Help with laptop

[WhiteKnight]

I just finished building my new Athlon 1.4, and now I'm looking to purchase a laptop for school. I'm majoring in electrical engineering, so this machine will mainly be used for basic word processing, some internet stuff, and CAD/circuit design programs. Thus, I don't need a top-of-the-line machine. My only requirements are that it have a dvd-rom, the obligatory pcmcia slots, and be able to run applications like autocad, matlab, and similar engineering applications. Because I don't need top of the line, I don't expect to have to pay a top of the line price. My question is, where should I start looking for such a machine? Most advertisers have systems that are in excess of my requirements, and most retailers like Dell don't offer the older processors anymore. Even though I have a good deal of experience on ebay, I don't want to buy it off there. So, any suggestions?

 

[Slacker]

What's your budget?

Check "For sale/Trade" here in the forums

Also search the web for "Refurbished Laptops" if you dont mind a refurb

Here is one link for refurbished laptops,
http://store.yahoo.com/csn4me/

 

[WhiteKnight]

As for budget, under $1000.

 

[Slacker]

I bought an HP N5170 from Ubid for $900.00 , with DVD integrated nic/modem pcmcia usb ir 9.3gb 64mb ram 14.1 tft screen , I think I got lucky though 'cause I havent seen any more deals like that since, it is worth a look though.

 

[vegetation]

I would get an ultralight laptop if I were you -- seems more to your needs. There was a Sony SR33 deal going around a few days ago at Outpost for $999 -- good machine for portability. Whatever you do, do not buy a used laptop as the warranties are terrible. Oh, and you do really want a good warranty on a laptop (unlike other devices you may have bought before).