Laptop

[witch]

I have been doing some research on laptops and it comes down to IBM, Fujitsu and Toshiba as the best value (can't buy on line so others are out)
Can I have an idea from all as to which you would buy from a point of view of reliability, support etc
Ta

[localzuk]

Out of those 3 - IBM hands down. Fujitsu are low quality in my experience, and toshiba seem to have random motherboard issues (eg. The A3 series).

Why isn't HP in that list? Value-wise I would say they were up there with those on your list...

[Ric_]

Of the three you suggest, IBM are by far the best quality although the higher end Fujitsus are not too bad. I personally dislike Toshiba.

I do like HP though and they will work out cheaper than the IBMs.

On the other hand of course, ICT Direct can supply NEW Thinkpads at seriously reduced prices - I saved £300 on a X60!

[witch]

Exactly - it is ICT direct I am looking at for the IBM

[pete]

as the happy owner of a shiny new T60 - IBM.

Not cheap, but bombproof.

[broc]

IBM (or Lenovo) T series are probably the most robust on the market right now apart from 'hardened' units like toughbooks etc. I have just received a DELL Precision M95 with 17" widescreen & dock from EuroPC & it is a superb desktop replacement but not the sort of thing you would want to carry round with you. For personal use at home I have both IBM & Dell units, I prefer IBM & am seriously considering a T60 myself if I can find one at the right price.

[Finch7]

Ok we bought some new dell laptops. I'm a big fan of Dell I always get prompt warranty repairs (NBD). Also parts are easy to interchange so I keep a spare on hand for when one breaks.

This spec was offered for £599. The way I see it these laptops will be good for more than 3 years easily. We got 5yrs NBD warranty for an extra £50.

D520 Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 (1.66GHz, 667MHz) with 2.0 MB L2 cache Intel GMA 950
Latitude D520 15.0" XGA LCD Screen
UK/Irish - D520 Ship Accessories with Power Cord
Windows Vista Capable Label
2.0GB, 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM Memory (2 x 1024MB)
60GB SATA (5,400rpm) Hard Drive
8x DVD+/- RW Drive
PowerDVD 5.7 - XP Compatible
Roxio Creator Deluxe (No Media) - XP Compatible
90W AC Adapter
6 Cell 56WHr LI-ION Primary Battery
Nylon Large Carry Case
UK - 56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter
Core 2 Duo - Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps)
Uk/Irish - Internal Keyboard D520
D520 Software Drivers
No Resource CD Selected
English - Genuine Windows XP Pro SP2 (No Media)
English - Genuine Windows XP Pro SP2 Media/Recovery CD
Dell Latitude Support 3.2
No Anti-Virus Software
Base warranty
Upg to 3Y NBD International (Next Business Day) On-site (incl. e-Learning Pack)
1Y CAR (Collect and Return )
UK Education Support Services Guide
3Y Dell Education Support
No Complete Care Accidental Damage
MS Office 2003 Fundamentals E-Learning pack 30 days En/Fr/DE/ES/IT - Go to www.learndell.com/euro to register
Latitude Order - United Kingdom

Certainly won't be the cheapest laptop around but cheap isn't always best.

[CyberNerd]

R50's and R60's here. Recommended.

[witch]

thanks guys
I know cheap isnt necessarily the best but it's the only option I have!
I can't get a really good Dell deal as I only need one machine.
It looks like it will be IBM I think

[broc]

If you want to consider DELL you can purchase refurbished DELL laptops with full DELL warranty from a number of web based suppliers such as EuroPC and ITCsales. I have used EuroPC extensively for school. Our account manager is very helpful & will find exactly what we want; I give him a price & minimum spec & he will track down kit for us, whether it be a single system or 64 'near identical' systems. PM me if you want to discuss further.