Choosing a Laptop

[WisdoM]

I tried getting a laptop in the summer and that fell through but finally Im definately getting my lappy this christmas and just need some advise on choosing. Im buying online and looking for something quite powerful.

Im thinking that Im gonna need warranty as Im gonna be moving around with it a bit with school and stuff. As far as I know this basically only leaves Dell cuz their warranty and accidental coverage is transferable here and other manufacturers or retailers require the machine to be shipped back and thats just too much hassle. If this aint so then please let me know of any other company whose warranty is also valid here.

Also, basically everybody offering Centrino 2 except Dell, well not on their XPS systems and they still only got 8600GT video card. If I were to forgo warranty I wud definitely want something with Centrino 2 like the HP HDX 16 with a Nvidia 9600GT. So Im trying to weigh whether to go for better performance or safety with warranty coverage, lemme know your thoughts.

And about shipping, Im leaning towards Global Courier as I've read ppl's experiences with them before. I think Quickmail and Mailpak cheaper but havent really heard much about them so lemme know if you've used them and how's their service or any others.

[Utech22]

Have some1 bring it for you, its free; couriers are kind-of expensive.
Dell ships to Jamaica.

[Mysnomia]

Hey Utech, when Dell ships to Jamaica what's the customs/delivery etc. cost and how long does it usually take?
Say for argument's sake, a 7lb 700$ computer...

[Utech22]

Dell Jamaica prices are a bit more expensive than Dell USA.
Check here for the rates.

[WisdoM]

Dell Jamaica prices are a bit more expensive than Dell USA.

Its more than just a bit more expensive dude, its actually cheaper to buy on the US site and have a courier ship it in.

------

I need thoughts about these two laptops, considering the HP has no warranty:

HP HDX 16
Check out the video demo
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
Primary battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Dell XPS M1530
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-bit
LCD High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LED LCD (1440x900) & 2.0 M
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Primary Battery 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
3Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service to 3Yr Lim Warranty
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530

[Anthon]

Its more than just a bit more expensive dude, its actually cheaper to buy on the US site and have a courier ship it in.

------

I need thoughts about these two laptops, considering the HP has no warranty:

HP HDX 16
Check out the video demo
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.4 GHz)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)
16.0" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)
4GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT
320GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card with Bluetooth
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Webcam + Fingerprint Reader with HP Imprint Finish (Fluid)
Primary battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Dell XPS M1530
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8300 (2.4GHz/800Mhz FSB, 3MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1, 64-bit
LCD High Resolution, glossy widescreen 15.4 inch LED LCD (1440x900) & 2.0 M
4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz (2 Dimms)
256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
500GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal (2.0+Enhanced Data Rate)
Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card
Slot Load DVD+/-RW (DVD/CD read/write)
High Definition Audio 2.0
Primary Battery 56 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
3Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
Add CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service to 3Yr Lim Warranty
Finger Print Reader XPS M1530

I'd go 4 the HP caz of 1 reazon, the other specx are basically the same xcept 4 the HDD cap., LiteScribe and warranty but the HP GPU iz better, so thats the basis on which I would chooze.

[Technoboy]

Have some1 bring it for you, its free; couriers are kind-of expensive.
Dell ships to Jamaica.

It is much more expensive and I don't think they have the same deals/offerings.

@Wisdom
I would recommend you watch Newegg.com and the deal sites such as:

www.slickdeals.net
www.dealcatcher.com
www.notebookreview.com (has a deals section)

Bestbuy.com also offers good deals.

The HP you quoted is quite nice.

[WisdoM]

Thanks for the help dude, I even found a pretty schweet Sony VAIO on newegg.
Warranty service is the only thing thats got me looking at Dell but I think that just may be my deal breaker.

SONY VAIO FW Series VGN-FW290JAB
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400(2.26GHz) 1066MHz L2 Cache 3MB
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Screen Size 16.4" XBRITE Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Memory Size 4GB DDR2
Hard Disk 320GB 7200rpm
Optical Drive DVD Super Multi
Graphics Card ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 512MB
WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
Webcam 1.3MP
Battery Lithium Ion
Weight 6.9 lbs.

[Technoboy]

Thanks for the help dude, I even found a pretty schweet Sony VAIO on newegg.
Warranty service is the only thing thats got me looking at Dell but I think that just may be my deal breaker.

SONY VAIO FW Series VGN-FW290JAB
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400(2.26GHz) 1066MHz L2 Cache 3MB
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Screen Size 16.4" XBRITE Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Memory Size 4GB DDR2
Hard Disk 320GB 7200rpm
Optical Drive DVD Super Multi
Graphics Card ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 512MB
WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
Webcam 1.3MP
Battery Lithium Ion
Weight 6.9 lbs.

Glad I could help man. Newegg is the boss . That is a nice set up. I always liked the FW series. My only concern is when it pushed 16" LCD the weight goes up and borderlining 7 lbs seems to me to be too heavy.

But maybe it's just me? I never truly owned a laptop to know the deal behind weight, but I've used enough to know I fancy a real portable sub 6lb laptop or 6lbs tops.

But that aside you can't go wrong with that Sony. Sexy looking and wonderfully spec'ed. The added bluetooth is sweet and good resolution and large hard drive. Seemingly decent graphics card too.

I'd cop it (if it was lighter).

[Anthon]

Thanks for the help dude, I even found a pretty schweet Sony VAIO on newegg.
Warranty service is the only thing thats got me looking at Dell but I think that just may be my deal breaker.

SONY VAIO FW Series VGN-FW290JAB
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400(2.26GHz) 1066MHz L2 Cache 3MB
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Screen Size 16.4" XBRITE Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Memory Size 4GB DDR2
Hard Disk 320GB 7200rpm
Optical Drive DVD Super Multi
Graphics Card ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3650 512MB
WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth
Webcam 1.3MP
Battery Lithium Ion
Weight 6.9 lbs.

The HP still kickx it!