Skip to content

Comment on Dell XPS 15.6" QHD+ (3200x1800)parent

Comments

Modern laptops occasionally have lots of add-on hardware that requires the OEM's software to work (3G modem, webcam, thumbreader, occasionally wifi, etc).

That might be fine if you're buying a Dell. They're easy to get drivers from. (Though, who else has had to deal with those handful of Dells that required a custom Dell build of the Intel PROSet/Wireless software to work? -.-)

But if you bought an ASUS? With the Impossible Website From Hell? HELL NO! Anyone who has had to download a driver or firmware update from their sites will tell you just how unpleasant the experience is (if they can even do it). I swear their webserver's connection to the outside world is a 14.4 modem.

Running a non-ADK/OPK'd Windows install on a modern laptop reminds me a lot of running Linux on a laptop or OEM desktop 15-20 years ago. Hey, anyone remember how fun winmodems were?

It's just not worth the risk. For me, laptops without Apple branding haven't been a sensible choice in a long time, and there was a good half-decade before that where the only serious manufacturer made ThinkPads.

AboutSource Built by g1lg1l

Hackerly is an independent reader for Hacker News, built on the public HN API. Not affiliated with Y Combinator.