Can’t Decide – Dell Laptops or Viao Laptops
As we spend all our time here at FFR with our heads down in the code and on Flash, its time we updated our development laptops. This time through, we think that laptops would be the best solution for some of our working habits (aka, never away from the pc). As you will guess, laptops allow us to go on vacation and drag our laptops to work on. (like we ever really go on vacation and ever actually stop working).
Keeping our work habits in mind and knowing what all we have been producing lately, we arrive at two different laptop manufacterers that will suit our needs. We evaluated Toshiba Laptops, and Gateway Laptops and yes, even IBM Thinkpads. However, based on some personal preferences, as well as specs, we narrowed down our choices to two laptop models each from Dell and Sony.
Here is what we are looking at so far:
The Dell Precision M65 laptop or the Dell Precision M90 laptops (monster laptops but seems to have it all).
On the Sony side, we are looking at the Sony Vaio AR230G laptop and the Sony Vaio AR190G notebook.
Now here is where you guys can help us. We know that Sony laptops usually have good sex appeal, but Dell laptops are seen as the real work horses. Which laptops do you guys suggest for us to look at getting to help us make FFR better, stronger and faster that it was before?
All 4 laptops support dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo processors, we are going to need that CPU. Three of the laptops have WXGA and WUXGA 17″ screens (you can guess where we will lean on that one). Gotta have a good display on a laptop if we are going to be working on Flash.
Now the differences all basically boil down to costs and preferences. Both the Dell laptops and the Sony Vaios offer a wide range of both memory and harddrive configurations. Sony’s laptops come with 1 Gig standard. Dell laptops however offer an option to go up to 4 Gig of memory on their biggest model.
In either case, what we would like to hear what you guys think. Dell or Sony? Sony has the sexiest laptops or notebooks usually, but it does lack the power when compared to the Dell laptops. If you guys could have it all, which laptop manufacturer would you guys settle on?
And before we hear the suggestion, no .. we are not looking at Alienware Laptops. Sure, a 19 inch laptop (definitely can’t call it a notebook) is nifty .. but at $4000+, I for one think I will wait for that cold day to arrive when I need it. We’re also looking for suggestions on the best websites to find laptop stickers for our new work laptops, as well, if anyone has any 
Thanks and looking forward to your feedback
FFR Staff and Cookiecutters
148 Responses to “Can’t Decide – Dell Laptops or Viao Laptops”
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Posted at 1:10pm on September 20th, 2006
Alienware = Dell.
Get the laptop that has the better customer support if the core parts are what you want, I hear horror stories from Dell but Sony goes relatively unnoticed.
If you’re going to always have the laptop plugged in you might as well go for a mATX config for easy carrying ability, plus it might be a little cheaper.
Posted at 1:12pm on September 20th, 2006
buy one from a garage sale
Posted at 1:18pm on September 20th, 2006
blazze always one with a helpful answer
Posted at 1:18pm on September 20th, 2006
I would say Dell Cause Alienware is just a rip off on laptop’s. They are the best with desktop’s but when it comes to laptops I would say go with Dell.
Posted at 1:23pm on September 20th, 2006
OEM’s suck in general with comps, with laptops it’s a different story because I can’t find a site with parts readily available to build from.
Like if you were to ask me to build you a mATX config I can think of a pretty damn good system for around 1,000 USD, with mostly top of the line parts. It wouldn’t be a laptop but it’d be a smaller, easier to move cube.
Yeah, I’m just ranting now I guess.
Posted at 1:26pm on September 20th, 2006
depending on your price range, i would probably recomend dell. because well the customer support really does help and a warranty isnt oo pricey and will help in the event it falls in the beach xD if your looking for power monster suggest you look at the laptops at http://www.ibuypower.com most of the laptops/ notebooks there are very affordable and you acctually pay for your computer over the logo ie sony. all in all dell is the preformer and sony is the looker like you said
Posted at 1:30pm on September 20th, 2006
go with the Vaio not only is it sexy it does its job and it does it well my friend has it and he’s extremely happy with it… im going to get one soon because his rocks so much GET DA FUKIN VAIO
Posted at 1:35pm on September 20th, 2006
Viao’s are big problems. My mom has gone through three of them from random a) accidents b) being stupid. c)not working properly and customer support wasn’t helping either.
IMO, I would go with dell. Yes, eveytime you call for support you will be directed to an indian agent in india, half time in which they cannot help you, but for the options in upgrades they offer, theres nothing out there in their price range thats better suited.
Posted at 1:37pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell ftw
Posted at 1:43pm on September 20th, 2006
Dells are pretty sexy…I don’t know what you’re talking about.
But…both of MY dell laptops have had to have their harddrive replaced at one point because of some error that happens. Don’t know if that’s just me or what…but yeah.
Dells are good though. The customer service is always very helpful.
Posted at 1:49pm on September 20th, 2006
I recommend DELL for most people, I bought CoreDuo VAIO recently and have no problem though.
Posted at 1:58pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell for sure, Go for the XPS Laptop. XD
Posted at 2:02pm on September 20th, 2006
I say go with Dell. Who cares if it looks ugly next to Sony? If it works better, then use that.
Posted at 2:11pm on September 20th, 2006
Go with the dell. I own the Inspiron 1300 model and it’s decent for the price. I have a celeron which is a putdown but I have used Dells with the Duo Core Processors at school, (Isn’t it pathetic the school has a better computer than me?), and they run alot. I was on FFR, WC3, and still typing up my report. God I love 1GB of RAM. The model I am using can have 2GB.
DELL DELL DELL
My friend has a sony and it blow hard cock
Posted at 2:28pm on September 20th, 2006
The Dell xps laptops are sexy and friggin fast. i suggest that.
Posted at 2:39pm on September 20th, 2006
Viao
Posted at 2:40pm on September 20th, 2006
DON’T FORGET TO LOOK AT YOUR GPU’S!!!
Can’t tell you how much that matters. If you get intel extreme graphics 2, you will be very sorry.
Posted at 2:43pm on September 20th, 2006
Viao. It may cost more…but it’s worth it. It’s better.
Posted at 2:48pm on September 20th, 2006
NO waiiiii Istari. Dells over Sony.
Posted at 3:22pm on September 20th, 2006
Judging by the fact that there exists not one single response in favor of Sony, I’m afraid to suggest otherwise. But it’s not like I was going to say Sony anyways. For all the reasons already mentioned, I recommend Dell.
omgoshdelllol : )
Posted at 3:24pm on September 20th, 2006
I work in retail, and I deal with a number of different laptops, including Dell and Sony. I’ve seen at least three Sony Viao laptops come back, because of hardware problems. I’ve yet to see a Dell come back, and their warranties are very good. Sony’s extended ones are overpriced, and the overall reliability of a Sony Viao is very low.
Dell!
Posted at 3:27pm on September 20th, 2006
i would reccommend dell, because even though it doesnt look as good as sony, it performs better, so i choose dell.
Posted at 3:30pm on September 20th, 2006
Go with Dell because my word is law!
Posted at 4:00pm on September 20th, 2006
um…..both…i just like the name j/k they got good designs….bright colors….
Posted at 4:02pm on September 20th, 2006
It’s just like the PSP and DS. The DS is much more powerful and much better, but the Sony product always looks nicer so people buy it more.
That means Dell.
Posted at 4:06pm on September 20th, 2006
dell without a doubt, and if youre worried about the looks that bad just customize it up:]
Posted at 4:25pm on September 20th, 2006
Well, they don’t seem to be too off in specs, but the Dell has a longer battery life. The Sony only has 3 hours, which is OK I suppose, but not great. Dell’s is just more pwerfull regardless of looks, which I wouldn’t worry about too much.
Regarding the memory, the Sony can’t go to 4 gigs, and operates at 533 mhz, while the Dell operates at 667 mhz up to 2 gbs, and then 533 at 4gb. That difference in timing is definitely a big difference imo at least.
Posted at 4:56pm on September 20th, 2006
I would personally go with the dell.
Apparently, according to my old boss, Sony’s motherboards break.
Posted at 5:21pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell > Viao
Posted at 5:41pm on September 20th, 2006
i say go will dell. personally ive been using dell for 6 years and seen how good they can be. but instead of a precision go with a inspiron because the insprion i think it was E1502 that is 669$ has a dualcore 1.8ghz E18600 which is a very good processor. all you have to do is upgrade its RAM to 1gig or 2gig and your good to-go unless you want a graphics card you can make it a 256mg Nvidia geforce 7300 GT. good luck. MAY the FORCE be WITH you.
Posted at 5:45pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell will always be better than Viao. Sony doesn’t put enough into their computers for them to be considered awesome. Dell does. Simple as that.
