I need a cheap, basic, lightweight laptop

[DT4K]

It will only be used for email, surfing, word processing.
So performance is NOT high on the priority list.
The only requirement is that it be fairly lightweight. Our previous machine was a Compaq that has been trouble-free for quite a few years, but the thing weighs 8 or 9 lbs.

Are there any basic, reliable machines in the 5 lb or less range that can be found for less than $500?

 

[xSauronx]

hit the hot deals forum, or buy a subnotebook like the Eee, cloudbook, or the HP Mini-note
as for hot deals: theres a sub 500 vostro right now (tax may bump it just over 500 for some)

 

[jaqie]

Well you could also take a look at a used libretto.

I have a now ancient 70CT (p120mmx, 32MB ram, 640x480 5" TFT LCD) with a PCMCIA wifi B card, but the 110CT are much nicer, and widescreen. Plenty for running a small *nix distro off of. They also have a semi recent reincarnation called the U105 (IIRC) which came with xp pro, 512MB ram, and a 60GB microdrive... thing was insane, I still want one despite the fact they are no longer being sold new.

My little 70CT

Hit google for subnotebook.

 

[DT4K]

I'm not interested in a sub notebook. I want something with a 14 or 15" screen. And it doesn't have to be an ultra lightweight. Just something substantially lighter than my 8 lb Presario R3000.

 

[jaqie]

then look everywhere and anywhere for what is called a "T&L" (thin and light) notebook. they are named that or very similar at every major laptop manufacturer's website.

 

[Wuzup101]

I would suggest checking out e-bay/craigslist/etc... for either a used G4 based apple powerbook or a IBM Thinkpad (Like a T4x). The 15" Powerbooks weigh about 5 and a half lbs and are 1 inch thick... The T42 series thinkpads are right around the same size (may be a hair lighter). Both have a great form factor (in that they are by no means bulky) and top notch keyboards. A quick e-bay search for "Thinkpad T42" shows several with Pentium M @ 1.7GHz, gig of ram, 40gb HDDs, that are in good condition and in your price range. If you want something smaller, the 12" powerbook is a good option.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: DT4K
I'm not interested in a sub notebook. I want something with a 14 or 15" screen. And it doesn't have to be an ultra lightweight. Just something substantially lighter than my 8 lb Presario R3000.

For relatively low price and relatively low weight, look for a 14" notebook. Just as an example (others exist) the Dell Vostro 1400 starts at $499 regular pricing for a complete unit. It weighs around 5.4 pounds, which is around 1½-2½ pounds less than a normal 15.4" notebook. Anything lighter than this will have a smaller screen, and the price goes up... until you hit the Eee PC/Cloudbook, which is cheap again and really light, but only a 7" screen.

If I were to get a Vostro 1400, I'd spend a couple bucks extra for a Core 2 Duo CPU versus the base Celeron, and the optional 9 cell battery. These two options will result in much better runtime on battery.

 

[Oil]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: DT4K
I'm not interested in a sub notebook. I want something with a 14 or 15" screen. And it doesn't have to be an ultra lightweight. Just something substantially lighter than my 8 lb Presario R3000.

For relatively low price and relatively low weight, look for a 14" notebook. Just as an example (others exist) the Dell Vostro 1400 starts at $499 regular pricing for a complete unit. It weighs around 5.4 pounds, which is around 1½-2½ pounds less than a normal 15.4" notebook. Anything lighter than this will have a smaller screen, and the price goes up... until you hit the Eee PC/Cloudbook, which is cheap again and really light, but only a 7" screen.

If I were to get a Vostro 1400, I'd spend a couple bucks extra for a Core 2 Duo CPU versus the base Celeron, and the optional 9 cell battery. These two options will result in much better runtime on battery.

QFT. Get the base Vostro 1400 for $479 and get the $30 C2D T5270 for a total of $509 :thumbsup:

 

[Slowlearner]

As a recent laptop buyer, the most important thing to keep in mind is avoid Vista Home Basic or Premium. Dell laptops are barely so so but the fact that you can get them with XP at a price range of 500-600$ makes them quite attractive. So I highly recommend the Vostro 1400 with XP of course.

Do keep in mind Dell only has depot repair - i.e. wait 3 weeks for any repair. Toshiba OTH has service providers lined up at most major cities.

 

[Imported]

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
As a recent laptop buyer, the most important thing to keep in mind is avoid Vista Home Basic or Premium. Dell laptops are barely so so but the fact that you can get them with XP at a price range of 500-600$ makes them quite attractive. So I highly recommend the Vostro 1400 with XP of course.

Do keep in mind Dell only has depot repair - i.e. wait 3 weeks for any repair. Toshiba OTH has service providers lined up at most major cities.

What is wrong with Vista? I just put in an order for a M1330 with Home Premium. I use Ultimate on my desktop without a problem.

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: Slowlearner
Do keep in mind Dell only has depot repair - i.e. wait 3 weeks for any repair. Toshiba OTH has service providers lined up at most major cities.

Dell has in-home, on-site service. I know, because I've used it several times.