How do you guys chose a laptop?

[buzz]

I'm looking for a laptop for my son which will be used for just general surfing and the such. No hard gaming or complicated programs just a simple cheap 1st laptop. I am looking at a HP G62-347 or HPG56-122US or a Toshiba L655-S5093 or a Dell They all have the same processors, memory and ram. One has a card reader, one doesn't but has web cam. Which computer is the best deal, the price differences only range around $100 and is most reliable. I don't want an expensive computer because he doesn't have a good track record on computers.

[per]

Pick the one with the closest service outlet or that offers some support. Card readers can be easily and cheaply added and unless he needs one it is not a big factor. Our Dell here has lasted pretty good to plenty of use and abuse. A couple of Acers have been a little disappointing. LG has been good as has a couple of generic units.

[Ron]

Toshibas are very tough. I set mine on
top of a shelf after the Christmas party
to keep it away from the kids in the
morning and it slid behind. A 7 foot
drop straight down onto its edge. The
battery blew off, a couple small pieces
of plastic from the top and bottom of
the hinged end were gone and it worked
fine for another year. I passed it down
the the kid because the battery was weak
and I despise Vista.
I bought a Dell because of the price and
the case is pretty flimsy by comparision

[Ron]

I better clarify, it worked fine for
another year and it still works fine after
6 months with the kids but the battery is
weak.
I was pretty nervous when I started it in
the morning and backed up everything daily
for the next month. Just cosmetic damage
though.

[dfarms11]

My research showed that ASUS and Toshiba are the toughest around. I now have one of each. Had DELL before, was ok, but had its issues.

[skip]

i have a dell...if they last 2 years with the kids using them all the time it is a pretty good investment.