Reliably Tech

Laptop reliability, or tech reliability for that matter is hard to measure. How do we really know if a laptop purchased from Dell will last longer than HP for example? We all theorise of course, based on different indicators... these including reviews from users, blogging, word of month, salespeople and of course personal experience... but this really isn't empirical data at all, and often the assumptions we make are flawed.

Interestingly, SquareTrade released statistical data today regarding just this. The data is based on the failure rates of leading laptop brands, and ranked on warranty claims in the first year. SquareTrade generally appeals to eBay buyers, who are given the opportunity to purchase a warranty after an eBay purchase. I need to add at this stage that this data is, in its own way, flawed. Its based on the premise of the majority of purchases being eBay based, rather than market purchased... and it also does not list all manufacturers, just a random cross section from someone at ST who obviously thought would be interesting.

Its also flawed by user type in the fact that different users purchase different tech. Could it be for example that Toshiba came out on top because the people that choose to purchase Toshiba are more technically aware or more careful? Could it be that HP is the first call for a great deal of tech first-timers, aiding their poor score?

So the message is simple, take it with a pinch of salt but it still makes for interesting reading... when the unquantifiable becomes empiric it is always interesting.