I’m personally a Toshiba whore but that’s a different story. XD
Posted at 5:52pm on September 20th, 2006
you must dell you must deLL!
even though i love mac os x
Posted at 6:03pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell. I have one, an M-60. Its very reliable and it works good. I just dont like the weight of it.
Posted at 6:07pm on September 20th, 2006
You guys should buy 2 of both. Models vary from system to system of course; I’d go with Dell just from past experiences though.
Posted at 6:26pm on September 20th, 2006
get dell
Posted at 6:28pm on September 20th, 2006
yeah, an alienware would be nice… *starts staring off into distance*
but talking realistically, i’d reccomend dell. the viao’s just aren’t too reliable, i own a dell laptop and even though it’s a cheap one, it’s always worked fantastically and reliably
Posted at 6:41pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell.
*insert one of reasons above*
Posted at 6:54pm on September 20th, 2006
Just got a Dell Inspiron1505. Like within the last 24 hours it wasw delivered to me. Workin’ great. I’d go with the Dell, not only because they are pretty damn good, but from my expirence with sony vaios i really don’t like ‘em.
Posted at 6:57pm on September 20th, 2006
Definitely get a Dell.
Power over looks any day.
Posted at 7:25pm on September 20th, 2006
Oh god, if you get a Dell, make sure to get an extended warranty. My graphics card has died _FOUR_ times.
Posted at 7:34pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell is by far #1 I own a XPS myself and i had alienware before dell has better support , cheaper than alienware , Also on the viao they been having problems
Posted at 7:47pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell laptop for teh memory…you can never have enough ram lol
Dell desktops, on the other hand, have given me major headaches
Posted at 7:57pm on September 20th, 2006
You guys never told us the budget for four laptops or how much. Is there anything that can affect what we suggest?
Posted at 8:10pm on September 20th, 2006
dell is better thats wat i got
Posted at 8:40pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell is pure crap! Go for the Sony. Ever a problem with a Dell, tech support will eat your soul. Dell’s often do have problems from my expirience. But, do as you feel fit for the price range. Dell’s are probobly cheaper.
Posted at 8:46pm on September 20th, 2006
Two words: Get Dell.
Posted at 8:53pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell
It’s funny how someone cited Dell as being better because of the customer support, these are computer programmers you’re talking to, I’d seriously hope they could fix any problems that happened to their computer
Posted at 9:11pm on September 20th, 2006
Have you even thought about Mac?
Posted at 9:51pm on September 20th, 2006
I’ve got a Vaio and I love it. It has a lot more features than most Dell laptops and I’m very happy with it. If price isn’t an issue go with Sony otherwise i’d recommend Dell because they’re cheaper.
Posted at 10:36pm on September 20th, 2006
If you get Dells then customize it with banana stickers.
Posted at 11:01pm on September 20th, 2006
Dell XPS M1210
You don’t need 4 gigs if you plan on sticking with XP because It has a max of 3 gigs of ram I believe unless this has recently been changed, although it’d be nice to have for when vista comes out.
Posted at 11:48pm on September 20th, 2006
One word.
MACINTOSH.
Posted at 12:19am on September 21st, 2006
GET DELL. i just went through the same decision when buying mine. the reason dell is cheaper is because they sell more product. they are the hottest thing on the computer market right now.
sony= overpriced, unreliable
dell= good service, quality laptops/XPS desktops, cheaper, i got my XPS 400 in a week after i ordered
alienware= horrible service(waited over a month before i canceled my order)nobody helped- a complete waist of time
Posted at 12:22am on September 21st, 2006
also- dell gave me a deal on a 4 year full warenty on support for $99. ask for it and get it. ask for other deals too.
Posted at 1:42am on September 21st, 2006
Dell All the way Dell Has the best Customer Service….24/7
I have been using dells for the past 6 years and I never had a problem
Posted at 1:56am on September 21st, 2006
build a custom laptop ftw?
idiots
Posted at 2:05am on September 21st, 2006
I’ve had bad experiences with Sony Vaio. Though it was a
desktop, I still relate it to any Sony Vaio product.
I’ve had two Sony Vaios and three Dell Desktops. All three
desktops are working fine with the exception of an AGP card
that gave out on me after 4 years of use.
