Laptop Quality, Reliability, Service?

MWP · 3rd July 2005, 11:30 PM

Hi all,

This is a poll for those that have experience with a few different Laptop brands/manufacturers.

Ill need to buy a newish laptop soon, and as never having used one before, need to know what i should be looking at.
Ill be taking it overseas, so reliability, and after sales service will be important.

So, what manufacturer/brand have you found to be the best overall for quality, reliability and after sales service?

Thanks!

orF · 3rd July 2005, 11:47 PM

I own a Fujitsu T70G I got from Japan, it's still going strong a year and a half later.
I'd say the only problem with it, is that it uses Intel's ee graphics chip which isn't Linux friendly.

<pRo>ToSs · 4th July 2005, 12:51 AM

IBM laptops, although they look ugly, are known for thier security, ruggedness, and quality service...

Refl3ct · 4th July 2005, 1:25 AM

I own one of the latest TPG centrino 1GB laptops.

Might not compare with high end Dell's. But for under $2,000 you won't go past it.

plan-b · 4th July 2005, 2:17 AM

i say dell... cheap and reliable... but prey u don't need their help...

Jaff · 4th July 2005, 8:08 AM

Overall I'd stick with IBM (in particular the T-series) due to their quality and service. If you want real value for money maybe look at NEC or HP however the after-sales service does leave a bit to be desired.

My vote went with IBM.

PUNKY_007 · 4th July 2005, 2:40 PM

IBM T series again

best service ive ever had

Onyx · 4th July 2005, 2:54 PM

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=17008
Post from the moderator there:

"According to Quanta they also designed 60% of Apple's iBook line, and virtually all of Dell's Latitude -- who also happen to be their biggest OEM customer. Some of their other customers include, but not limited to: Sony, Dell, IBM. Essentially, the HPs, Dells, IBMs, Sonys that ppl buy, most likely are all assembled under the same roof, just off different assembly lines, under the same exact ISO-manufacturing standard! Of course it's up to the individual manufactuers to do the QC, but in terms of construction -- it's simply a commodity item, there is virtually no difference between them.

That being said, you also need to look at warranties. As far as I know HP and Sony have some of the most horrendous services in the Industry. If you really abuse the heck out of your notebooks like I tend to do, it is FAR better to pay $300 more for a 3yr extended on-site service, than paying $300 more for "supposely" superior build, imho."

The brands essentially have the same build quality - it's the aftersales customer service that differs IMO. Personally, I am of the opposite opinion to the quoted above - I would rather pay $300 more for better build than spend it on an extended warraty. I'd rather have it not break down in the first place than to get it repaired for free...

My experience with HP Aust has sworn me off the brand for life. 4 week old lappy, terminal failure - took them 3 attempts over 7 weeks to fix; HP would not honor the option of replacement as outlined in my warranty terms and conditions agreement. It was the closest I've ever been to persuing legal action.

IBM T series - twice as expensive as they need to be. If your company is paying, fine. If you know someone working for IBM, get them to buy for you - 40% staff discount. If you fit neither of those circumstances, buy another brand and replace that one half way through its intended lifetime. Initial money outlay would be the same as buying an IBM; but you'll end up with two up to date machines. Their metal casings are great for taking the bumps, but horrendously heavy comparatively. It does impact on its portability IMO.

copious · 4th July 2005, 3:39 PM

Ive had a bad experience with Sony. Their response to EVERYTHING is " send it back to us to check it out", even if its like a BOD.

MWP · 4th July 2005, 3:50 PM

Any opinions on LG?

Suika · 5th July 2005, 8:08 AM

I'd have to say IBM T series.. I got 2 of them

Never had any problems with the 1st and 1 issue with the 2nd - 2-day turnaround on the repair and IBM handled the shipping (even sent an empty box with the courier). Thinking about the T43p for my next!

fR33z3 · 5th July 2005, 2:40 PM

Owned IBM and HP. Both are brilliant. Have had many clients toshibas in for repairs, and acer....grrrr mention that brand around me. If i said anything more it'd be a vv.

edit:
Currently using a HP NC6000. I have heard that the consumer HP equipment sometimes leaves a bit to be desired - However their business line is brilliant.

