What laptop brands are best?

[Red Celt]

Have you considered Apple?

I have and I may go that way. It's more expensive, but I'm a little worried about issues with software compatibility, especially with work. Plus, they're a little pricier than what I'm looking at. I may have to find out just how well they really hold up. As much as it may cost more up front, if I had gotten it 2 years ago instead of this Dell, I would have saved money.

Which software are you concerned about? Office applications can save in cross-platform formats, so transferring documents between a PC and an Apple is a piece of piss.

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My Macbook did well, but was underpowered even two years later (bought the least expensive model)

That is only true for gaming. The required specs keep increasing as higher-spec PC components are released. If you're using Word or Excel, there's no need to keep upgrading your hardware.