I'm going to buy a laptop and I'm not sure which brand to buy. I heard sony and acer are good brands but I want to get someone's opinion. I need a laptop that's compatible with linux and windows, wifi, and has a disk writer. I would like a fast computer that can support a lot of programs but is not very heavy, 8 pounds would be the max.

Suggestions are always good of course, but if you haven't already, Google, 'laptop reviews'

I have looked at reviews, its just that I would like personal suggestions. And details on the ups and downs would be nice.

If you Google 'laptop forums' you'll find forums dedicated to notebook/laptops
Wish I could offer some insight, I'm only familiar with my acer

There are probably many good laptops -- check out this link

Best brand of laptop? - VideoHelp.com (http://forum.videohelp.com/topic345664.html)

Hope this helps you make the right choice

Please raten my answer

Like I said before, I'm looking for personal comments. I've already looked at reviews, I know compaqs aren't good. I would like a comment on an acer or sony vaio, or a suggestion for a good laptop.

I have had very good luck with all of my Toshiba laptops. So have my brother and sister. We all use them very differently, he is a movie-games-download guy, she is a die hard college student so papers-internet research-instant messaging and travels a lot so she is high on digital pictures and slide shows, I use mine for work spread sheets-internet-downloaded specialty programs.

I think you would have good luck with a Toshiba

I think Thinkpads are the best. But I also think that HPs give you the best value.

Tkanks, I'l take a look at the toshibas.

From personal experience I wouldn't buy an Acer , we have had 3 out of the 5 we have at my work that broke down. I have a Toshiba and have never had a problem with it.