RIP

I want to apologize for not being as prolific since I came back from the beach. No, it is not because I don't have tons of new ideas and great recipes to share. In fact, I came back with a slew of ideas and pictures just waiting for a post. However, my Toshiba laptop, which had not even made it to its second birthday has a fried motherboard, and after multiple attempts to get some type of customer service (4 emails to customer service returned without response, 2 phone calls that offered only the alternative of a $400 repair(+shipping)), I have to shop for a new computer. Needless to say I am not very happy since this is an unexpected expense, but with Katie taking her laptop when she moves to DC next week, I will be handicapped without one.

I am researching and want a laptop with staying power (not something that ends up being essentially a "disposable" laptop), so if any of you have suggestions, please share. I have researched Consumer Reports, PC Magazine and have looked at any recent article on customer satisfaction surveys for laptop computers. I have gotten recommendations for a Gateway (which I am currently leaning toward), a Dell Inspiron, and a Sony Vaio. I am particularly interested if you have had good experiences with customer service and support since that was non-existent with my Toshiba, so let me know what you think- I will be buying in the next week since I feel cripppled without my own laptop!


Comments

G in Berlin said…
Although my Dell Inspiron is a replacement (due to my purchase of a 4 year warranty) I say, don't go Dell. I am typing on my husband's Lenovo, which never causes me a moment's worry and which my next laptop will be.
If you're a committed PC person, I probably can't change your mind, but every Mac laptop I've had has been great. I use my MacBook Pro for everything.
Deborah Dowd said…
g in Berlin- I have heard some good things anout Lenovo- thanks for your input!

Lydia- Iwould love to have a Mac, but my budget doesn't allow!
Kerrie said…
Not sure if you checked www.cnet.com but they have lots of great analysis on all things electronic.


GL,
K
Deborah Dowd said…
Kerrie- Thanks so much! I have a subscription to Consumer Reports, but they don't have much information of customer service and customer satisfaction.
Cynthia said…
Both my desk top and lab top are Dell. The labtop is a Dell Inspiron but like G in Berlin, I'd say don't go with Dell. I hate their service. When I upgrade, I want to investigate Sony Vio or Mac.
Katie Zeller said…
My laptop is so old it's an antique... I can't even give it away... so no help from me. I would like to get one, someday though so I anxious;y await your report.

Now, I'm going ot go back and pretend I'm on that lovely beach....
Anonymous said…
Ohhh sorry about the laptop delima. I have a Dell Inspiron and I love it. I also have a Mac book and am getting used to it and can see how I could love it. It is very intuitive!
Lael Meidal said…
I don't have any great laptop advice for you (I go to my brothers for that) but I can lament with you. I fried my motherboard (entirely my fault-a spilled glass of water) a couple months ago and it's no small expense to replace these things!

I hope you find a computer that you are happy with soon, and I look forward to hearing about your latest kitchen happenings!
Lael Meidal said…
I don't have any great laptop advice for you (I go to my brothers for that) but I can lament with you. I fried my motherboard (entirely my fault-a spilled glass of water) a couple months ago and it's no small expense to replace these things!

I hope you find a computer that you are happy with soon, and I look forward to hearing about your latest kitchen happenings!
Anonymous said…
I love my Dell inspirion. Have had it over a year and never had a lick of trouble with it.
Anonymous said…
hmm...i have an old toshiba that's into its 7th year. it's just a backup though, for the mac.

i've heard good things about the lenovo.
vasilisa said…
Let us know if you find a good one. I'm actually thinking about getting a laptop too, cause with kids transferring my giant desktop to the playroom just doesn't work :-)
vasilisa said…
Let us know if you find a good one. I'm actually thinking about getting a laptop too, cause with kids transferring my giant desktop to the playroom just doesn't work :-)
Bistro 613 said…
Another former Dell user/ current MacBook owner! Sensing a trend here, perhaps?

Good luck in your search, hope it goes swiftly and turns out well!
Deborah Dowd said…
Thank all of you for your suggestions and advice!I factored in all of it along with recommendations from computer people at Jlab, Consumer Reports and customer satisfaction surveys, and Yay!! I am writing this comment from a brand new laptop with 3 GB and 250GB hard drive!!!!