Laptop Decision - Help Please
 

Okay, gang...the moment of truth is here. I'm about to buy a laptop and researched it down to two finalists, listed below. They both cost roughly the same and meet my needs. But of course I'm looking for the best bang for my buck and would appreciate your opinions:

Dell Inspiron 17R Special Edition

ASUS G75VW-AH71 (click link here-->> [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Republic-Gamers-G75VW-AS71-17-3-Inch-Gaming/dp/B007MW73C2?SubscriptionId=AKIAIDGULFCX2Q4ADRYQ&lin kCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B 007MW73C2&tag=page0b-20"]ASUS G75VW-AH71[/ame] ) (IMPORTANT NOTE: Before you compare specs, click the Windows 8 box on this page. It changes the specs a bit...like 8 GB memory instead of 16 GB for Windows 7. But I am going with Windows 8. And please don't get into a 7 vs. 8 debate here. I'm going with 8...period. :D )

Come on now...I'm ready to light the fuse! Which one is better?

Everything else being equal, i.e., operating systems, RAM, hard drive, etc. I'd go for the Dell. I used many of them both in my professional as well and personal life and have always been pleased not only with the hardware itself but the customer service as well.

Now time for price shopping. We bought a Gateway from Best Buy's web site and they had free delivery. Delivered to our house within 3-4 days and no issues.

Just throwing out that we got a great price from Best But, not a recommendation on what to buy.

One difference that may be important is the Dell will play Blu-ray disks if you intend to watch movies on it. The ASUS has DVD only.

Just a word on the Dell Inspiron 17" - I bought one and although it works fine, I wish I had bought the Inspiron 15" because the added size and weight is noticeable, and it just stretches the picture sideways somewhat - doens't always even fill up the screen's extra space.

The Dell.

Quirky: I also purchased the Dell Inspiron 17'' and like it...better yet it like me. My Dell does fill the entire screen perhaps there is an internal adjustment? It runs on windows 7. I had an option to go toWindows 8 but given my lack of computer acumen bowed out

We got the Dell 17R Inspiron this past summer. Love it!

Go to Refresh Computers in Spanish Springs strip mall and get a guaranteed, refurbished for less than half the cost.

Neither...

Windows 8 is designed for touch screen capable devices in mind firstly. Neither of the devices you shared meet that criteria.. I mean, sure.. you can 'make' it work.. but why would you?

For your budget, you should consider looking at the Windows Surface, with Windows 8 Pro pre-installed. This device will blow both of those options out of the water in performance, versatility, and functionality.... especially since your not considering Windows 7 at all.

It's set to release February 9th.. if you could hold out till then.. you should.

Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet-Laptop Computer to Launch With Windows 8 Pro on February 9 for $899 - ABC News

Thanks! I will try some different settings!

In my opinion it would be a Lenovo as a first choice, Asus second. I don't think I would even look at a Dell or HP at this point.

HP for example is not supporting any computer purchased before October 2011 with Windows 8. There is currently a sound driver issue with some HP lap tops with Windows 8 and HP is saying tough, they are not providing a driver to correct the problem. I myself have one of those lap tops and a friend at The Villages Computer Club also has the same problem. It will be the LAST HP product I will ever buy.

My own feeling is that Dell has not kept up with technology and that has caused some financial concerns with that company. Check out this link.
Microsoft May Back Dell Buyout - NYTimes.com

The guys that repair computers have the least problems with Lenovo's that any other brand.

VG

Don't forget to consider an extended warranty. I generally do not buy a warranty but I have purchased a number of laptops and fortunately I got the warranty. I did save more than the warranty costs on repairs.

Thanks, but for various reasons I want a laptop. On reason is gaming. (Yes...I game. Forget the Surface for that and other of my needs.) And I'm definitely going with Windows 8. I'm a bit of a geek...and some might say a glutton for punishment...heheh. But Windows 8 has a lot going for it...not just on a touch screen...IF you're willing to wade through the steep learning curve, which doesn't bother me.

I know Windows 8 has a lot of detractors ( to put it mildly), but it's not the total disaster for all users that many profess it to be.





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Having worked for many years in a business enviroronment that was locked into Dell, I can state that my choice would be Dell