cashcow
harbouring +ve expectations...
- Joined
- 13 January 2006
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In general, I agree with the approach of buying a laptop with the specs you want/need upfront, and then using it but otherwise not messing with it. Other posters here who've mentioned the custom designs inherent in laptops are right: There are some general principles adopted by all the manufacturers but if different brands resemble each other under their skins it's probably more likely a consequence of using the same fab plant than any deliberate attempt to "standardise" things.
I've personally used both Dells and Toshiba laptops, with no complaints. For the type of specs I usually seek Dells were, until recently, quite a bit less expensive, but the gap is negligible now. I've had pretty good experiences with Dell after-sales support too, though Toshiba's might be as good if not better. You might also consider one of the new mini/netbook styles available, if screen size and resolution isn't critical to your use - they're dirt cheap! In fact, if I were in the market for a computer now, I'd probably get a netbook (there are many manufacturers doing these) for all my mobile/business use, and a desktop for more intensive stuff like gaming/image editing, etc. With these two purchases combined you'd probably spend the same or perhaps even less than a more "powerful" laptop alone.
For desktops, I always build my own. OEMs tend to put seals and other stuff which voids your warranty if you dare to peek inside (let alone upgrade any components). Since I don't care about anything more than individual components' warranties, I don't really want after-sales support for a desktop.
Ahem. In answer to your original question, you've no doubt seen the 'net littered with tutorials au-go-go. There are several on YouTube if you like to watch.
All the best!
CC