most reliable laptop

by memojames May 2, 2009 1:03AM PDT

I plan to give a laptop to a young man in Cuba. I am prepared to buy the best for this purpose. My main problem is this: If something goes wrong with the computer, it will be very difficult and probably expensive to get the laptop out of the country so it may be serviced or replaced according to the terms of the warranty.
So, I want to buy the most reliable laptop I can find; one that is least likely to require a warranty. Put simply, what is the most reliable laptop I can buy?

I would also welcome any other suggestions concerning operating system, programs etc.

Thanks to all for any help.

William James (Canada)

Discussion is locked

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Your old used laptop.

by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 2, 2009 1:07AM PDT

Give them your few year old didn't fail unit. IBM Thinkpads from just a few years ago fall into that category. We wish they would die at the office so we could upgrade to new machines.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=IBMT42-LNX-2R&cat=NBB

They don't cost much either.
Bob

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A better link, with better support . . .

by Coryphaeus May 2, 2009 9:45AM PDT

I've bought at least six laptops from here:

http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/default/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=-840&langId=-1&categoryId=2576396

They just don't break.

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Depends

by deniceels May 4, 2009 10:02PM PDT

Well, depends.

I don't support any particular brands though.
My brother was using Dell 4150, failed to fail him. I'm using Hp NC6220 (2nd hand/used) and macboook 1st generation (both are 3year old).

Old IBM models, as the 2 guys have mentioned, are very well known for longevity, 'die-hard'. But as long as it's well maintained and looked after, it'll likely to last pretty long. Just ensure it's protected from power surge (as some places can be quite 'shocking'). Not too hot (especially with higher spinning harddisk) as this will speed it's demise faster.

First to die: Harddisk
Runner's up: LCD
Third: Optical Drive

Hardy: Memory, modem/wireless card.

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Agreed.

by Renegade Knight May 5, 2009 7:12AM PDT

I have several "Garage Sale" Thinkpads I've picked up. They just work. My Dell, Toshiba, and HP laptops all died. I've become a fan.

My present working laptop I paid 125 for.
You can get a good deal in the Lenovo Refurbished Site, or even craigs list.

I've reccomend T42 and newer for your friends use. If it does break sent him another of the same thing. Then he has parts. eBay also has a lot of parts since these lapotps have a lot of support (and fans).

most reliable laptop

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