You see, I've been looking forwards to buying a laptop. Since I have to use my mom's computer (it seriously rocks, Intel Core 2 Duo inside it ) and my dad usually finds out (not that I can't USE IT ) I get sent to bed when I don't want to. If I get my own computer, I would prefer a laptop so i could use it also for vacations. Anyone have any ideas? My budget is:

$500-700 for a laptop

$100 for accessories, chair to sit on (I have a desk but no chair. LOL)



P.S. Here is the link to what I'm guessing on:
Note, the Apple MacBook pro is ONLY if things go to the worst.
First
Second (cheapest so far)
https://www.insight.com/search/ppp.web?mate...K=FH553AT%23ABA
http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?c=2...=104784&P=F
http://www.clearanceclub.com/products/8945...?ad_ref=adwords
http://www.alinksystems.net/servlet/the-10...BUSINESS/Detail
http://www.topchoicedigital.com/viewproduc...0&l=Froogle
http://buysmartworld.com/product_info.php?products_id=451
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...eway-_-34101174
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Toshi...ci_sku=11203024
http://www.pcnation.com/web/details.asp?af...amp;item=U77247
http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4le...=20090307020701
http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_p....asp?PRID=11884

P.S.S. I will not get the Apple MacBook, due to the fact that it's condition is "certified pre-owned" and I want a TOTALLY new one.

I think this should be here

You could just report the topic to be moved, rather than spamming.

I recently bought myself one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/10-Inch-Netbook-Proc...0033&sr=8-1
and I like it a lot. It's not at all for gaming, but really, laptops aren't for gaming unless you go really high end. It's cheap ($349), small, and has enough (speed, power, storage, etc) to do most anything. It's quite small (which I like), but some might find it too small.

The company also recently started a policy that they will replace any laptop one time for any reason (within a year of purchase), e.g. you spill water on it. You would have to double-check, but I think this one covered too. And something rare for a laptop is that you can open a panel in the back of this one and replace the RAM and hard drive without voiding the warranty.

Ugh, don't get that MacBook. You'll regret it. And this is coming from someone who uses a MacBook as his only computer. That comes with only a 2.0Ghz processor, 1GB of RAM, 80GB HDD (that's no space tbh), Tiger ($130 to get Leopard) and no installation discs or anything. Not a good deal. You'd be better off spending an additional $250 and getting one from your Apple Store and having more features on it. To bring that one to current specs would cost you near $200.

Get a Windows laptop. You'll be much happier with that - for your price range. If you bumped up to $1250 or so I'd say a MacBook.

The laptop 123man posted isn't a bad option. Very portable and still has enough power, as long as you're not looking into gaming. And really, you'd have a hard time finding a gaming laptop for <$750.

~Bcloutier~

Clouty's right -- MacBooks are tough to get your money out of with that sort of budget. Check out Gateway's stuff (which is what I got about 4 months ago in a similar situation, similar budget), or the newer Compaq Presario. There also seems to be a well-recieved HP Pavilion laptop out there (a bit spendier than the others, but a significantly larger hard drive makes up for it).

Presario: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1218010578770 -- has about the same specs as mine.
Gateway: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1218044028330 -- cheaper than 4 months ago, better specs, a bit more expensive than the Presario, though.
HP: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1218041998788 -- spendiest of the three, biggest hard drive.

If I were purchasing one today, I'd probably go for the HP. It's not that much more, and seems to be well-supported by previous customers.

Good luck!

I REALLY need to update this post, to be honest. My dad can install Linux on my laptop for free, which helps a lot. Next: Windows: I don't like Windows, it's not the best, ever since I played on the '98 version, I stopped liking it. I know there XP and stuff, but I don't care. Again, my dad can download Linux for free, and it is much better then Windows, I think. Also, can you tell me what's wrong with the Macbook, becides the memory? I'm not gonna totally junk it out with music but luckily, I'm just going to be honest with myself and delete all the stuff I don't like. I can download it on my PSP, and save some room of memory while still having my music. I'm not sure what the heck Ghz. is, but 2 seems enough. Next: Macbooks actually aren't bad, and since that one is new, and the regular (straight from Apple) are like $1999, I think this seems another good idea. I'll ask my dad, however.



Thanks, again. I don't really know what a Core 2 Duo is, but is a Duel Core better? All of yours are cheaper (by far) and the HP looks nice and also is recommended (by you). Again, my dad should help here (I'm CLUELESS at this stuff, yet my dad works at Freescale: a chip (no, you don't eat it) company with semiconductors and stuff). Otherwise, Thanks

EDIT AGAIN: I looked, and found this, which I think will help. I don't know much about the acer, etc. but I can probably see the Macbook being eliminated. Since the Acer is cheaper, why get the HP? I just want to know that now, thanks a LOT

P.S.S. Actually, the HP is $605, due to shipping. I really don't see why I should get it now

This is great.

3gb of ram, meaning you can have more windows open and not worry about system resources.

2.0ghz core2duo. The core2duo is a very solid processor, and 2.0ghz is great.