DELL DELL DELL
lee
Posted at 6:46am on September 21st, 2006
Take vote based on the amount of staff which does / doesn’t have a significant other. If the majority do, then go with Dell. If the majority don’t, go with Sony since you guys probably need the extra sex appeal xD
Posted at 10:06am on September 21st, 2006
Seriously, if you need to run windows only programs, Mac’s can do that now. They are faster, extremly less prone to viruses/spyware, have a much better OS, and They pretty much Pwn all other types of computers in everyway.
Get a Mac.
Posted at 10:28am on September 21st, 2006
MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC.
Posted at 1:57pm on September 21st, 2006
P P AS IN 8========D
Posted at 2:03pm on September 21st, 2006
XPS FTW.
Posted at 2:24pm on September 21st, 2006
VAIO is more for media playing they have a good video card and good memory, but i dont know anything about the power supply and the fan to cool down the processor
Dell is more secure in terms of hardware warranties, power supply and the fan for the processor.
I would suggest a Dell laptop over VAIO.
Posted at 2:37pm on September 21st, 2006
I suggest the Dell one because we need to have the best we can get on FFR
Posted at 3:51pm on September 21st, 2006
Sure, a 19 inch laptop (definitely can’t call it a notebook)
Heh… maybe a textbook?
Posted at 4:11pm on September 21st, 2006
DELL ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
they are cheaper, got better stats, and all that good stuff… but so far, dell sounds like a definate answer so far….
Posted at 4:26pm on September 21st, 2006
Remember your screen size: Not too big, or it isn’t a laptop, and not too small, or it’s just annoying. Sometimes I think my 15″ 4:3 is too big.
Macs don’t work on PC people, and PCs are easier to use effectively than macs are. That’s why there’s more viruses for PCs. Definately DON’T learn a new OS.
Dell is cheaper than Sony, generally.
Posted at 4:49pm on September 21st, 2006
You sooo should go for a dell. ;]
Posted at 4:53pm on September 21st, 2006
dell…. theres no other choice
Posted at 4:54pm on September 21st, 2006
seriously… its the best
Posted at 4:54pm on September 21st, 2006
ooh wow i can be the 70th poster.. go me
Posted at 5:16pm on September 21st, 2006
Ziin, you can run Windows on (new) Macs, effectively eliminating the need for a PC.
Posted at 5:16pm on September 21st, 2006
Get a Mac.
Posted at 5:18pm on September 21st, 2006
Dell
Posted at 5:26pm on September 21st, 2006
since you guys only need them for work purposes , i would suggest dell , ive read rave reviews on the dell xps laptop ,
like the M1710 wich has a beefy 7900gtx built in if you feel like getting trigger happy ,
my friend recently bought a dell inspirion model , i tried to play ffr on it and it was hopeless , the keys dont make noise and they feel very soggy .
im not sure if the keyboards on other laptops share this problem maybe all laptops are gay for ffr .
Posted at 9:08pm on September 21st, 2006
4 reasons why dell is the way to go. 1. price range is good 2.good customer service 3.very good upgrade options to choose from
and 4. dell computers really are sexy(by the way Im using a dell right now)
so ya get an XPS laptop and your good to go
Posted at 9:12pm on September 21st, 2006
Macs aren’t good by my experience, I just don’t like them. They keyboards are weird so when I try to hit DELETE I hit the \ button
Posted at 9:13pm on September 21st, 2006
oo i forgot to add: get a dell
Posted at 9:25pm on September 21st, 2006
My friend has a sony laptop and it suddenly stopped working the 2nd week she had it. And the customer service people were…not helpful is a mild way to put it. Get a Dell. Mom has one and she has not had any problems.
Posted at 10:10pm on September 21st, 2006
ima stay wit my alienware
Posted at 12:07am on September 22nd, 2006
I don’t actually own a laptop, but my dad owned a Sony Vaio and it broke because it could not handle the heat from being inside his small observatory. It was repaired in a about week though at no charge, I believe. Never used a dell laptop, so I can’t say. I don’t trust any company to build me a computer, so I’ve always built my own desktops. If you could build your own laptop (which I’ve never heard of), I would go for it though. One thing, just make sure whatever you decide to do that you have an AMD processor. Intel = almost have the speed of AMD (At least for every desktop I’ve compared too).
Posted at 3:20am on September 22nd, 2006
well i personally have had all good experiences from dell’s… it all depends on if you wish to buy and leave it standard or if you plan on upgrading… i personally would go for an upgrade since you dont have to spend all of the cash right off the bat… you can do the gradual thing… its a more logical approach toward your goal since you are on a long term based path… be smart bout things and take youe time…
Posted at 3:28am on September 22nd, 2006
Macbook Pro
Seriously though Dell kills Sony and as you need to do programing stick w/ windows XP (you poor soul).
