I really want one of these for school.

[burningmice]

While I was working in the tech support area of a large computer retailer (Future Shop) I saw at very least 3 HP laptops come in for hardware related repairs everyday. I know HP probably sells more laptops than anyone else, but seeing so many come for repairs everyday really scares me away from them.

[dsheinem]

If you are going the PC laptop route, don't get an HP - ever.

I'd recommend the Lenovo ThinkPads. I've been using one for several years now and have found it much better than my previous (Sony and Dell) laptops. I also prefer it over my wife's Toshiba.

[Limewater]

I'd recommend the Lenovo ThinkPads. I've been using one for several years now and have found it much better than my previous (Sony and Dell) laptops. I also prefer it over my wife's Toshiba.

If you're going to go business-class like the Thinkpad, I'll say that I've been very happy with my Dell Latitude E6400. The consumer-grade side of Dell can kind of suck, but their business-class side is really solid, in my experience. And you can get a really good refurbished business-class machine pretty cheap online through the Dell outlet.

[RokstaEnSweden]

Don't go HP. I remember reading an article on the hardware failure rates by manufacturer, and they're at the tippity top. Honestly, if you're going to be using the PC just for class, I'd go with something small, light, and inexpensive. I bought an Eee PC netbook for taking notes in class and writing papers, and it worked out great for me. Granted, I installed linux on there to take advantage of the limited system resources. If I had kept windows on there, I'm sure I would have been less than pleased.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

Just need to find the right kext pack which is a simple forum search in my experience. It's true that some of the Intel boards, mainly in the last 2-3 years have had rather large issues with OSX. Niode can attest to that, but for the majority of hardware it will work perfectly fine.

Also I typed that because your posts make you seem to be a raving mac fanatic. Most mac people cant get past the fact all that's different in their magic box is software. So, sorry if I offended you.

Oh no offense taken, I like Macs and for the average user I think they are the best choice but my main machine happens to be a ThinkPad. Macs certainly have their flaws.

[elvis]

Working for an all-HP company, I'm sick of HP's batteries. My wife also recently bought a Compaq branded laptop (also HP), and the battery issue was there on the consumer side too.

You get about 2 months of decent battery, and then it all goes south. Expect 20 minutes max battery life from there on in. Totally impractical if you're on the go.

I'd buy anything over HP. I've worked previously for IBM/Lenovo shops and have been pleased with that kit. Likewise the millions of ultra-portables out there from Dell, Asus, Acer, Toshiba and anyone else are fine. And as much as I don't like Apple's hardware prices, their batteries are great. (I do like their hardware and software however, just not how much they want me to pay for it).

[Imperfect Dark]

Apple products are not expensive to students!

I consider spending over $1500 dollars expensive, so yes they are expensive.

[Imperfect Dark]

That thing is huge. If you actually expect to carry it around without at all, I'd suggest getting something smaller.

*EDIT* OK, I'm afraid the above sounds like I'm trying to pick on you. But seriously, I've only owned laptops for about the past ten years. I made the mistake of buying a cheap acer with a 15.4" screen once. It really is too big and annoying to haul around, though I did what I had to do. It didn't help that the build quality on it sucks as well. I'm actually typing this on it, but it's no longer my daily work computer.

I don't know if you're in college or going to college or what you mean, school-wise. If you're studying graphic design or something, you might actually need the extra screen size. Otherwise, I seriously do recommend getting something more manageable.

In most of my classes we're not allowed to have our own laptops. This would be primarily for my dorm and used for entertainment (music, movies, games, ect.). I wouldn't be hauling it to class everyday.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

That thing is huge. If you actually expect to carry it around without at all, I'd suggest getting something smaller.

*EDIT* OK, I'm afraid the above sounds like I'm trying to pick on you. But seriously, I've only owned laptops for about the past ten years. I made the mistake of buying a cheap acer with a 15.4" screen once. It really is too big and annoying to haul around, though I did what I had to do. It didn't help that the build quality on it sucks as well. I'm actually typing this on it, but it's no longer my daily work computer.

I don't know if you're in college or going to college or what you mean, school-wise. If you're studying graphic design or something, you might actually need the extra screen size. Otherwise, I seriously do recommend getting something more manageable.

In most of my classes we're not allowed to have our own laptops. This would be primarily for my dorm and used for entertainment (music, movies, games, ect.). I wouldn't be hauling it to class everyday.

Hey if you can afford it, and like it, BUY IT. Don't let our judgements stop you from you getting what you want!

[Imperfect Dark]

I'd recommend the Lenovo ThinkPads. I've been using one for several years now and have found it much better than my previous (Sony and Dell) laptops. I also prefer it over my wife's Toshiba.

If you're going to go business-class like the Thinkpad, I'll say that I've been very happy with my Dell Latitude E6400. The consumer-grade side of Dell can kind of suck, but their business-class side is really solid, in my experience. And you can get a really good refurbished business-class machine pretty cheap online through the Dell outlet.

To you and all the others bashing the hp brand, all laptops have issues. Even macs. It's part of technology. I will look at the business dells, but to single out on manufacturer is really silly. I've never had a computer that didn't give me some kind of issues, and I don't expect this laptop nor any future one I own to be any different.