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Can anyone recommend a dell laptop? need to be able to watch dvd's, get on the net and burn cd's..

Short answer... no

Dell has one of the worst technical support groups out of all the big manufacturers. If you have to go Dell for your company, then go to Circuit City or Best Buy and play with the different ones to see what you like best. Some have buttons in places where some people naturally put their hands. Other's keyboards are stretched too far for some users. Comfort and feel are just as important as all the specs.

If you have freedom to buy any brand; look at the Sony or something similar. Check out http://www.pcworld.com; every month they rank laptops in "Power" and "Budget" categories.

I was going with Dell b/c we get a really good discount with my company and then we also get a reimbursement..

land_shark3 wrote:Short answer... no

Dell has one of the worst technical support groups out of all the big manufacturers. If you have to go Dell for your company, then go to Circuit City or Best Buy and play with the different ones to see what you like best. Some have buttons in places where some people naturally put their hands. Other's keyboards are stretched too far for some users. Comfort and feel are just as important as all the specs.

If you have freedom to buy any brand; look at the Sony or something similar. Check out http://www.pcworld.com; every month they rank laptops in "Power" and "Budget" categories.

I couldn’t agree more. Where I work we have several dell laptops and every one of them has had problems. Between the OS crashing, keys falling off, hard drives dying, modems not working and more…


I have a Dell desktop which works great but I would never get a Dell Laptop.

I just bought an Inspiron 6000 wide screen that kick a**

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:I was going with Dell b/c we get a really good discount with my company and then we also get a reimbursement..

Knock on wood no problems with my dell desktop, if you want to save even more money get a refurbished one it saved me an extra 400 dollars on my tower.

redwinemaker wrote:I just bought an Inspiron 6000 wide screen that kick a**

Is that through Dell?

I've had several problems with my Dell desktop and talking to their tech guys is like having a root canal. But I also know folks who have had good luck with their Dells.

If Dell is the only one you are going to get reimbursed for, then go with it. If you can be reimbursed for an equivalent, keep shopping.

All computers have their downsides. Gateway is notorious for having either the motherboard or graphics card dying. Dells have problems with batteries, monitor latches, and tech support. Sonys are often too small for most users.

You just have to balance out what you're willing to give up.

Alan11 wrote:

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:I was going with Dell b/c we get a really good discount with my company and then we also get a reimbursement..

Knock on wood no problems with my dell desktop, if you want to save even more money get a refurbished one it saved me an extra 400 dollars on my tower.

Not sure I can do that with the discount that is provided... but I'll have to look into it.

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:

Alan11 wrote:

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:I was going with Dell b/c we get a really good discount with my company and then we also get a reimbursement..

Knock on wood no problems with my dell desktop, if you want to save even more money get a refurbished one it saved me an extra 400 dollars on my tower.

Not sure I can do that with the discount that is provided... but I'll have to look into it.

Are you a part of the EPP or employee purchase program or something like that where you get a higher percentage off the more you spend?

land_shark3 wrote:If Dell is the only one you are going to get reimbursed for, then go with it. If you can be reimbursed for an equivalent, keep shopping.

All computers have their downsides. Gateway is notorious for having either the motherboard or graphics card dying. Dells have problems with batteries, monitor latches, and tech support. Sonys are often too small for most users.

You just have to balance out what you're willing to give up.

OK, with that being said, if I was to go with a Dell what should I go for? I unfortunately know nothing about laptops..

Alan11 wrote:

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:

Alan11 wrote:

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:I was going with Dell b/c we get a really good discount with my company and then we also get a reimbursement..

Knock on wood no problems with my dell desktop, if you want to save even more money get a refurbished one it saved me an extra 400 dollars on my tower.

Not sure I can do that with the discount that is provided... but I'll have to look into it.

Are you a part of the EPP or employee purchase program or something like that where you get a higher percentage off the more you spend?

Nope, It's through corporate perks - and I beleive Dell was 20% off plus the additional reimbursement package..

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:

Alan11 wrote:

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:

Alan11 wrote:

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:I was going with Dell b/c we get a really good discount with my company and then we also get a reimbursement..

Knock on wood no problems with my dell desktop, if you want to save even more money get a refurbished one it saved me an extra 400 dollars on my tower.

Not sure I can do that with the discount that is provided... but I'll have to look into it.

Are you a part of the EPP or employee purchase program or something like that where you get a higher percentage off the more you spend?

Nope, It's through corporate perks - and I beleive Dell was 20% off plus the additional reimbursement package..

your right you might or might not be able to use it, but what the hell give it a try. About laptop choice my brother in law for his business has a inspiron 1100 and he loves it.

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:OK, with that being said, if I was to go with a Dell what should I go for? I unfortunately know nothing about laptops..

Just for Internet, dvds, and cds... most any of them will do. The ones specifically for DVDs (widescreen, higher graphics, etc.) will obviously cost more.

If you are going to be travelling with it the majority of the time, look for a lightweight laptop. If its going to sit at your office or home, get a larger one with more stuff built in.

Upgrade the memory! Most are shipping with 256kb or 512kb. Whatever it comes with, get more! The more memory, the faster it will open programs and basically operate. Also, look for one with "Mobile Technology". These computers are designed to run longer on battery power by only operating the essential functions. You can probably get by with 20 Gb of hard drive, but 40 and 80 are often options as well. You'll only need 80 Gb if you're storing movies or a LOT of music files.

Like I said, just check out PC World. They are upfront about the computers and give the pros and cons.

Thanks everyone!!!

whatever you get make sure you get as much warranty as you can

both our laptop and desktop are dell... there both awesome and easy to upgrade yourself.. as far as tech support.. 24/7 as long as you own it.. whats better than that..

MA_Buffett_Fan23 wrote:Can anyone recommend a dell laptop? need to be able to watch dvd's, get on the net and burn cd's..

I have similar needs in a laptop and my Dell has served my needs fabulously. One note of advice... keep your warranty updated and you should do fine with a Dell. You really can't beat the quality for the price.

UAHparrothead wrote:whatever you get make sure you get as much warranty as you can

yeah... ditto...