Posted at 1:31pm on September 22nd, 2006
I’d lean toward the sony, the horror stories applying to dell’s customer service are just too much to ignore.
Posted at 2:16pm on September 22nd, 2006
have you checked HP laptops?
but with the two choices you leave, I would choose sony.
Posted at 2:23pm on September 22nd, 2006
it might just be my opinion… but HP sucks!!!
Posted at 2:23pm on September 22nd, 2006
well my family has the XPs dell’s and have had no problem at all, its just that depneding on what you connect to it goes slow or fast, sony is great but my aunt has had trouble with all three versions coming out, if you have the extra money though get the dell customer service thats when they dont redirect to some indian person whos dumb(no rascism implied).
Posted at 5:26pm on September 22nd, 2006
for sure dell, i play ffr with a dell i i kick ass so bye a dell 2 be good like me
Posted at 5:48pm on September 22nd, 2006
i didnt rly get the time to read the rest. but im on a dell laptop and i own it. i personally say it will cover all your needs. i have a Dell LATITUDE D610 and it cost around $2000. i find it fine. sony has awesome graphic cards but i heard they are sh!t (i didn’t believe it). plus dell has alienware so if u decide to get an alienware you are in for a hell of a time. prices for an average alienware laptop are $2000-$3000
Posted at 5:49pm on September 22nd, 2006
just replying to a previous message about laptop keyboards…, i have a dell inspiron b120, and i personally like using the keys on this more than an actual keyboard for a desktop… and you could always get an actual keyboard that plugs in via usb, you probably wouldn’t want to carry the thing around with ya though…
Posted at 5:55pm on September 22nd, 2006
Dell duh dell is by far better than sony in computers itz what dell is meant for building computers…^_^
Posted at 6:03pm on September 22nd, 2006
Seriously. DELL SUCKS. Get a freaking VAIO. VAIO > DELL. But in my opinion, HP pwns all xD And raver Shut up. Dell sucks badly xD
Posted at 6:50pm on September 22nd, 2006
DELL DELL DELL! :3
Posted at 8:22pm on September 22nd, 2006
DELL! GET DELL! GET DELL!! PERFORMANCE IS BETTER THAN LOOKS!!!
Posted at 10:13pm on September 22nd, 2006
# Firestorme Says:
September 22nd, 2006 at 6:03 pm
Seriously. DELL SUCKS. Get a freaking VAIO. VAIO > DELL. But in my opinion, HP pwns all xD And raver Shut up. Dell sucks badly xD
srsly are you blind and deaf? not to flame but vaio loases and dell wins u cannot combat alienware.
Posted at 11:06pm on September 22nd, 2006
ABSOLUTELY GO WITH DELL!!!!
XD
Posted at 1:27am on September 23rd, 2006
i work with computers,,, i actually sell them for a living,,, and from personal experience, i would go with the Sony Vaio any day! dell has horrible customer service, they use junk for parts, and you cant forget that dell did just have to largest recall in computer history (with the batteries exploding on people…
honestly alot of what you pay for with a Sony is the name “Sony” you can get something just as good from HP, Toshiba, or Gateway
i hope this helps… i gave honest answers.. not openions like most of the above has left
Posted at 2:21am on September 23rd, 2006
Dell.
I’m using one right now! And it’s pretty sexy might I add.
Posted at 9:52am on September 23rd, 2006
I have Dell and Sony laptops at work. Dells outperform and are more reliable, period.
Sony’s VAIO series is annoying for a number of reasons, but the worst feature is their overly proprietary hardware. Making modifications or upgrades to a Sony VAIO series laptop is extremely difficult (and expensive). Dells usually ship with much more mainstream components, and are easier to replace and repair.
All the horsepower in the world doesn’t help you if the computer breaks every 3 months.
Posted at 10:52am on September 23rd, 2006
I rarely comment on these, but I’ll speak from experience on the Dell laptops:
Your monitor will break once every 1-3 years.
Your hard drive will break every 1-3 years.
Your CPU fan will start to act up and be a piece of crap literally once every 12-18 months.
Not to mention after about 2-3 years, some of the motherboard connections will start to make high pitched dogwhistle-style noises that hurt your ears whenever the CPU is idling.
