[Khyle]

Kindly tell me what's the best laptop, (SONY, HP, TOSHIBA)?
I am planning to buy for myself and I want the worth one with affordable price...
Please give specs for this. Thanks!

[Frdbrkl]

In general... what are you going to use it for?

If it's just for putzing around on the internet or typing letters, the cheapest Dell will do. (Note: Dell is recommended only because of their low prices and tech support-easiest for non savvy users).

If it's for business and irreplaceable files etc... Dell's top of the line, Toshiba's Qosmio (think HEAVY), or Lenovo's thinkpad are in order.

I would NOT buy a Sony or Panasonic. Too much money and too many issues. The Panasonic toughbook is awesome, but then, so is the price tag (3000+ dollars US)

Compaq/HP... a toss of the dice. Many users claim wondrous things, and many hate them.

Suggestions: What is it used for? Don't buy a highly priced Laptop unless it's necessary. Spend your money on a cheaper model, and upgrade the hell out of the warranty unless it's a business model.

Laptops with AMD processors tend to be less expensive (HP, Compaq, and now Dell).

Look at accessories. DVD players are nice, but DVD *writers* consume battery power pretty quickly-so if you don't need it, don't get a writer. What comes with the model?

My advice is to:
a. Set your price point (how much you will pay) and stick with it.
b. Get input from users-what they like/don't like about their model.
c. Start checking websites (avoid Ebay like the plague-laptops are their biggest problem with ripoffs) for deals (newegg and tigerdirect as well as mfr websites).
d. Avoid Wallymart. They sell end of life and dying models-you're almost guaranteed to get last years model at wallyworld-that's why they're so cheap. Walmart can be a good deal if you're not too critical but then there's the service question...
e. Finally, check for rebates! Newegg, Compusa (PRICEY!) almost always have rebates of some kind going.

I personally have had outstanding success with the Toshiba line, but they do have their drawbacks. If you're not computer savvy at all-stick with Dell-plain and simple, and CHECK THE WARRANTY.

[ScottGem]

Best is a relative term. Historically, Lenovo(IBM) Thinkpads have been considered the best. HP and Toshiba are pretty close behind. What's more important is what you plan on using it for and what your budget is. Value wise I think HP offers the most bang for the buck.