First time laptop buyer - UPDATED: considering HP nx6110

[AntiEverything]

EDITED - SEE BELOW

A few months ago I gave up a long career as a programmer to become a real estate agent. It's killing me to have to use the public computers while in the office, and I just have to get a laptop. It's been expensive getting started in this business, so I don't have a lot of cash to spend.

I realize I won't be able to afford the ultraportable 2lb style. But I also don't really want some desktop replacement that's going to weigh 9lbs to haul around. I've been looking at so many models online and in person, they're all starting to blend together. The first model I really thought was the one for me was the Compaq V2000, but after checking out at CompUSA the keyboard felt kinda cheesy and it didn't feel all that sturdy to me.

Does anybody have a suggestion for something semi-lightweight with good battery life that will survive the abuse I'm going to put it through constantly pulling it out in the car and at clients homes? I don't want to have something made of cheap plastic with a case full of cracks after a few months. The closer I can keep this to $1000 the better, and I'm willing to forgo speed and fancy graphics cards, etc.

Thanks



Edit:

I've found I can get a decent deal on an HP nx6110. 15" screen, Pentium M, 512mb, XP Pro, 40gb 5400 rpm hd, $999 after rebate.

Anybody used this or a similar HP laptop? How's the quality?

 

[deejayshakur]

hp dv1000 (with 12 cell battery) or dell 600m (for $700 now).

 

[Commodus]

Does it need to use Windows? If not, a 12" iBook would be fine. It has a durable polycarbonate shell, rounded edges, and no protruding ports (read: fewer things to break off).

 

[jbaggins]

maybe you can check out a lesser equipped IBM Thinkpad.

Or maybe you can check out todays i6000 deal, where you can get one for about 610 dollars. add complete care warranty (protects against dropping, liquids, etc.) and a good warranty in this case, because from my understanding, dells are not as solid as thinkpads.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Originally posted by: deejayshakur
hp dv1000 (with 12 cell battery):thumbsup: or dell 600m (for $700 now):disgust:.

 

[ColKurtz]

If you know an IBM Employee, and/or can get one's last name and serial number (not as hard as it sounds), there's a pretty hot deal on a Thinkpad T42 through their employee purchase program. This is a very popular system that's a good mix of portability and horsepower.

You can get other systems for less money, but Thinkpads are very solid. If you can "splurge", it's well worth it. 3 year warranty, as well.

 

[mickles]

Got an EPP account for me?

 

[ColKurtz]

There's a thread on Fatwallet (sorry mods) where people are begging for them, apparently with some success. I won't link it out of politeness to this forum, but it shouldn't be too hard to find.

This is not against any IBM rules, afai understand. I've read IBM employees are allowed to purchase 25 or so systems each year, which is why their ID's not too hard to come by.

 

[AntiEverything]

Thanks for the tips. I'll check out the models you've suggested.

 

[AntiEverything]

Edited the original post, anybody have anything to say about the HP nx6110?

 

[fbrdphreak]

I like HP laptops in general, but I hear there business lines are built even better than the consumers. Make sure the Pentium M is a Dothan process (2MB L2 Cache). What resolution is the screen?
As long as the stuff I asked about is in order, I'd say you've got a decent deal.

 

[AntiEverything]

It's a 2MB cache, 533 FSB Pentium M 730, 15" TFT XGA screen