( 
)What to go for:
Best notebook size is 15.4 wide screen, especially one from HP, the DV6000 series, or a similar model from HP Compaq. Basically the most popular model is always the way to go. Why? Because there's always an abundance of parts floating around from broken down laptops and spare parts from a surplus store.
14.1 wide screen notebooks are another good choice, but they're not that much cheaper to repair than a 15.4 WS and can actually go higher than 15.4 WS models.
There are other popular models too, just check around for notebook reviews.
What not to go for:
Toshiba Tecra series. They're built to die after a year. One of the most expensive parts dies, which is a chip on the board, very expensive to replace or repair. And what's more, Toshiba reduced the warranty because the Tecra just kept coming back for repairs.
Any screen size that is not popular. LCD screens become more expensive with the amount of surface area, so a 17" screen will cost way more to produce than a 15.4". Some smaller screens (14" and under) can be expensive because they don't have the benefit of mass production.
Macs, Asus, or any other expensive and limited production laptop. Same deal with the line above, low production volume = higher cost per unit. Well, if you have the money to spend $2000+ for a laptop, and the repair costs $800, you'd still get the repair done regardless, wouldn't you? If you don't want to spend $800 to repair it, then you're basically throwing away a $1200 investment.
Basic Pointers:
Most electronics, if they ever give up, will die within a month from the time you purchased it. These are basically units that slipped through quality check.
Keep fluids away from your laptop or notebook. And if you do, make sure it has a lid on it. This must be the number one reason why more notebook die, simply user abuse. Your favorite cup of coffee, tea or even wine, can fry the electronics inside the laptop, even if it was only a small spill and you managed to wipe off all the liquid from the keyboard. What you don't see is that the keyboard is usually perforated beneath the keys, and liquid will leak through there and on to the more expensive parts.
If you have an IBM, don't ever enable the password protection, they're very expensive to have removed by a professional.
- to be continued, maybe.
Best notebook size is 15.4 wide screen, especially one from HP, the DV6000 series, or a similar model from HP Compaq. Basically the most popular model is always the way to go. Why? Because there's always an abundance of parts floating around from broken down laptops and spare parts from a surplus store.
14.1 wide screen notebooks are another good choice, but they're not that much cheaper to repair than a 15.4 WS and can actually go higher than 15.4 WS models.
There are other popular models too, just check around for notebook reviews.
What not to go for:
Toshiba Tecra series. They're built to die after a year. One of the most expensive parts dies, which is a chip on the board, very expensive to replace or repair. And what's more, Toshiba reduced the warranty because the Tecra just kept coming back for repairs.
Any screen size that is not popular. LCD screens become more expensive with the amount of surface area, so a 17" screen will cost way more to produce than a 15.4". Some smaller screens (14" and under) can be expensive because they don't have the benefit of mass production.
Macs, Asus, or any other expensive and limited production laptop. Same deal with the line above, low production volume = higher cost per unit. Well, if you have the money to spend $2000+ for a laptop, and the repair costs $800, you'd still get the repair done regardless, wouldn't you? If you don't want to spend $800 to repair it, then you're basically throwing away a $1200 investment.
Basic Pointers:
Most electronics, if they ever give up, will die within a month from the time you purchased it. These are basically units that slipped through quality check.
Keep fluids away from your laptop or notebook. And if you do, make sure it has a lid on it. This must be the number one reason why more notebook die, simply user abuse. Your favorite cup of coffee, tea or even wine, can fry the electronics inside the laptop, even if it was only a small spill and you managed to wipe off all the liquid from the keyboard. What you don't see is that the keyboard is usually perforated beneath the keys, and liquid will leak through there and on to the more expensive parts.
If you have an IBM, don't ever enable the password protection, they're very expensive to have removed by a professional.
- to be continued, maybe.
Guide created: 04/05/07 (updated 09/16/08)
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
