I am going to get a new laptop. I'm going to order from an online source. My question is, all things being pretty equal (processor, RAM, price) what is better, a Compaq, or a Dell? What service plan is better? I won't go serviceless. My current laptop had a few major repairs, and I want the protection. Gateway is not in consideration due to problems friends have had with them.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Well, I'd go with Dell over Compaq. Though Wal-Mart has a pretty nice sub-$500 Compaq package right now, that is comparable to the Dell base.

As for Gateway. My mom loves the system I had built for her. It was a souped up, top of the line when she bought it.

Me, I love my Sony. Great little sub-$1,000 PC. Have only had to upgrade the video card to this point. Need to add some new memory in the future, but otherwise trouble free.

Sony's service sucks.

Dell's not bad, and I have no idea how Compaq is since the HP merger. Gateway is OK. Micron is the worst. IBM isn't bad, either. Toshiba is solid.

Just my experience...

Hey - Who says I suck? ahah

I have had several compaqs from my company and they have all sucked beyond reason. I would go with the dell.

how about a new G5?

Originally posted by McSweeny
how about a new G5?

You should change your handle to Mac Sweeny. ;)

The new G5's look pretty sweet... but I could never own a Mac... I have too much software for my PC that would never run on it.

I have had no problems with the two Dells I have had. I would give their service good marks. I have used the phone in service a few times for things I have screwed up on my own (a la Chief Rum :) ) and they once sent a tech to replace a modem damaged by a power surge (which they probably were not obligated to do).

Why not build your own computer. Seriously there are some really good "how to" guides on the net. I'm not super technical at all, and I can build one no problem.

Save a ton of cash and get lots of cool stuff.

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
Why not build your own computer. Seriously there are some really good "how to" guides on the net. I'm not super technical at all, and I can build one no problem.

Save a ton of cash and get lots of cool stuff.

I'd agree here.

Originally posted by Philliesfan980
Why not build your own computer. Seriously there are some really good "how to" guides on the net. I'm not super technical at all, and I can build one no problem.

Save a ton of cash and get lots of cool stuff.

Kinda hard to build your own laptop.

Ah, thats right, totally forgot about the laptop angle. Who needs a laptop!

If you want a laptop , get a Sager.. man those things are as powerful as the best desktops, but the portability of a laptop. Too bad they run at 2k

how about one of those 17-inch G4 powerbooks? they're pretty hot

Thank you all. I decided to go with the Compaq. It will ship sooner, so I will have it by the start of the school year. The Dell requires me to buy a port replicator (for an extra $120) to hook up my printer and mouse, and I've enjoyed my prior Presario purchases. As for Macs, my district is refusing to support them anymore. After spending ungodly amounts of money to purchase iMacs a few years ago, the district network has started to phase out Mac software. The teacher next to me is pretty upset about it.

Unless you're buying servers I can't imagine getting a Compaq over a Dell and even then I'd still buy from Dell...

EDIT: whoops.. disregard. :)

Did you get in on the X1000 hot deal?

The $999 2162us.