15.4" screen.

The Acer only have 1gb of ram with vista, meaning you'll be crawling along, not to mention the processor is smaller.

I thank you for two things: Telling my what ram and ghz., is one, two is recommending that. Thanks a lot (now I'm going to comb my websites for ram

I would personally recommend the Dell Inspiron 1420. It's a great computer and fits your budget.

I wouldn't get an Apple computer. Windows based computers have so much more RAM and power for the same price as a Mac.

The Mac's out of the running, then.

Topdog: Ummm... I just don't get why I should by that, considering I have cheaper ones in my links, AND some even look better. Is it the ram or ghz? Thanks anyway

Cheaping out on a laptop isn't something you want to do. You want to spend as much as you can right now, so it is future-proof. You don't want to spend $500 now and in a year it's outdated too much so you have to spend another $500, instead of spending your $700 and having it good for 2 or 3 years. It's an investment. At least, that's what I did with my MacBook - not having to drop $1500 on a new model every year, instead putting $2000 in for the fully loaded version.

@Redmonke - it's 2Ghz still a little low? I personally don't like using anything under 2.4Ghz now. I haven't had the time to price out Windows laptops so I don't know if 2.4Ghz+ is in his budget.

@Gijeff890 - I'd say to stay with Windows, unless you've been using Linux for a while. Windows has the best compatibility with everything and will do what you want it to. Linux isn't as 'standard' so doesn't have the same development for it.

~Bcloutier~

However, atleast if you crash w/ Linux, you can kind of fix it. My dad told me once you can't do that with Windows. Next, cheaping out a laptop isn't EXACTLY what I'm doing. I'm just looking for the best option, and http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_p....asp?PRID=11884 has a core 2 duo (see, I'm not cheaping: a core 2 duo is one of the fastest now), so I really don't see what's wrong. Also, yes, I have been using Linux all my life. Next, I don't really want a fully loaded version, not like able to make my laptop do flips, it can crash every once in awhile. I just want a good, cheap, nice core 2 duo.

That laptop's good. I don't know about the brand, but the specs are pretty good, especially the graphics card. It should handle most games pretty well.

The Intel Classmate
This is a convertuible (Regular netbook to touchscreen tablet)

Storage: 60gb
System: Windows XP

This link will give you an honest text and video review, that (thank god) has nothing to do with the company that made this netbook, so everything they say, came from their experience with the computer, and wasn't promoted by Intel.

Actually in my opinion the Macbook is pretty great. The only problem I find with it is that it is not as compatible as Apple says it is with Windows...

What I bought was a Sony Vaio (Vista) and I regret it. I love the laptop, but I hate the type of Windows; I should have gotten XP. My suggestion is to buy XP from ****Lenovo**** Sony, dell, Gateway; you know the choice brands. BUT PLEASE GET XP.

****=best

Vista is better than XP in *almost* every way. You just have to use it for a day to get used to it.

I've been using it for 2 years. And yes, some things are better in Vista, but if you want a faster computer than go with XP

My current Vista computer is faster than my old XP computer.

Same. It is quite a bit more resource heavy but you can reduce it by a large factor, for instance, my recent change from Aero to Windows Standard theme represents an increase of at least 100% in speed. Maybe it runs a little slower, but in most cases it is worth it. Of course, Win7 will make it completely obsolete but still...

Is Vista a type of operating system? And thanks renmonke, for finally approving the laptop that I want. I will most likely look at the ones that everyone else suggested, narrow it down, and FINALLY see what's better. The rep trim laptop is probably the one i will get, mainly however due to the fact that I'm probably going to be using it for what I use right now (RuneScape, Gmail, Sals, Shadow Legion, etc.) and get that over with. Next, I need a suggestion for a home computer (better be a GREAT deal) a really good one, which will actually be probably better then a laptop, if I traveled around 4-5 times a year. What I mean is a REALLY good computer, which will be worth it even if I can't travel with it.

Yes, Vista is the operating system.

This is Windows XP:


This is Windows Vista:



And for a home computer I'm assuming you're talking about a desktop computer?

What do you need with it (just the tower, a screen, mouse/keyboard)?

Do you want a prebuilt machine or do you want to build it with the parts that we recommend for your. Building it yourself can shave off ~$300+.

Is it going to be for gaming? That laptop should be ok for gaming.

And what is your budget.

If it was going to be a regular computer (like, with a keyboard and monitor etc.) probably around $500-600, and a pretty fast and good one for gaming like playing RS, and a few others. I would probably prefer a gaming computer. Also, I would like a PREBUILT computer, because I don't enjoy building a computer, as I can't really build one, instructions or none. I mainly just need the computer, monitor and keyboard.

Well, most any new computer can play RSHD easily. A gaming computer is usually for heavy games (Call of duty, Crysis , and other new games).

But I'll try to find a computer to fit your needs.

Here's a computer for $500. It should run RSHD fine, but if you want to play games like the ones mentioned above, I'd suggest buying a new graphics card that you'll need to install later on in the future (the graphics card, depending on what you want, would cost anywhere from $50-%150).

