I see a lot of low-end HP laptops that develop hardware problems shortly after the warranty has run out (and sometimes before). I've worked on a couple that had problems where the connectors for most of the cables were so loose that they would become disconnected without warning. I mean, who cares if the FAN STOPS RUNNING!
my friend isn't a gamer or anything, she just needs something that can handle multiple tasks without freezing... but i'll pass on this link so she can check it out, so if you have a laptop you can recommend it'd be appreciated... =) thanks!!!
Indeed, everyone has their own preference. I am waiting for my new laptop to come (ordered online). I am buying Sony Vaio for as long as I can remember. The only two problems I've had appeared after at least 5 years of use - in my oldest laptop (bought in 2000) the Toshiba hard drive died last year, and in the next one (bought in 2004) the hinge went bad after I've dropped it a couple of times :). So naturally the one that's coming my way is also a Sony.
But ... I totally agree with everyone saying that first you have to look at what you are going to do, then choose the specs that are necessary for that, then see which brand cost what for your config and then make an informed decision.
Quote