And, lastly, if your firewire controller is a piece of crap that makes you want to throw it out a window (like mine), don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Just my experience. Inspiron 8200. Very famous on the HDD and monitor and CPU fan problems; I have a friend at best buy who made it sound like it was common knowledge in Geek Squad that dell laptops have problems in those 3 areas commonly.
Good luck choosing!
Posted at 12:47pm on September 23rd, 2006
Ugh, I would go for the Dell. I had a Vaio and it was a piece of crap. Not enough room on it for jack. I would go with the work-horse Dell. Defiantly.
Posted at 1:36pm on September 23rd, 2006
I am the 101st Poster!!!
Posted at 1:50pm on September 23rd, 2006
in response to urath’s post :
dont listen to this guy obviously he knows nothing about laptops or pc’s , your hd will break
Posted at 3:00pm on September 23rd, 2006
I’d go with dell. Not for customer support because I’m sure you guys can handle whatever comes your way. I’ve dealt with both companies I ahve a dell desktop that I’m on now (XPS) and I love it, runs smooth feels great, and for the amount of ram and the processor speed, it’s handling stuff that machines with equal specs I’ve seen lag on a bit. My friend has a sony laptop, and I’ve seen some problems on it, but nothing to not be expected. I credit it majorly to his habits on the computer… *ahem* anyways If you’re looking for specs and performance I’d go with dell and as far as looks, both of them none of them are bad and If you really wanted to you could make your dell sexier with some graphics for a price thats easily worth getting the workhorse.
Posted at 3:01pm on September 23rd, 2006
Just do some research, gather some facts, and balance out the factual pros and cons, then choose what has more of what you want. Having loads of people give you comments on what they think is best isn’t really the best way to solve a problem like this. The results are just too inconsistent and inconclusive. Be careful, and choose wisely on how you spend your money.
Posted at 3:03pm on September 23rd, 2006
i have to agree w/ the mac people – i use an iBook and lean more towards that end… sure cost is high *or so you may think* but you can run both windows and os x now. plus, they are good looking (sony), and are built to run great (dell) and have wonderful customer service.
bbbuuuuttt… if you have to stay in the PC realm.. i’d say dell just because i’ve seen/heard lots of problems with sony.
and i disagree with urath’s post also… we have a dell desktop downstairs that we have had since like 1998 or something.. it still is running perfectly strong! we’ve only ever had to have the modem replaced (power outage killed it) – never had any hard drive replaced, cd-drive, memory, cpu, anything. it runs strong – i did however recently replace it for my parents with an Intel Mac Mini (because it’s getting too old and only has like a pent.2 processor lol)
i still say go with Mac
Posted at 3:37pm on September 23rd, 2006
I don’t know what to recommend anymore. Dells have good support, but they’re very frequently brought in for repairs. I had a horrible experience with a Sony Vaio laptop, in which it periodically froze, once during my reinstallation of SP2. The hard drive also crashed, the laptop battery stopped connecting to its terminals, etc. The monitor also cracked due to being in a 55-degree car and it not being able to tolerate it. My new HP laptop sucks big time. It’s got a nice 17″ widescreen, but it’s given me more problems overall than anything else I’ve had (ethernet port, firewire port, sound card, headphone jack, Lightscribe drive, and more are all fried). My Compaq laptop was great, and I’m actually using that as my most reliable and well-performing computer. I think quality went way down when Compaq and HP merged. Anyway, I think you’ll get cons on each major brand you buy, but especially find something unique to your needs that you can use well.
Posted at 5:03pm on September 23rd, 2006
My Rule: Dont Get A Dell Desktop computer, Dont get a sony laptop computer.
Posted at 6:40pm on September 23rd, 2006
The VIAO desktops are pretty awesome, but if we’re talking about laptops, Dell is the way to go. They’re cheaper and have a lot more space. I haven’t had any problems with my Dell.
And I would never suggest a Mac. It’s pretty slow, and what’s the difference from a PC if you can get Windows on it?
Posted at 7:11pm on September 23rd, 2006
viao Viao WHOOT WHOOT
plus.Kids DONT do Drugz Drug Free!!!
Posted at 9:16pm on September 23rd, 2006
I had a dell laptop. It has a fan under it and its really retarded because after awhile, it will start to over heat and then just crash unexpectidly -_- I don’t know what the other laptop your talking about is but, i think i would recomend it.
Posted at 10:02pm on September 23rd, 2006
get sony for your own sake please.
