell.  In the past 5 years my friend has had their laptop, he's had the motherboard replaced as many times.  That's not exactly a minor problem.  Others I know who have purchased Dells have had horrible experiences as well.

I have an HP laptop and desktop and have been very satisfied with both.

Fall_Bride2004

A few years ago, Michael Dell stepped away from the company and let others run it.  The results were not good and the quality and customer service suffered.  He came back and made real efforts to regain the original respect for the company.  I was researching this when I bought my laptop a couple of years ago.  I have called tech support once, got someone in the U. S., and the advice quickly fixed the problem. 

I think the bad experiences some have had were from the times that Michael was away from his company.