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3 Laptop Choices Up Today, 2 Fall Down, the Other Stays
Dekabal
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I'm trying to buy a new laptop and narrowed it down to these three:
1. Sony Vaio Z (2010 version) 13"
2. Sony Vaio SA 13"
3. HP DV6t Quad 15"
I've never personally bought from any of theses companys and this is really my first laptop that i'm buying for myself. I was wondering if I could get some of your opinions on these machines. As for the uses, its basically going to be a personal computer for college: some computer science stuff, game development, some multiplayer gaming (really, just counter strike, tf2, minecraft, possible one of the STALKER games b/c they're awesome
), watching videos (this is big for me b/c right now my desktop is basically my TV and i'd like my laptop to be able to do the same) and general school work. There is also the strong possibility of living on campus for me in about 6 months so I won't have access to my desktop. So, what do you guys/girls think of these laptops?
1. Sony Vaio Z (2010 version) 13"
2. Sony Vaio SA 13"
3. HP DV6t Quad 15"
I've never personally bought from any of theses companys and this is really my first laptop that i'm buying for myself. I was wondering if I could get some of your opinions on these machines. As for the uses, its basically going to be a personal computer for college: some computer science stuff, game development, some multiplayer gaming (really, just counter strike, tf2, minecraft, possible one of the STALKER games b/c they're awesome
), watching videos (this is big for me b/c right now my desktop is basically my TV and i'd like my laptop to be able to do the same) and general school work. There is also the strong possibility of living on campus for me in about 6 months so I won't have access to my desktop. So, what do you guys/girls think of these laptops? Dekabal on
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The HP might be a bit more powerful, but the battery life won't be nearly as good (based on the specs I looked up), and the build quality will definitely be lacking in comparison. HP consistently scores among the worst in terms of reliability. Hell, it looks like they might be quitting making consumer hardware entirely. I've encountered far too many people in my uni days who regretted buying their HP laptops, and usually just left them at home because the battery would stop holding a charge within a year, and various components would just break. Bloatware is also worth considering. HP is notoriously bad about cramming its systems full of it. A reformat is basically necessary to make the thing serviceable.
Whatever you buy is going to end up obsolete and riddled with issues somewhere down the road, and Laptops a bit more difficult to just switch out parts on yourself (a couple things are modular, sure, but not everything.) I recommend considering the support situation highly when making your decision. Based on that, Id go for one of the Sonys
I have been interested in a macbook pro 13 but compatability issues (computer science major), lack of good hardware for the games I play, and the general "locked down" feeling/design of OS X has kind of turned me away from despite my love of its design and portability.
*Edit: I just read some comments on the notebook review forum about the Vaio Z laptops being prone to damage when travelling and people having to use heavy hard cases to protect them. I'm also looking for a laptop the is somewhat durable and reliable as I tend to keep laptops for a goof while (with proper care of course). My last laptop was a dell inspiron from 2003 which I used up until it dies in 2008.
I'd also avoid HP too until you know who's going to be taking care of their hardware long term.
I'd say you've narrowed down to two really good choices. It's your call. My Macbook has been dead reliable in every way so far. I took it to school with me every day for about 2.5 years, and it still looks like new. The battery still holds the originally claimed 5 hours of charge. OS X requires like zero maintenance, and is very pleasant to use as well (do account for personal preference of course, though). I didn't have any compatibility issues, though I was majoring in geology, so I didn't really need any specialized applications anyway.