Wife is shopping for a new laptop...

So I was going to post this in the off-topic forum, but I'd like the advice of the tech-savvy.

A few weeks ago, my wife's cheap dell laptop croaked. I can not get any OS to install on it. I tried the restore disk with Vista, Windows 7 and Ubuntu. I then replaced the RAM and HD. Always got the same issues. I'm guessing it's a motherboard issue so we started looking for a new one.

Here's what she had...
Dell Latitude with an Intel processor (I don't remember which)
16" display
DVD
150 Gig HD
2 Gig RAM

You know, something basic. This cost me like five bills. She only used it for Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Yahoo and to sync her Zune and iPhone.

So we go shopping last week for a new laptop. Of course I start looking at the things I want and leave her to find herself a replacement. I catch back up with her after an hour and asked her which ones she liked. Her first choice was an Alienware for around $2400. I laughed and said I might get that for myself and asked her what was next on her list.

Of course, it was the Alienware next to the previous one for only $1800. Instead of calling her crazy, I explained why she didn't need to spend that much for an Alienware. I had one because I can actually put a computer to work for me.

She breaks it down for me, she wants...

17.3+" Display (prefer 18"+)
Blu-Ray
backlit keyboard

She cares nothing about other features. She was arguing with the guy at the store because they couldn't get her a "gaming laptop" with out the gaming video card.

I can't talk her out of the dang Blu-Ray. I have found decent laptops that meet her and mine (must be Intel i7) requirements but without the Blu-Ray.

I'm currently looking at these laptops....

Toshiba Qosmio - I use to love Toshiba, then moved to Alienware and then to Dell. I don't know how Toshibas are anymore
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0347129

Asus G73JW - I can get this one at Best Buy with a backlit keyboard but without Blu-Ray for just under 1k.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0347996

I'm thinking I'll just get her this one though...
Asus - Refurb
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+F...&skuId=1675468

Any advice is welcomed. The only Asus I own is a netbook which the cruddy GMA video just recently went out on so I don't have the best first impression. But I do understand how cruddy the Intel GMA video is.

Also, I will not buy Sony or a Mac.

Macbook Air.. all the way.. LOL..

If you do not want a Mac, (which is a great choice, but apples and oranges to a pc) then an Asus is not a bad option. I get less technical support calls for them at my job.

I'd like the Air for my iPhone app development! I'm not going to spend that kinda cheddar for my wife to browse facebook though ;)

Thanks for the info on the Asus, Swingline.

I was just talking to a co-worker and he suggested Gateway to me. I've always put them on a low tier, what are your thoughts?

imo go mac i have one ill never go back to PC but you can get a mac for as cheap as pc's now but if i had to choose from the list id say go Asus G73JW but just my opinion

Go with the Toshiba it's what I have always had and I have never had any issues. I recently replaced my 7 year old one with a new i3 and couldn't be happier it has everything I need and is reasonably priced.

I'd go with the Asus, they are an amazing company and are making some really nice laptops. My next laptop will probably be an Asus. Plus, that is one bad mamma-jamma!! No worries on overheating that i7 with the size of the vents on the back of that!!!

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Originally Posted by dembonez

imo go mac i have one ill never go back to PC but you can get a mac for as cheap as pc's now but if i had to choose from the list id say go Asus G73JW but just my opinion

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As stated previously, we're not going to go with a Mac. She has never used one and she can barely even figure out how to use FaceBook. I couldn't expect her to grasp a new OS all on her own. Thanks for the suggestion though. I'm currently running Snow Leopard on a VM for iPhone development and it's pretty slick. But there's nothing a Mac can do that I can't do on my windows machines :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ed4281

Go with the Toshiba it's what I have always had and I have never had any issues. I recently replaced my 7 year old one with a new i3 and couldn't be happier it has everything I need and is reasonably priced.

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+1 for Toshiba.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jbean7916

I'd go with the Asus, they are an amazing company and are making some really nice laptops. My next laptop will probably be an Asus. Plus, that is one bad mamma-jamma!! No worries on overheating that i7 with the size of the vents on the back of that!!!

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Asus has made many strides in the last 10 years. I use to always use their hardware in my custom built rigs. They seemed to have perfected the netbook, I wish they would make more PMPs though. I have yet to hear anything bad about their current laptop models.

Thanks for the input, everyone!

you might look at some of the netbooks. They are smaller less expensive and are great for the average web surfer and Facebook player.

If compromises are possible I've seen a Toshiba at BB that's a 17" with 4gb Ram and 500gb storage for $600. No Blu Ray and no backlit keyboard.
They also have a Dell with a 17" and 640gb storage 6gb memory and i5 processor and Blu ray along with 4G Wimax capabilities for $880 which is pretty good considering specs.