Which Computer Should I Buy?

<p>I have been doing a lot of shopping around, and I had a question about the computers to buy. I have narrowed my choices down to a Dell Latitude D610 or the preconfigured IBM T43 from the Connection Connection. Both computers are configured to the same specs, same warranty, and are comparably priced. The Dell will be about $2300 after tax and shipping, and the IBM $2200. CNET reviews gives the IBM a 6.8 and the Dell a 6.7 (out of 10), and notebookreview.com doesn’t say anything bad about either. Personally, I find the IBMs very unattractive and would prefer the sleek look of the Dell. That is the only thing keeping me from the IBM. I also realize that many of the parts Dell uses are manufactured by IBM. I have read, however, that a few people really don’t like their Dell, and would like to know why. Is it just mob-mentality kind of stuff, or are there acutally big problems with the Dell that would make them not worth buying? What are these problems? Is there anyone who owns a D610 and can give me a review of it? Thanks very much for your help!</p>

<ul>
<li>Sean</li>
</ul>

<p>companies like dell and gateway sometimes use proprietary parts. Also the IBM is so sexy compared to the dell (AND THE NIPPLE MOUSE!!!!)</p>

<p>Go for the IBM(technically Lenovo) seanpitt, their build quality is second to none. The Thinkpads really last for a long time; I've heard the Dells have really shoddy build quality from several people who have owned their products.</p>

<p>is appearance > quality?</p>

<p>Having both a Dell and an IBM (I have a T41 now), I would never pay more money for a Dell than an IBM. I hated my Dell laptop - after a few months it started slowing down a lot and other things were going wrong too, to the point where I had to get a new computer (the IBM) just over a year after I bought the Dell. I've had the IBM for a little over a year with no problems and its still running as good as it was when I got it. I have a few friends that also have a T-series IBM and haven't heard even one complaint. From what I have seen, IBMs are also weigh less than Dells, are thinner, and are FAR more durable. I don't think they look that bad either - I actually prefer the IBM look over the Dell. I wasn't a big fan of the design at first, but I've grown to like it a lot. My advice: pick on what will last you the longest and run the best, not what looks the best (unless, of course, you absolutely detest the IBM design).</p>

<p>Is the T43 Premium worth the extra $400-500 over the T43 Mainstream model? I'm trying to decided which one to get.</p>

<p>Dell skrimps on more parts that ppl don't know about than any other company... even the cases aren't even really good quality. Go for the IBM. With the same Specs and less money, you get something that will last (Dell's slow down after a while) and is a quality product.</p>

<p>yes, if not just for the ram. Yes</p>

<p>dells are horrible, they are preconstructed crap-boxes. ibms are made much better and run much more effectively and efficiently. although ibms look like crap they are the best (of course subject to a bit of bias) laptop for window operating system.</p>

<p>But will the IBM quality remain despite the shift to Lenovo?</p>

<p>What about a Toshiba?</p>

<p>What is the difference between 802.11 B vs. G vs. A wireless cards? Some computers I've seen offer A cards, but does Penn even have Wireless at the G level? Is A a good idea, and should it be important in chosing a computer?</p>

<p>with out getting into specifics, you want b or g, a is not compatible with b or g</p>

<p>Penn does have wireless at the G level I believe for the most part.. definitely go with something wireless G.</p>