Good, basic Windoze laptop

[epicwelshman]

I realise this is Mac Rumors, but I trust you people more than most, so:

My family needs a basic Windows laptop. My father uses Macs exclusively, but the rest of the family uses PC's and the kids need certain Windows programs. I know that many of you will try and convince me to "switch" them over to a Mac, but that won't happen so don't even bother trying. They just need a very basic laptop that'll survive use and abuse and will last for a few years. In terms of specs, they're not really important as they won't use many intensive programs.

I've heard that IBM's are pretty good... any other suggestions?

Oh... and no Dells or Gateways.

 

[watchmainspring]

well...if you can't convince the relatives to purchase a macbook, which can run windows flawlessly I'd certainly go with an IBM.


I own an X41, which is the tablet, but other models are virtually identical without the tablet feature.

It's durable, fast, the IBM software package is unbeatable, and it's just a great computer.

Stay far away from dell!!!


Go IBM (or macbook)!

 

[zap2]

Get a MacBook, it runs Windows fully, and once they start to get sick of Windows, they can go OS X

Just set it to boot into XP first. and they will think its a Windows PC

 

[ozone]

The MacBook suggestion is a good idea. Either that or go with a Lenovo (i.e., IBM), or I've always had good luck with HP-Compaq (especially the business line, but their consumer models aren't bad).

 

[purelithium]

Buy my IBM

IBM Thinkpad R51

1.6ghz Pentium M
512 mb DDR 333 Ram
60gb Hard Drive
Wireless B and G
14.1" Screen 1024x768 resolution
Windows XP Home (Certificate/CDkey on bottom)
Microsoft Wireless Optical Notebook Mouse 3000 included.

 

[Satori]

They just need a very basic laptop that'll survive use and abuse and will last for a few years.

Well, if you really need something that will stand up to loads of abuse then try a panasonic toughbook. Apparently it will survive the frustration of a windows user repeatedly banging their head on it and then throwing it against the wall.

 

[wmmk]

HP is actually not too bad. they have some cool, new fun features.

 

[dextertangocci]

If you need a windows notebook, why not get a MB?

 

[farqueue]

dont be a WEETARD... i just switched from MAC to WINDOZE and i am never going back.

 

[celebrian23]

get an ibm thinkpad. My school uses these- after 5 years they've stood up wonderfully even with tons of abuse. They're built very stable. My favorite PC ever.

 

[dmw007]

Go IBM (or macbook)!

My advice as well, go for a MacBook and install Windoze XPee on it.

 

[DaveP]

Well, if you really need something that will stand up to loads of abuse then try a panasonic toughbook. Apparently it will survive the frustration of a windows user repeatedly banging their head on it and then throwing it against the wall.

The toughbooks are awesome. I used to work someplace where we used them. They even have built in handles. However, they are quite pricy.

 

[LBmacman]

I've never owned a PC but why does everyone not reccomend Dell? I thought they made good PCs.

 

[Mechcozmo]

I've never owned a PC but why does everyone not reccomend Dell? I thought they made good PCs.

Give it a year and a half. Then it will die. I've seen it in action... not pretty.

Don't get a Mac. They are durable, but not to the extremes that other Windows laptops are. (That's my only gripe about my PowerBook BTW)

If cost isn't an issue, a Lenovo ThinkPad will be good. Built strong. Or, if durability is needed, the ToughBooks are awesome. You really cannot beat them in terms of durability. They don't need a case, either-- just close the lid and grab the handle.

Sony would be my next offering. The VAIO line is sometimes more expensive than they should be for the hardware, but you can find a pretty decent one in their lineup.

 

[epicwelshman]

Thanks for all of your help guys, I guess IBM it is

I'm getting a MacBook at the end of summer because I hate my Dell and I've finally lost patience with Windows. But this is for the family, not me. I'm also away in University for most of the year, so in regards to Boot Camp, they wouldn't have the faintest idea of what to do with it or how to install Windows, let alone know how to fix it if something went wrong. Also, Apple is expensive, we all have to admit that, so cost is somewhat of an issue.