I've had both. My Vaio is a much better laptop. The specs between my vaio and HP aren't that different. Actually, my HP has more memory then my vaio & I beleive a faster processor (I would have to double check) and my vaio works better. Vaios rock! However, Toshibas are my fave. They have awesome customer service as well.
*Typing from my Toshiba*
I do computer repair on the side for friends/family and such, as its always been my specialty. I fail to see how a computer with a faster processor and more memory could be slower or not work as well than another just because of the brand... if you had the hp stuffed full of crap slowing it down that could be the case in comparison... but other than that its impossible.
Also anyone I know who's had to deal with Toshiba's warranty customer service has always gotten the run around and never had their problem fixed until it was given to me and I did the repair myself, outside of warranty.
Sorry if that all sounded hostile, as I meant no offense. I just don't like seeing people waste money on a certain name brand that is more expensive just for the name, when there really is no difference.
First steps anyone should do with a new computer is install a good internet security suite, and then go and uninstall all the trial software crap that
every manufacturer packs in their computers. Those 2 steps will:
a.) Speed up your computer by getting rid of useless crap
b.) Protect you from unexpected/unknown crap in the future
For anyone who is interested, I highly recommend
Trend Micro for your home computers security. I've used it for years and I love it. It also doesn't slow down your computer by attaching itself to everything like Nortons or McAfee does. :thm: