Packard Bell Laptops any good?

[Crusader]

I've finally decided to take the plunge and get a laptop to replace my very old PC at work. I'm not going to be carrying it around a lot, so it's basically a desktop replacement.

I've been looking at the PACKARD BELL EASYNOTE SB85-P-015 on offer at Incredible Corruption. With their "trade-in" offer, it would be a great price for the specs:

# Intel® Core™2 Duo T7300 processor 2 GHz
# 1024MB RAM + 1024MB TurboRAM
# 2 x 160GB HDD
# DVDRW dual layer drive
# 56K modem
# 10/100 Ethernet
# Integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless networking
# nVidia GeForce 8600MGS graphics with up to 320MB video RAM
# DVI and HDMI ports
# Integrated webcam
# Integrated Bluetooth™
# 17” WXGA DiamondView display
# Office One Suite
# MS Windows Vista Home Premium
# 1 Year collect, repair and return warranty

Now I don't have any experience with laptops or Packard Bell for that matter. Would it be worth it? How's their build quality? Any other brands I should be looking at?

 

[NoRulez]

1 Year collect, repair and return warranty

Collect (after 2 weeks)
Repair (maybe)
Return (after 2 months with all your software screwed)

If you're not too concerned about warranties, get any other brand. Mecer, Toshiba & Samsung are fair workhorses.

For the same price range as Packup Bell, rather look at the Dell Inspiron or XPS series - at least you get a 3 year, next business day on site warranty. Dell should only be purchased directly from their website - any dealers "selling" Dell computers are making their bucks off the poor consumer!

 

[dotVIBE]

to answer your question, no, nothing wrong with packard bell.

 

[Crusader]

After doing a bit of research it seems that Packard Bell isn't the best of companies and that their track record isn't good at all. The US guys don't even know about PB since it's no longer available over there.

The Acer Aspire 5920G is slightly more expensive, but it's got more RAM and a better graphics card, so I think I'll consider that instead. The only problem concern is the screen quality. Online reviews say it reflects lights, viewing angles aren't that great and the screen bleeds.

ACER ASPIRE 5920G

Intel® Core™2 Duo T7300 processor @ 2.0GHz
2048MB RAM + 1 GB TurboMemory
160GB HDD
DVD super multi-drive
5-in-1 memory card reader
56 K modem
Gigabit Ethernet
Integrated 802.11 a/b/g/draft N wireless networking
nVidia GeForce 8600M-GT with 256MB dedicated video memory
15.4” WXGA CrystalBrite display
Integrated webcam
Dolby5-certified surround sound
MS Windows Vista Home Premium
HDMI port
Acer PureZone technology with 2 built-in-stereo microphones
1 Year International travellers warranty
1 Year local fetch, repair and return warranty

For the same price range as Packup Bell, rather look at the Dell Inspiron or XPS series - at least you get a 3 year, next business day on site warranty. Dell should only be purchased directly from their website - any dealers "selling" Dell computers are making their bucks off the poor consumer!

Dell doesn't have their Inspirons available for purchase on the local site. I also can't see any XPS laptops there. Would the US site ship to SA? I'm also thinking that it might be quite a bit of hassle to import especially with regards to repairs, DOA etc.

 

[NoRulez]

Dell doesn't have their Inspirons available for purchase on the local site. I also can't see any XPS laptops there. Would the US site ship to SA? I'm also thinking that it might be quite a bit of hassle to import especially with regards to repairs, DOA etc.

You can order from US site, just need a US shipping address (family or a buddy who can then get it to you - no import duties this way).
Service is no hassle - NBD available worldwide on all models, as Dell don't provide service according to shipping address, but on PC tag number only.