Posted at 10:03pm on September 23rd, 2006
made a mistake sorry. get a dell. my dad has one
Posted at 11:26pm on September 23rd, 2006
sony’s viao has been the best laptop i have ever used so get a viao
Posted at 12:01am on September 24th, 2006
i would probably pick dell for its power compared to sony. if u want FFR to be better, stronger and faster, go for dell.
Posted at 12:51am on September 24th, 2006
this is just my opinion if ur going laptop Dell if desktop Sony being we are talkign about laptops go with the dell, as others have said you will have issues with any company you pick, and should do extensive research to know exactly what you will want. And as for Mac’s they just suck point blank. so to wrap this up i’d go for the dell.
Posted at 1:37am on September 24th, 2006
4chan’s servers are dells, nuff said.
Posted at 7:37am on September 24th, 2006
DO NOT GET A DELL!!!
They break and slowly decompose on the inside then when you least expect it BAM, no more keyboard function or no more video card function, etc…
Posted at 12:45pm on September 24th, 2006
viao
Posted at 1:39pm on September 24th, 2006
Well personally i think Viao wins by a bit. Dells are nice and have a great price compared to most other manufacterers with the same products, but dell does have its huge drawbacks.Such as horrible customer support (basically you need to do everything your self and the dude on the other side just reads from a instructions manual…which you have..), and the parts to kill itself sooner or later. I have Dell products which totally self destructed one day and just wouldnt work, not only that ut the didnt even cover with the factory gaurantee… Viao on the other hand does look sexier, but also have some awesome parts, although the price is a bit higher its more dependabl and plus their coverage on replacable parts are alot safer
All in all what i might be trying to say is that, if you want a decent priced laptop to work striaght up, and there for quick starting works, with yourself to be the only person to be depended on go with the Dell.
If you are looking at the long run and want something that will make you a bit happier since you payed a bi more for a more stable machine (not that its always better), and a little more effort to work it, go with the Viao.
It’s your choice, but like i stated earlier, i personally think that Viao wins by a hairs length.
P.S.
Both machines do their jobs, so its all about life span, and dependablility.
Posted at 5:29pm on September 24th, 2006
LOL people keep saying “Viao” when it’s actually “Vaio.” VEE-YOW!
Go with a Dell. I think most regulars should know my stance on Sony products. They’re unreliable. They break. They’re MADE to LOOK GOOD (hint hint, reference to your “sexy” comments). I don’t think dells look bad one bit, and the power is what you really need.
I don’t think you needed to go to the community to reach a decision on this. I think the staff knows pretty well that a high performance machine is a much better choice than a good-looking one. I was thinking, “are you serious?” as I read the story.
*cough* I’m sorry, I’m rambling. Get a Dell. More reliable, more powerful, more of what you need.
Posted at 7:03pm on September 24th, 2006
Go with a VAIO. I’m on one right now, actually; great computer. I’ve had dell laptops, and they’re crap. But that’s just my opinion.
Posted at 7:58pm on September 24th, 2006
Get sony, Dell’s laptops are crap.
Posted at 8:37am on September 25th, 2006
dells are the best, and if you really need high performance http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/xpsnb_m2010?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs this one will do the trick
Posted at 8:43am on September 25th, 2006
Alienware ftw, your idea that alienware is too expensive or too big is just ridiculous, you can get the same thing for the same if not lower price from alienware, it will look mega sexy and outperform any of the others. Alienware doesn’t come with a bunch of junk software installed that you didn’t ask for, and it comes optimized for performance unlike dell or sony. Trust me, I have two Dell computers and both of them suck. My aunt has a Sony laptop and it sucks. Don’t get either, get Alienware.
Posted at 9:39am on September 25th, 2006
VIAO – I’ve found them stable in my use of them and they have been good to me, internet is awesome and is like useing a home console in speed At least for me) I’m sure that the newer ones are even better mine is a few years old and still running top notch.
Posted at 5:24pm on September 25th, 2006
Definitely Dell, they’re the best.
Posted at 5:46pm on September 25th, 2006
I work for IBM. I can get large discounts on laptops and even pass them along to you. I would feel guilty as he** doing that as you would STILL pay about 30% more than you would buying Dell and about 15% more than if you went Vaio. And you would end up with about 25% less quality. oh. And a mummified chinese man’s finger with each laptop.
Go with Dell. The price is usually good and even if you do have problems, it’s REAL EASY to bully the helpdesk into returns and repairs. Sony isn’t so easy. They actually look at the broken stuff when you return it and don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.
