Are there any particular brands when purchasing laptops to avoid or to consider?

eMachines tend to be the absolute worst computers. Period.

Acer is a budget brand and usually is not very good.

Toshiba is alright, but I don't like how they are constructed and they come with TONS of junk on the computer that slows them down.

Compaq is just like Acer.

HP, Sony, Dell are generally pretty good.

I like ASUS a lot (just not the EEE laptop).

I like HP, although ASUS, Sony, Toshiba, Dell, and Compaq are very good too.

If you're only a moderate video games gamer, I suggest you to buy something like this 14.1 screen HP that has very good specs for less than $700. $650 to be exact.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9027...

Emachine?no

Compaq?Please don't

Sony?YES

HP?

DELL?If you want to upgrade your laptop you must buy it from them because i heard only their parts work in their laptops.This is true for desktops and probably laptops.

Acer?ehh they are OK

Asus?They have a wonderful warranty(1 year accidental coverage warranty like drops,spills,surges,fire.)They are great

Toshiba?My friend said they are good

HP?They seem pretty good

You forgot Gateway

Gateway is a pretty good brand.

i'd go with Acer, they are doing quite well in laptops these days and you should be able to find some bargains...$800 will be fine

Different people, different experiences - you could just as well have asked about washing machines or lawnmowers! Here's my say:

Toshiba and Sony recommend

HP don't like

Dell hate!

others don't know

Avoid the following:

eMachines

Compaq

Acer

Recommended::

Sony

HP

toshiba

Asus

Dell