Dell or Gateway?

[jguy100]

I'm looking at purchasing a laptop for the first time. After a bit of research and playing around, I've narrowed my search down to two; a Dell and a Gateway. Both computers have similar specs and cost roughly the same.

So from your experiences, would one brand offer higher quality and better customer service over the other? Or should I just close my eyes and pick one at random?

(I can link you guys up and post tech specs if needed)

 

[taper]

Specs are always handy, but I would vote for the dell. They've gotten a bad rap lately, but their computers aren't any worse than Gateway, and probably better. Gateways been going downhill since the late 90's.

 

[jguy100]

The Dell:
Inspiron 1420 (14" screen)
Upgraded to Core 2 Duo T7300 (2.0Ghz) Processor, GeForce 8400M GS video card, 160GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM). Comes standard with 2 Gigs of RAM. Total aproximate price after modifications: $1252
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1420

The Gateway:
NX570X (15" screen)
Upgraded to Core 2 Duo T7300 (2.0Ghz) Processor, 2 Gigs of RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon 128MB Graphics 945PM Chipset. Total aproximate price after modifications: $1300
http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529664155.php

Right now, I'm leaning towards the Dell. It has a slightly larger and faster HD, a graphics card I'm more familiar with, and is a bit cheaper. On the other hand, I've never owned a Dell computer before. All my past experience is with Gateway, and they've done all of our family computers quite well (still have a 11 year old Gateway running in the basement).

 

[Maniacal]

Dell's are pretty decent computers for the average person. The battery problems they've had were the fault of Sony I beleive.

 

[Strider]

I'd recommend going with the Dell. Although, I personally dislike Laptops. Desktop PC's just seem much more reliable.

Although, don't let my view on them shake you away. It's been awhile since I've had a long term laptop (unless a MacBook counts now?)

 

[GenMarshall]

I never had any problems with Dell themselves.

 

[Murky]

Dell would probably be the better choice of these two companies. I like the IBM and Toshiba laptops too. If you got the cash, the Alienware laptops can really kick ass. I have heard of people building their own notebooks from parts but never tried it yet. Can't be too much different from building a desktop, just smaller pieces.

 

[jguy100]

Thanks guys.

I decided on the Dell laptop (glad we're all in agreeance ) and put the order in. Can't wait for it to arrive!