If you’re planning on overclocking though, go Vaio. Dell exploded one laptop. .000002% odds are scary when the computer is sitting next to your breadbasket.
Posted at 7:03pm on September 25th, 2006
I have a dell xps 600 and i love it bought it for 1600 with dual 7800 gtx’s, they have the xps2010, the 20 inch screen monster in the outlet for 2100 when it starts new for 3500, the thing is ridiculus! Get it!, X1800 video card, 8.1 speakers and sub. Slot loading popup drive, etc! Wireless USB remote! but its 20lbs!…. Its awesome… I also like the m1710 and even the new tiny one is great, works like a charm, Love the new xps line, alienware prices have become more reasonable with the merge, Sonys AR is SICK only because of Blu ray drive, but if you dont care about that then o dell
Posted at 9:29pm on September 25th, 2006
I’d definatly have to recommend the vaio. =) But if you could make the sacrifice to get alienware,get that instead. I hear the AW computers are kick ass.
Posted at 5:22pm on September 26th, 2006
IBM. LOLZORS.
Posted at 7:46pm on September 26th, 2006
HP, customizable and afordable
Posted at 8:17pm on September 26th, 2006
i say, get the best money can buy. screw sex appeal, and go for power, power, power, and big memory. because ya’ll may need it. and besides. i’m sure the staff is smexy enough. sex appeal for a laptop + smexy staff = overkill. go for power and memory.
~vgd123
Posted at 8:33pm on September 26th, 2006
ive had great experiance with dell and compaq laptops, i would recommend the dell laptop
with the core duo, you most likely wont see much of a difference in processing power between the two manufacturers, but as has been stated, the dells usually have better technical support
Posted at 8:52pm on September 26th, 2006
i need a labtop because i want to be a good player although my dad won’t buy me one, it pisses me off that my dad won’t buy it
Posted at 2:22am on September 27th, 2006
i’m surprised about how many people are basing their suggestions on openions, other than facts like i said earlier
Posted at 4:23pm on September 27th, 2006
cool but uhh when in the hell are u gonna put a new song of the week?
Posted at 5:24pm on September 27th, 2006
instead of getting those u should get a alienware lots of memory and power if not then a sony is good
Posted at 5:51pm on September 27th, 2006
Go with the Viao. I have a 2K 13.3 in. Dual Core machine with no flaws. Dell is gonna kill you if you ever need to upgrade it since you need to get their parts, and in general, I’ve heard bad things about them. Go Sony.
Posted at 5:59am on September 28th, 2006
“i’m surprised about how many people are basing their suggestions on openions, other than facts like i said earlier”
Posted at 10:33am on September 28th, 2006
Ok, just because you have facts, doesn’t mean that the comsumer experience is going to be better. Sony could have the best computers in the world but if they don’t aid you when something goes wrong, or a part is faulty then what is the point?
Computers are computers and most of the time, your experience is going to be mostly the same, it isn’t like IBM and VAIO are polar opposites to each other. Think of the assets wihin your business, what computer get updated more, what computer depreciates less.
Since it sounds like you are buying more then one, you could always get 50 / 50 and if the difference is THAT huge return the inferior ones and replace them with new ones.
anyways, to void all my points above. Go VAIO
Posted at 7:32pm on September 28th, 2006
Fact is when you buy from a crappy distributor like Dell or Sony you get crappy parts, usually a downgraded form of something more powerful. Dell = Alienware, but at Alienware you get high quality parts, an optimized computer, no junk software, and the same or lower price. Case and point I win no competition kthx.
Posted at 11:09pm on September 28th, 2006
those ibm thinkpads are really good but too bad they’re expensive… Dells are a little on the cheap side. I have a vaio and it’s working fine for me. The only problem is that’s it’s noisey so I could never take to someplace quiet (library, school etc.)
Posted at 2:17am on September 29th, 2006
I just talked to a friend of mine who works at CompUSA he recommends the Dell
Posted at 11:55pm on September 30th, 2006
Dell for sure. For a number of good reasons, including very good customer support.
Posted at 3:59pm on October 2nd, 2006
Dell is the way to go. Sony sucks major (insert very bad word here)
Posted at 3:59pm on October 2nd, 2006
(I know from experience)
Posted at 9:04pm on October 2nd, 2006
dell sucks
go vaio
(currently on a vaio desktop)