Gateway, Dell, HP - The Same?

[DaVibe]

I'm asking because I'm looking at 3 different makes in computers that have different prices with similar specs ...

I see that Gateway isn't loved around here (but sometimes HP isn't either) but I'd like to know WHY ... if there's some sort of make-up difference in the computers themselves ...

I personally had a Gateway Laptop over the past few years and never had any problems, at all. It's time for an upgrade and it just so happens there's a Gateway on sale, again.

So ... before I make the plunge, I just want to hear a few opinions.

For those curious:
Gateway (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10107931&catid=20354), Dell (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10107573&catid=25253), HP (http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10107589&catid=) and this HP (http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10108107&catid=25253)

[P1x44r]

I'm actually looking to buy the same Gateway you linked to in your post. Would be very interested to hear some opinions on it. Seems to be a great deal!

[13sundin]

i think dell owns gateway and hp owns compaq

the prices on those arent that good, wait for dell deals and you could get similar specs for alot cheaper

[DaVibe]

Dell deals before back to school?

The prices are good compared to the prices over the past few weeks ... those are $1,000 laptops, easily ...
I think all the prices are going to bounce around though (on all laptops) seeing what's available and what has to go.

[ADRiiAN`]

i think dell owns gateway and hp owns compaq

Not sure about Dell owning Gateway, but HP does own Compaq.

As for having difference with companies, people usually hate Gateway because:
1) Cheap parts = More prone to failure.
2)Customer Service, how they are rated, I know Gateway sucks from what I've heard. I know Dell owns the title for great CS.

Edit - You've had good experiences with Gateway, which would probably lead you to buying the same brand. At Tigerdirect, we always just make fun of Gateway, we personally hate them. I'd rather sell you a Lenovo or an HP/Compaq than sell you a Gateway

[BananaGroove]

I'm quite sure Acer owns Gateway. Which isn't the best thing.

[Kwirky]

I'm quite sure Acer owns Gateway. Which isn't the best thing.

You're correct, Acer bought Gateway last fall.

In theory there shouldn't be much difference, since the major laptop brands use many of the same components, manfactured by some of the same OEM/ODMs (Compal, Quanta, Asus, FIC, etc.). I suspect though, that some makers might skimp on the engineering or use refurbished parts, or have poorer quality control, less tech support.

In that regard, most people seem to like Lenovo, Asus, Dell and HP. Although they feel flimsy (especially compared to Lenovo), I've never personally had any complaints about Acer or Gateway, but I might have lucked out so far.