You are correct, Sony is the only large brand with a nonsoldered connector. Buying Sony has very few advantages for expensive hardware. Their video/screen are usually much better than most laptops. They are not easy to work on and expensive if you have to buy parts. They used to be more proprietary and, I would imagine, have difficulty getting Linux drivers. Since we aren't buying them, I haven't paid any attention to this issue.
Asus' connector design is particularly weak. My hardware guy then went on a tirade about Asus and their only good products are their motherboards. I can't remember off the top of my head which brands but some of the brands are horribly designed power connectors, as well. I don't think you could give me a HP/Compaq. Not a big fan of Dells either.
I may have been wrong on which generation for laptop processors. Intel may only be on Two and not the Third like on the desktops. Anyways, their is huge increase in performance between generations.
Uhhhhhhh...the dilemma of buying American. I held out until about 2002ish.
Lotus has come back and so I retract my earlier comments. Looks like we may be close to a deal. I’d much rather they have our money... They are a little more but highly regarded based on the reviews I’ve seen, and Linux-friendly (they build what you ask for). They can knock the price down for no Windows license so apparently are not stuck in a Micro$oft contract.
A wealth of info here. I’ll remember all of this.
(The beer’s on me!)