I am often asked about buying laptops.

Most people expect me to rattle off a bunch of techincal specs or suggest a specific manufacturer that I like.  After all -- I'm probably a computer nerd with a band-aid holding together my thick eyeglasses.. Right? Instead I share with them a totally different perspective.

First the facts. 

• It's a fact that you pay more for the small size of a laptop. 
• It's a fact that the same processor in a laptop almost always seems slower than the same processor in a full size chassis (for lengthy technical reasons). 
• It's a fact that it's costly to repair laptops and most repairs consist on replacing the entire guts of the machine.
• It's a fact that you are more likely to break a laptop because you carry it around.

I can go on forever.  So why would you spend top dollar on a laptop for the faster processor, bigger hard drive, and coolest screen?  It only makes sense if you keep the machine for a few years.  Right? 

If it breaks outside of the warranty it will be too costly to repair.  IF you purchased the expensive repair plan you still have to box it up and ship it away for 2 weeks and pray they don't just wipe out the hard drive and ship it back with a note that says "It ain't broken"  :)  (trust me, this happens all the time).

So to make a long story short.  Why pay $3000.00 for a laptop computer that *might* last 3 years when you can pay $900.00 for a computer and get a brand new one every 2 years  or less?  (mine don't always last that long).  If the computer survives you can pass the laptop on to kids in your family that may need one.  If it doesn't last -- it's ok, because you didn't overpay and you can go out and purchase a new one with the latest and greatest features and gadgets.

Stick with the popular companies like Dell, Compaq, Sony, etc.  Then buy the one that costs $1000.00 or so.  Unless you are running very heavy applications, my experience tells me that a laptop in this price range will do everything you'll need.

I know it sounds crazy.  That's how I purchase my laptops :)  I've owned many laptops, pda's, blackberrys, etc. over the years. 

I hope this helps you with you next laptop purchase.

Feel free to post questions and comments.

Shane Merem
www.websiteforge.com
Website design and e-commerce