Kharn · 6th July 2005, 11:28 PM

You forgot apple, they have a very high build quality for which they constantly win design awards. Reliability is pretty good but service can have its ups and downs.

Smithjoe1 · 9th July 2005, 10:31 PM

I've been rather Happy with my Sony Vaio V505, sure the warranty is kinda shitty, but i just get it covered under insurance and get a 3 day repair turn around. I love it because its stylish, the keyboard/mouse is the best I have ever used on a laptop, and yeah

bYrd · 10th July 2005, 9:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kharn

You forgot apple, they have a very high build quality for which they constantly win design awards. Reliability is pretty good but service can have its ups and downs.

True - the machines are rugged and the best designed notebooks IMHO, but you'll wait a week or six to get it back if anything goes wrong.

JB

View Poll Results: Overall best brand for Laptop Quality, Reliability, Service?
Acer	4	3.67%
Dell	19	17.43%
Fujitsu	6	5.50%
HP / Compaq	8	7.34%
IBM	37	33.94%
LG	1	0.92%
NEC	3	2.75%
Sony	2	1.83%
Toshiba	20	18.35%
Other (please comment)	9	8.26%
Voters: 109. You may not vote on this poll

3rd July 2005, 11:30 PM	#1
MWP Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,515	Laptop Quality, Reliability, Service? Hi all, This is a poll for those that have experience with a few different Laptop brands/manufacturers. Ill need to buy a newish laptop soon, and as never having used one before, need to know what i should be looking at. Ill be taking it overseas, so reliability, and after sales service will be important. So, what manufacturer/brand have you found to be the best overall for quality, reliability and after sales service? Thanks! __________________ MWP PC Database AdminCrystalfontz CrystalControl2 Author - Offical Forums Motoring Worklog - Toyota V8 RA28 Celica SA Classic Celica Club Member - Website Last edited by MWP; 3rd July 2005 at 11:34 PM.

4th July 2005, 12:51 AM	#3
<pRo>ToSs Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Melb - SE Posts: 3,233	IBM laptops, although they look ugly, are known for thier security, ruggedness, and quality service... __________________ Phenom II 920 \| 4096MB Patriot DDRII 800 \| Gigabyte GA-790FX \| Winfast 8800GT \| Lian-Li PC-V1000Z \| Dell E228 \| A64 939 3000+ \| ASROCK 939 DUAL-SATA II \| 2048MB Kingston DDR400 \| Winfast 7600GT \| SAMSUNG 172X \| Antec SuperLANBoy

4th July 2005, 8:08 AM	#6
Jaff Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: St Peters, NSW Posts: 3,951	Overall I'd stick with IBM (in particular the T-series) due to their quality and service. If you want real value for money maybe look at NEC or HP however the after-sales service does leave a bit to be desired. My vote went with IBM. __________________ Got hangover? Click for almost 1,001 cures \| "Maybe he is from the International Pretentious Association, and he’s here to remove your goatee."

