Baptizer

Hello Guys!
Well, I am currently looking for a laptop! Not exactly sure on my price-range and spec-range. I suppose the best way to define what I am looking for is a really good deal!

Merlin

You looking for a new or used machine?
Is this going to be your primary computer of a secondary/backup for trips and such?

If you want a new computer for your primary machine I'd say check the deals page for a Dell

__________________

Baptizer

Hello Merlin:
I think I would prefer a new one (or a slightly refurbished one). The main reason I want to get a laptop is for a few reasons:
1. So I can chat on instant messanger anywhere in my house.
2. So my fiance can watch dvds while we drive to her parents house.
3. So I can keep track of MLB baseball games.

The machine will definitely not be my primary one, however, I would also like to play some games on it (battlefield: VN?).

Jeffbx

There are a ton of good deals, but you need to either have a price range or some specs in mind...

You can do everything you mention with the exception of the gaming with a used $500 Thinkpad. Once you add the gaming aspect, that bumps the specs way up. You can drop $5000 on Dell's silly new XPS gaming laptop.

Do you have a maximum price in mind that you'd be willing to pay?

Baptizer

Hi jeffbx!
Thanks for helping me with this! I suppose the most I want to spend is around 1.5k! (However, obviously, I would like to spend less if a 'similar' machine can be had)

Jeffbx

I'd recommend that you keep an eye on the Inspiron 600m... very solid machine in your price range (under $1500). Good enough to use as a primary machine as well.

I believe they still have a 10% discount at the Dell home store...

Baptizer

Hi Jeffbx:
Thanks for the recommendation. Quick question: Which processor is better, the Pentium 4 or the Centrino? There seems to be soo many different processors offered by Dell! (Centrino, P4, P4/HT, etc).

Jeffbx

Pentium 4 is slightly cheaper, and Centrino runs cooler and is better on battery life. Don't let the clock speeds throw you - a 1.4GHz Centrino is about on par with a 1.8-2GHz P4.

If you're planning on using the battery a lot, I'd recommend the Centrino.

LPMiller

i'd check out the overstock.refurbished section of dell. you can get a nice deal on yhe older 1100 and 5100 Inpirions

__________________
lpmiller
Chief News Editor
Nobel Prize Nominee
Reverend in the Universal Life Church
Once Shot A Man For Snoring Too Loud
Way Too Lazy To Change His Signature

"The strength to change what I can, the inability to accept what I can't, and the incapacity to tell the difference." - Calvin and Hobbes

AmRivlin

I too would like a Laptop, however I hate the Dell FormFactor look. I know that is dumb, but I am looking to spend 1500 b4 shipping and tax. I would like a p4 with 512-1024 mb ram and 40+ 7200 hard disk. Software is optional. This could be new or used.

Sony
IBM
AverTech
HP

Won't buy Toshiba - they sell secrets to the Chinese

__________________
Got|Apex Senior Experienced Poster
SEP

Jeffbx

If you don't like Dell, then get an IBM.

There are a few listed on IBM's ebay page - http://www.ebay.com/ibm

The T series is my favorite - you can't go wrong with one of those.