Here's a 19" monitor for $100.

I might/might not buy it. Now, I have to ask is there any difference IN POWER between a Core 2 Duo Laptop, or Home personal Computer.

I don't really think I will, mainly because the laptop is probably just as good, and a $100 cheaper, ALSO can be used on the go.

The processor is better on the desktop. The Phenom x4 is a quad core, while the core2duo is a dual core. More cores let you multitask more, including using programs like photoshop which take advantage of multiple cores.

But that laptop has a better graphics card and would probably run games better, for now.

Okay. Since I will most likely multitask (e.g. music, RuneScape, IRC, etc.) and I'm using a game, (RuneScape) I will definitely get the $524 laptop, and use it for my regular computer, however (I hope) dad will pay for my batteries.



(I am still awaiting for this decision to be 'approved' by others)

That laptop should have a pretty nice battery life, so I don't think you need another battery.

redmonke approved out a good laptop that really fits all your needs.

EDIT: battery - Li-ion 6 cells / 9 cells (optional)'
shouldn't be too power consuming enough for you to buy the 9

So, do you think the one I picked (http://www.avadirect.com/product_details_parts.asp?PRID=11884) would be okay? I'll see his, but if it's not a Core 2 Duo, it better be EXTREMELY cheap, otherwise I will NOT buy it.



EDIT: I would also like a $25 Laptop Sleeve that can fit inside a briefcase Any suggestions would be welcome.

The one from your link is great. I have no idea about the company, but the stuff inside the computer is pretty beefy.

Here's a neoprene sleeve. I have one and I love it. It's not hard, so it won't protect drops, but it will protect against scratches and stuff.

Thanks you. So you think I should buy it? (the laptop)

Just putting this out there but you do know you recharge laptop batteries right?

You only buy new ones if the laptop battery can no longer can hold much of a charge which happens about once every few years

Ya, I knew that, but if I ran out of charge for my battery dad better pay! Or else ( wait, what could I do?).

You could buy one off of the manufacturer's website, or just buy one for 1/10 the price on ebay.

Okay, I probably will. But I have a question. Did you experience this problem?

http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Neoprene-Note...erBy=addOneStar

And, it seems that the shipping is rather...



I just found out the $523 was A BAREBONE. I showed to my dad, and that did NOT look like I wanted the laptop. I have now found a different one, which is quite cheap - $60 less then the barebone:
https://www.insight.com/search/ppp.web?mate...K=FH553AT%23ABA

Well, I had it all along, but never really looked at it.

1gb ram and windows vista = eww

You need at least 2gb, maybe you'd like to upgrade it yourself (I'd recommend 3gb).

Ok well, her's a Laptop with 3gb of ram, good graphics card, good processor, $750.

Here's one with 4gb of ram, a less powerful graphics card, about the same processor, $700.

And about the reviews for the sleeve, out of 50 reviews, two were by people that probably ordered the wrong one.

I'm not a huge PC person, but I'd definitely go with the convertable Intel Classmate.
This is a laptop review site, so you'll know your getting the truth and not some junk that the company dishes out .

I would go for the first one of those, all in all it's better than the other one. It has a 320GB HDD, whereas the latter has 250GB. So basically the only thing different about it is it has an extra GB RAM. I'm running Vista HP on a 2GB machine with a Dual 1.7GHz CPU. Runs fine. Maybe not as fast as XP would, but i'm sure the 3GB RAM would work perfectly.

I probably will NOT, as it's under $600, and it's not the best. I DON'T need a good graphics card.



P.S. Mods, this won't count as double posting, right? It's only 4hrs. off.

I was pointing out the features other than the graphics card, but you do need upwards of 2GB RAM.

Although in that case, i would suggest one of the following:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16834107024

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16834107025

The latter has a less powerful CPU, but it's Intel. So if you aren't using it for gaming then you might want to go for that, but really it's all up to you.

well i'm not sure what your going to be able to get for $700 but i'll tell you this. i'm currently using an apple macbook 4GB RAM is the only upgrade i've made to it. this cost me roughly $1300. this is way more than $700 but i love this thing. for the only kind of laptop i know of for $700 would be a dell insperon but the last time i saw the price was about a month ago. and that was on the really cheap end of the notebooks

There is nothing in this post that is technically correct, other than Apple overpricing everything. Firstly: there's no reason you would want a mac. Secondly: most laptops are available for under $700 and have at least decent specs. Thirdly: it's Inspiron. Lastly: It wasn't.

Next time please read the thread before posting.

Nessacarily, both of you guys spammed. However, LP - I WILL NOT SPEND $1,300 FOR A LAPTOP, WHEN AROUND $800 IS THE LAPTOP ITSELF, THE OTHER $500 IS THE OPERATING SYSTEM. I already have an operating system, thank you very much It's linux, and it's also free. Also, please note - I want a $600 laptop, and if it's $700, it better be VERY good. Third: I once found a $350 core 2 duo in the newspaper. Can't be cheap, huh?