4th July 2005, 2:54 PM	#8
Onyx Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: NSW Posts: 3,802	http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=17008 Post from the moderator there: "According to Quanta they also designed 60% of Apple's iBook line, and virtually all of Dell's Latitude -- who also happen to be their biggest OEM customer. Some of their other customers include, but not limited to: Sony, Dell, IBM. Essentially, the HPs, Dells, IBMs, Sonys that ppl buy, most likely are all assembled under the same roof, just off different assembly lines, under the same exact ISO-manufacturing standard! Of course it's up to the individual manufactuers to do the QC, but in terms of construction -- it's simply a commodity item, there is virtually no difference between them. That being said, you also need to look at warranties. As far as I know HP and Sony have some of the most horrendous services in the Industry. If you really abuse the heck out of your notebooks like I tend to do, it is FAR better to pay $300 more for a 3yr extended on-site service, than paying $300 more for "supposely" superior build, imho." The brands essentially have the same build quality - it's the aftersales customer service that differs IMO. Personally, I am of the opposite opinion to the quoted above - I would rather pay $300 more for better build than spend it on an extended warraty. I'd rather have it not break down in the first place than to get it repaired for free... My experience with HP Aust has sworn me off the brand for life. 4 week old lappy, terminal failure - took them 3 attempts over 7 weeks to fix; HP would not honor the option of replacement as outlined in my warranty terms and conditions agreement. It was the closest I've ever been to persuing legal action. IBM T series - twice as expensive as they need to be. If your company is paying, fine. If you know someone working for IBM, get them to buy for you - 40% staff discount. If you fit neither of those circumstances, buy another brand and replace that one half way through its intended lifetime. Initial money outlay would be the same as buying an IBM; but you'll end up with two up to date machines. Their metal casings are great for taking the bumps, but horrendously heavy comparatively. It does impact on its portability IMO. __________________ Q9300@3.0Ghz, Asus P5Q-E, Kingston HyperX DDR2-1066 4GB, Gigabyte GTX260+, 2xWD5000AAKS RAID-0 boot volume, Seasonic S12+ 550W PSU in Gigabyte Poseidon case. Dell E248WFP 24" monitor.

3rd July 2005, 11:47 PM	#2
orF Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,099	I own a Fujitsu T70G I got from Japan, it's still going strong a year and a half later. I'd say the only problem with it, is that it uses Intel's ee graphics chip which isn't Linux friendly.

4th July 2005, 1:25 AM	#4
Refl3ct Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Victoria. Posts: 392	I own one of the latest TPG centrino 1GB laptops. Might not compare with high end Dell's. But for under $2,000 you won't go past it.

4th July 2005, 2:17 AM	#5
plan-b Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Brisbane Posts: 58	i say dell... cheap and reliable... but prey u don't need their help...

4th July 2005, 2:40 PM	#7
PUNKY_007 Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Posts: 869	IBM T series again best service ive ever had

4th July 2005, 3:39 PM	#9
copious Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Sydney Posts: 681	Ive had a bad experience with Sony. Their response to EVERYTHING is " send it back to us to check it out", even if its like a BOD.

4th July 2005, 3:50 PM	#10
MWP Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Adelaide Posts: 4,515	Any opinions on LG? __________________ MWP PC Database AdminCrystalfontz CrystalControl2 Author - Offical Forums Motoring Worklog - Toyota V8 RA28 Celica SA Classic Celica Club Member - Website

5th July 2005, 8:08 AM	#11
Suika Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sydney Posts: 3	I'd have to say IBM T series.. I got 2 of them Never had any problems with the 1st and 1 issue with the 2nd - 2-day turnaround on the repair and IBM handled the shipping (even sent an empty box with the courier). Thinking about the T43p for my next!

5th July 2005, 2:40 PM	#12
fR33z3 Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Perth Posts: 1,885	Owned IBM and HP. Both are brilliant. Have had many clients toshibas in for repairs, and acer....grrrr mention that brand around me. If i said anything more it'd be a vv. edit: Currently using a HP NC6000. I have heard that the consumer HP equipment sometimes leaves a bit to be desired - However their business line is brilliant. __________________ Nothing here. Please move on. Last edited by fR33z3; 5th July 2005 at 2:42 PM.

6th July 2005, 11:28 PM	#13
Kharn Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: See the world they said. So i bought a mac. Posts: 1,781	You forgot apple, they have a very high build quality for which they constantly win design awards. Reliability is pretty good but service can have its ups and downs.

9th July 2005, 10:31 PM	#14
Smithjoe1 Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Northern Beaches, Sydney Posts: 337	I've been rather Happy with my Sony Vaio V505, sure the warranty is kinda shitty, but i just get it covered under insurance and get a 3 day repair turn around. I love it because its stylish, the keyboard/mouse is the best I have ever used on a laptop, and yeah __________________ ANTEC/CHIEFTEC CASE OWNERS/MODDERS MEMBER #166 Speed limit around schools reduced to 40 grams an hour.