Laptops/Desktops

[DarkMasters]

Ah... The heat problem with Sony notebook. I've read the news about the recall too. However, from my experience of 7 times of buying Sony notebook (using 4 of it myself and other as a gift), the notebook tend to last for a long time. I still have my Pentium 3 and 4 notebook run perfectly 'till now which I use to fiddling with Linux.

Well, there's a problem with Sony product indeed but I haven't come across the same problem. So, Sony notebook is still good and reliable in my book.

[DavidR]

Not the notebook but the battery catching fire.

[DarkMasters]

What do you mean by that? Is the battery become extremely hot and exploding or catching fire?

[Dch48]

There have been reports of that and recalls have occurred. Laptops from HP,Sony,Dell, and Toshiba all had very large battery recalls. As far as I can see, all those batteries were made by Sony.

[DavidR]

What do you mean by that? Is the battery become extremely hot and exploding or catching fire?

I think it was generally catching fire and not exploding.

This was some time ago, but it sticks in my memory as does one other incident and I have avoided Sony products (hard) from that day since.

This was the infamous Sony Rootkit, so I have never trusted them or bought another Sony product ever since.

[YoKenny]

What do you mean by that? Is the battery become extremely hot and exploding or catching fire?

I think it was generally catching fire and not exploding.

This was some time ago, but it sticks in my memory as does one other incident and I have avoided Sony products (hard) from that day since.

See:
PC Notebook Computer Batteries Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09035.html

[DarkMasters]

This was the infamous Sony Rootkit, so I have never trusted them or bought another Sony product ever since.

Right, I've read about that too. It's a rootkit which automatically installed when you play CD produced by Sony BMG in your computer, right?

See:
PC Notebook Computer Batteries Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09035.html

Thanks for the link. It's a nice read. Too bad that Dell and Toshiba included in the report as the manufacturer which using those faulty battery from Sony. I hope Sony learn its lessons.

[DavidR]

We are straying off topic, but yes that's the one and why Sony will never be a laptop or product choice of mine.

[DanielW]

Really hard question to answer. But, my general opinion is that if you change you computer every 2-3 years all brands will work fine for you. And second thing, you must have a little luck when buying, because there is a mass production of hardware and controls are so efficient as before - just guessing. 

[Raveen Kool]

The only ever ending problem for me is the laptop heat.......

My dell inspiron 15R laptop, becomes very hot and it becomes a desktop while gaming.........

ie, I have to take it off my lap and keep it on the desk or a table and play......

[DavidR]

Then you really need a laptop cooler, they aren't that expensive and do make a lot of difference.

[justinlee]

I think it boils down to pot luck when buying anything. You can buy any brand of desktop/laptop and  either have a good or bad experience with it. My girlfriend bought a Sony Vaio a few years ago and she had nothing but problems with it and Sony customer service is notoriously bad. We both said we would never go near Sony again.

Then i was on the hunt for a new laptop and saw a Sony Vaio, which has an 18.4 inch screen, which i prefer as i design/develop websites and the spec was very high at the time. So, i thought why not give it a go and i am not disappointed as it has served me very well although, i did recently have to replace the C Drive only 14months after purchase date, but seeing as i know how to do those type of fixes it wasn't a huge deal for me, but i was still annoyed. My partner has also bought another Sony Vaio, which is serving her very well. Recently i bought another laptop, which is a Samsung and so far i am very happy with it.

I will say this though... I have found HP laptops to be the most reliable.

[YoKenny]

Then you really need a laptop cooler, they aren't that expensive and do make a lot of difference.

They sure do.

Especially in a hot country like India.  

Cooler Master StrikeForce 19 USB 3.0 Laptop Cooler Review
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/12/cooler-master-strikeforce-19-usb-3-0-laptop-cooler-review

[bob3160]

I've been very happy with this one for over 2 years and take it with me
everywhere I go. I also get many offers to buy it from me at usually a good profit.
http://www.meritline.com/laptop-cooling-pads---p-44965.aspx

( I Purchased it from Meritline along with many many other things. )

This just requires a USB port

[Raveen Kool]

Then you really need a laptop cooler, they aren't that expensive and do make a lot of difference.
They sure do.

Especially in a hot country like India.  Wink

Yeah, Maybe that will work.........

Anyhow Desktop are my preferred choice.......