How does the build quality of laptops compare?

Posted by pgwillia on Super User See other posts from Super User or by pgwillia
Published on 2010-04-16T22:12:57Z Indexed on 2010/04/16 22:23 UTC
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Filed under:

computer-buying

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macbook-pro

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thinkpad

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sony-vaio

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asus

I'm looking to replace my 5 year old laptop. I want my next laptop to endure at least this long. I typically have Thunderbird, Firefox, Eclipse Java IDE, Skype, a ssh session, and Apache Tomcat running. I'm currently running Karmic Ubuntu, but am agnostic about operating system and would move to Win 7 or OS X. I frequently travel with this computer. I also value battery longevity and power conservation (if possible). Above all I'm looking to minimize cost.

I think the hardware that best meets my needs is an Intel i7 processor, 8 GB RAM, >100GB @7200 rpm or SSD hardrive, and about 15 inch monitor. These specs are met by most brands.

Does anyone know specific pros/cons and build quality for Macbook Pro, Lenovo Thinkpad (W510 or T510), Sony's VPC-F1190, and ASUS G Series G73JH-X1 NoteBook?
Are all i7 processors created equal?
Do you have other suggestion that meet my needs?

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