Need a new computer. Recommend your favs.

mrsjengle

DH informed me last night that my desktop when from making strange noises to simply dying.

Although he would prefer to buy a desktop to replace it, I would prefer a laptop. Since I'm going to get my way in the end, could you guys give me some recommendations?

To help you out, we mainly use the computer for music and the internet. We don't really play PC games, so we don't need anything specific for that type of usage. 

Oh, and we don't have tons of money to spend either. $500-$900 range

Thanks.

 

LingerLonger1

I'd recommend you don't get an HP laptop.  My first laptop was from HP and right out of the box it started overheating.  I called HP and had it "fixed" 5 times before they told me there was nothing they could do.  The Customer Service rep I spoke with told me it's a problem across the board on their laptops.  They make the cooling vents too small to do any good.

I had a Gateway that I loved, but their repair department left a bit to be desired when they sent the laptop back, after repairs, without a single screw put back into it.

I currently have an Acer laptop that I love.  It never needed any sort of repairs, so I can't tell you about their service department.  It's about 5 years old and I'm just starting my search for a new computer.  I'm going the desktop route this time because they last longer and are more easily upgraded.

BecNC

I have a Sony Vaio and DH has an Acer. I run tons of graphics programs, so I'll be in the market for a speedier laptop soon, but neither has given us problems. GL!

LingerLonger1

Oh, Bec makes a good point.  I had a Sony Viao I used for work.  It was awesome.  It was a hand-me-down from another coworker who used it for 3+ years.  I had it for an additional 4 years and never had a problem with it.

belovedbride07

LingerLonger1:

I'd recommend you don't get an HP laptop.  My first laptop was from HP and right out of the box it started overheating.  I called HP and had it "fixed" 5 times before they told me there was nothing they could do.  The Customer Service rep I spoke with told me it's a problem across the board on their laptops.  They make the cooling vents too small to do any good.

I agree on HPs, as least the consumer versions.  Ours was an "oh crap, the laptop died" purchase, so we didn't research it well, and it overheats constantly.  We use the Enterprise HPs at work, though, and they are absolutely wonderful.

Toshiba has been getting really good ratings lately.

backinpgh

I've had several Toshiba laptops that I love and have lasted a long time. They were only about $550 each and were pretty much fully loaded.

FSUalum

agree with PP on consumer HPs, they have been garbage for years. You can't go wrong with a Dell. Have you opened up the desktop to clean it out? Has the dust ever been cleaned out of it?