If I didn’t own an Apple laptop, I’d probably be writing this from an HP notebook. Why? Because I find HPs to be the next-best mobile computing solution. They’re cheap, small, semi-attractive, streamlined, well-advertised, well-supported, and fully customizable/configurable (gosh, am I writing an HP ad here?). In fact every time I see an HP notebook, I always give it a second glance.
OK, enough glorification of HP, let’s get to the point. Recent information obtained from a NPD market research report shows that HP’s computer sales in retail stores far topped all others, including Apple. HP boasts 23% of all notebooks sold in-store, while Apple can only claim 10%. This unsuspected increase in HP notebook sales can be attributed to one of three things (or some combination thereof):
So is this new research just a fluke, or has Apple encountered a new bump on the long road to the top? Do you find HP notebooks attractive, or do you prefer another brand? What color are my pants? The answer to these and other interesting questions are simply a click away.
[via Electronista]
Brown.
A friend of mine owns an HP laptop.
I personally think they're alright, but they just don't have the elegance of Apple's laptops. I don't think they're anywhere near as attractive as Apple's models.
I would have bought an HP if I didn't buy an Apple.
However, they do have great durability. My friend's laptop looks as good as it did when she bought it. My the awful stain problem, and the outer surface is scratched. And I'm careful with my stuff. I think that's something Apple needs to work on.
When you're used to using the oversized trackpads of Apple laptops, you really hate using those of other laptops, which are considerably smaller. And two-finger scrolling is sorely missed. Which is probably why I don't like using other people's laptops. That and the whole Windows thing.
Yes, I do prefer another brand. It's called Apple.
HP has far more retail outlets than does Apple, and they are the largest computer vendor by market share, so it stands to reason that their segment of the notebook market (at retail) would be the largest.
I have to agree with you, Scoot, in that I have give the HP laptops a look-over when I am in Best Buy. I think they are quite spiffy computers. However, they don't run OS X (I despise Windows, though I have Parallels for certain programs), and I adore my BlackBook to no end. :)
I was going to buy a ThinkPad originally because my friend had one, and his parents got a discount, but then a weekend at a relatives with a PowerBook changed my decision. I too wouldn't change my iBook/MacBook computing choice now, but if forced to use "the other OS" I'd probably take a ThinkPad.
I use an HP notebook for business (don't have an MacTel yet), and it's pretty good. If I had to buy a PC, I'd buy an HP hands down. They're a good company with good products.
Still, I'm a Mac fanatic and hate Windows, so there you go. :)
everybody i talk to who has/had an HP anything says they are horrible and as u said, cheap (as in bad quality). they are just as bad and cheap as dells. if apple didn't exist, i'd use sony. i think sony is the apple of the windows world. even pricewise.
As much as I don't like Sony, I think their laptops are purty....
When it comes to Windows laptops, I have always favoured ThinkPads.
This is mainly because I want any computer I use to be built on a sturdy design.
Recently, I attended a trade show where Lenovo had a stand. They demonstrated how sturdy the ThinkPad is by standing on one of them. Try doing that with most other makes and models of laptops. (Except Panasonic ToughBook, of course.)
In fact, I wouldn't dare to do that on my MacBook Pro.
Come to think of it. I don't use Macs because I believe they are sturdy. I use them because I find them enjoyable to use.
I've had the same HP laptop for over 2 years now and love it. And I had no issues installing Vista. I use it alongside my BlackBook and PowerBook G4. On top of that, HP has the best customer support I've ever dealt with, including Apple. I log in to my HP account, type up my problem and get an answer/resolution within 8 hours. I wish I was as satisfied when I had to exchange the software with Apple.
HP have really nice commercials (a least here in sweden).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gM4V-VMcsQ
BUT the real HP computers are still running windows so they suck.
I always found the Sony VAIO to be the best designed laptops. Even now I have to say that my PowerBook Ti - and all subsequent PowerBooks - owe a lot of its looks to the VAIO laptop.
They lacked an internal CD or Floppy, they were a little delicate, but damn they were gorgeous. I used to have a beautiful pale purple metallic one at work, and it was the envy of everyone who set their eyes on it.
I'd love it if Apple came out with some new colors for the MacBook Pro (Blue? Red? Purple?). It would probably push me over the edge to buy a new one. Even though my vintage '03 Ti is still going strong.