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General discussion

"Ultraportable" Computer : Advice Please!

Jan 12, 2005 1:57AM PST

I need a very light weight computer as I travel a great deal. Though I would love to go with IBM I want something with an internal optical drive. I think I am now between and Panasonic Toughbook Y2 and a Sony Vaio,but not sure which way to go. Especially concerned about poor support problems I have heard about for the Vaio.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Discussion is locked

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IBM sounds like a good place to start - Panasonic pricey
Jan 12, 2005 3:14AM PST

Keep in mind that Sony is not the bottom in notebook reliability (not having a problem at all) --they rank #3 or #4 overall with Apple #1.

The problem arrises that if you do need service (and especially if you are not a techie and may need to call for even minor assistance) Sony service was rated last against major US notebook and desktop companies -- a full point below the Dell/Toshiba/HP/Compaq companies above them (Apple is #1 in service also).

So, if you want a ultralight notebook Sony excels in those but be aware that the service issue looms if you don't have someone to support you with issues otherwise.

You are paying alot for the Panasonic Toughbook if you are not in Iraq on the battlefield or using it on a construction site or other rough use here.

IBM notebooks have very solid cases, self-parking hard drives and they are #2 in service to Apple -- these are pricier than other brands but much less than a Panasonic Toughbook ...

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IBM weight is the issue...
Jan 12, 2005 3:21AM PST

Thanks Ken -

Someone else is paying for it (a client) so though I don'twant to waste money, I am not as concerned. I currently have an IBM t40 which has been great but with the power cord etc it is well into the 6 lb range(though they list it as much less...)

I considered the inspiron 700m but by the time you add everything in its only a couple hundred less than the y2...I am also concerned about their tech support...

Is Panasonic's support decent? The computer comes with a three year warranty which sounds great but so does dell but you just cant get tosomeone to get the support!

Thanks again,

Courtney

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Panasonic notebooks made in Japan I think
Jan 12, 2005 5:20AM PST

Panasonic is not rated on the US surveys as they are selling a niche product. However, I believe these are built in Japan as the Fujitsus are (not Fujitsu-Siemanns in Europe -- Run !). Japan built products are very high quality in general. Panasonic is rated #1 in VCR and DVD player quality as some of these are still built in Japan. Many of Panasonics TV's come from Mexico though now and I my mother had one fail (but many TV companies like JVC build assemble TV's there also).

So, I suspect you would have excellent quality but the service issue I can't comment on.

I think Bob (moderator) has talked about a Fujitsu toughbook like model as well if you are not worried about price.

Dell has moved its business service back to the US due to significant complaints. So you should be ok with a Dell business model if you find one that suits you.

HP/Compaq and Dell consumer models have their support mostly overseas so it can be extremely frustrating but they are big companies so that is better than a small one.

I have been able to find out about needed bios/driver updates to correct the few initial problems I had on my Compaq X1000/ZT3000 at my X1000forums.com dedicated forum .........

Sony has been flagged for poor service if you have a problem so I would think that IBM, Fujitsu, or Panasonic or even Dell Business would be preferable to Sony if you think you will use the service/warranty support...........