AS far as hotel brands, a lot depends on the location. But what I've observed is: - I always sleep better at Marriott-brand chains (Marriot, Courtyard, even Fairfield). Not sure if it's the mattresses, the sheets, the laundry detergeant they use, or what... - I like Embassy Suites. Free breakfast and Happy Hours, you have plenty of space, you always get a USA Today, and I like the atrium-based floor plans. Only con I can think of off top of my head is the tiny swimming pools. - Hyatt Place was very trendy in its style. Cool rooms! - I've never had a bad experience at a Drury Inn. Consistent quality. - I'm generally pleasantly surprised by Comfort Inns. On the other hand, I avoid the following like the plague: - La Quinta - Econolodge - Ramada - most Holiday Inns (unless it's a Crowne Pointe)
Samsung. Samsung. Samsung. Quality stuff all around. For powertools, I go through them pretty quick. Dewalt is tough as hell, but tends to be heavy for me. The last two years I've been using Festool. German made, and damn good. Maybe not brand name, because its not mainstream in the US, but their stuff is 10 steps ahead of any other powertool I've ever used. And I've been through them all.
HP for computers. Logitech for mice. Coca Cola. In 'N Out for fast food. Calvin Klein for dress shoes. Alfani Red for dress shirts...until I find something better. Amazon.com for mp3. Chivas for scotch. Bulleit for bourbon. Miniature Pinscher mutts for dogs. Arco for gas.
No, but I once had an '86 Cavalier wagon. Stick shift, burnt clutch, headliner drooped down and stuck to my head stubble like velcro. Then something came loose in the steering column and every wire inside it twisted together and shorted out as I was turning a corner to get to work. The day all the dash electrics went berserk and stranded me in the rain is the day Mr. Cavalier was dragged to the fucking salvage yard. Still, I liked that car. They're all lovely in their own way.
Computers: Apple. Cars: Honda and Toyota. Superstores: Meijer. Department stores: JCPenney. I have other brands that I rarely if ever deviate from, like Degree deodorant, but that's more out of habit than loyalty.
I like to diversify and have a few good brands for each product. Maker's Mark/Woodford Reserve/Bulleit for whiskey. HP or Apple for computers. 5.11 tactical for jackets and shoes, not that anybody gets a lot of use out of jackets in Arizona. On the other hand, the one I bought from them back in '05 is still in perfect shape. Apple or Samsung for phones. Samsung or Asus for computer monitors (which double as the television at my place, since most of what's on television is brainless crap, leaving me to pick a handful of good shows across a dozen channels, and why pay for 30 channels just so you can watch 3 good shows?) Pizza Hut pizza. Arby's for fast food. Coke over Pepsi. Swedish Match for snus (used to be Lucky Strikes when I still smoked and when LS could be found.)
I have this one. Actually, that one is the latest revision, with a 3rd generation i7 CPU. It's a Series 7, which I think is a bit thicker than the Series 9 (the super thin ones), but it's no bigger or heavier than a high-end MacBook Pro. BTW, the model before this one, which I own, had over 140 positive reviews, which is way more than any other laptop you'll find out there right now, including Apple's.
