Laptop buying advice forum: HP, Acer, or Asus preferences for under $600.00?

There are some hundred models. Can you narrow it down?

Exactly like Ford, Chevy and Chrysler. While Asus is trying hard with 2 year warranties (applause) I would not pick by name. All have had duds and misfires so I go by model by model.

As to tigerdirect and newegg these are ok box movers. Do not expect happy returns or support from them. In fact if there is any bad area it is the support of all companies (with Apple a notable better than the rest.)

I know this doesn't help but we are in the Chevy Nova class.
Bob

There are hundreds of options out there for you to choose from. The sweet spot for laptops is in that range of $500-700. You should be able to find a great system that truly will rock your world. Let me also tell you that I work for Intel and do get to see a lot of killer systems. I personally have 3 different laptops at home all from different manufactures. Let me point you to a few quick highlights from a objective sources. Laptopmag.com selected the Intel Core i5 as the Best in Show and highlighting the Turbo Boost mode and Hyper-Threading capabilities were most impressive. The hardcore review sites also had many glowing things to say about the new processors. AnandTech has a nice summary of the technical nuts and bolts of the architecture, but the real reason to peruse the hardware review sites is for the performance comparisons. AnandTech makes the bullish claim the performance boosts are the largest he has seen in years. The fuel that drives this performance improvement can be attributed to Turbo boost and Hyper-Threading. Both technologies do as much for overall system performance as they do lowering the amount of heat dissipated. In other words, your lap wont get as hot from your laptop. As a result there will be quite a few smaller and lighter laptops to choose from when you get ready to purchase. My encouragement would be to get as much CPU processor as you can afford. Intel has reams of performance benchmarks that demonstrate the CPU is the #1 component when it comes to overall system performance. It was also a major highlight at this year CES.

CNET review guide is very easy to follow and includes both editor ratings and end user ratings. I always lean toward systems that have solid end user ratings.
CNET CES 2010 PC wrap-up is also worth your time and consideration.
Laptopmag.com did a solid review of the best 2009 laptops as well. They also have a fine CES summary as well.

Michael Taylor works for Intel in their Americas Marketing Group as a Consumer Marketing Manager. He has been with Intel for 17 years and enjoys working with the latest and greatest technology solutions available. You may follow him on Twitter at: MATaylor67 where he shares his thoughts on technology, and the occasional killer technology deal.