Big notebook purchase SOON. Please share your thoughts!

Well, I have found myself with my first post here on Notebook forums to seek help from those more knowledgable than I am. You see, I am about to put my dell Inspiron 5100 laptop to rest, after 2 years of less than pleasurable use. Let's just say the fan has died for the 3rd time and I'm not in the mood to pay to fix it again. The computer gets too hot, it's bulky, it's ugly, and it isn't warrantied anymore. Time to give it to my sister

Anyway, I will be going to Japan next year on an exchange and I'm looking to buy a computer that will basically serve as my workstation for the year I'm there (and hopefully the years to follow). I came across the Toshiba Qosmio G20 while I was searching for a new notebook, and I was completely blown away. The thing is a work of art, but it's also extremely expensive and could offer better performance. I have heard excellent things about Toshiba reliability though, and I know the warranty would be covered even in Japan, which is a big plus.

However, even though I deeply despise Dell and their customer service reps in India, I can't help but be drawn in by the coupons on this site. 750 off or more? That's ridiculous. With that I could get a nice extended warranty.

So I'm now looking at the XPS 2. It seems there are a lot of Dell fans on this forum, probably because you guys get such great deals with the coupons. So be honest, should I give Dell a second chance since I'm getting such a great deal, or is Toshiba quality really so much better that I should be opting for one even though it will be more expensive and possibly not as powerful.

Please give opinions and info if possible because I don't know enough about the technical details of computers, so it would be great to get as much input as possible. Also, anyone who could give me the price they paid for their XPS (or other laptop) and the specs so I can see how much I should be looking to pay.

Thanks so much, good to be here

-Aaron

Anthean: Yes a lighter system would be better to manage, however I think in the entire year I only took the laptop out maybe 10-15 times and I never carried it for more than 10 minutes at a time, so the extra few pounds isn't a big problem. I'm a fairly strong guy as well Something lighter would obviously be better, but I am a huge fan of the 17 inch screens! The one on the G20 was pure sex.


Endeex: I really like the styling of the XPS2 but maybe a 9300 would be beter suited for me since I'm not that crazy a computer person. As for the Asus... I never knew they were so good. There is a laptop dealer near my house that sells them for very cheap so I'll look into them. Are their prices still comparable to the Dells after coupon, and are they reliable???

Banned: I guess the same question pertains to you

Freelunch: If I were to get a 15.4 it would be that exact one. I was at future shop the other day, and I was impressed with that one even after blowing my load from using the G20. The only thing is the price is a bit expensive after tax, and I can't seem to find a better deal. I am considering the M45 instead, but it seems to be lacking a few things that the M40 has. I would save about 600 bucks if I went with the M45 though

Please keep the opinions coming, or if you really think a 17" is too much for me pleaste ell me why and maybe recommend some widescreen 15.4 for me!!!

Thanks guys!!

So I am assuming Dell quality has not improved in the past few years, not even in their highest end models?

After looking at that Asus 71V I gotta say I am thoroughly impressed. That thing is perfect and it's on ebay for a great price!! I have not heard anything about Asus laptops though, so I'm still a bit skeptical. Maybe browsing the forums more will help.

Dj: thanks for the info. Makes me feel a bit better about either of those laptops. I think I'm leaning more towards the Asus now since Dell customer service makes me feel suicidal, and also the Asus warranty says "global" which means if it breaks down while I'm in Japan, I can get it fixed there. I'm not a huge gamer, and the Asus seems to offer more for the price, and is also lighter. I have a feeling the LEDs will lose their "sparkle" (pun not intended) after about a month or so anyway.

I am leaving in October, so I think I will probably use my crappy 5100 until then, and purchase a damn good laptop in september. If this one bothers me a lot, then I'll probably just get the z71v now.

Anyone know of any interesting laptops to be released in the near future??

Shit o.0 I was really hoping for a widescreen.

I think I can take the chance of going without a global warranty now that I think about it. I mean I used this dell for 2 years and though the fan died a bunch of times, it was still usable, though only for short periods of time

And as far as I know Asus doesn't makes giant pieces of shit.

Rob: After reading one post about how they repaired an overclocked system, I am extremely impressed.

DJB: Enjoy having a nice chat with "Bob" from India then.