Looking for a basic widescreen laptop

[mallik]

I have a laptop right now, but it's a bit overkill for what I need so I was thinking of downgrading. Basically what I would use it for is work apps, internet use, and watching DVD's or videos. I would also like it to be fairly thin and light. Any inexpensive recommendations for something like this that has a widescreen?

 

[Marmion]

Do you have a particular budget that you wish to stick to?
What size screen? 15.4" or 14.1"? (Both are widescreen)
Are you concerned about battery life?

 

[mallik]

I was hoping maybe something around $500 or so, I'm not sure if that would be pushing it. The size of the screen doesn't matter too much, as long as it's widescreen. I'm not too concerned with battery life. It would be nice, but I think the laptop would be plugged in more often than not.

 

[Ionizer86]

There are frequent sales on the Compaq V2000 / V2000Z models. In Anand's review, the V2000 (Celeron M) performed better and had better battery life than the V2000Z (Sempron), and the V2000 should also give you the option of picking up a cheap, retired Pentium M (~1.5) off eBay for a nice upgrade.

Approx specs / price (~$550)
Celeron M 360 / 1.4
256MB PC2700 DDR (512MB more is about $35)
40GB 5400RPM HDD
DVD-ROM or Combo Drive
54g wireless
Radeon IGP
Option for 12 cell battery
Option for brightview

 

[Funyuns101]

you could always get the dell 710m... 12.1" and roughly 4.1 lbs... with those dell deals, you should be to get one for $800 or so

 

[6000SUX]

Originally posted by: Funyuns101
you could always get the dell 710m... 12.1" and roughly 4.1 lbs... with those dell deals, you should be to get one for $800 or so

Dell laptops are due for a refresh very soon. I'd wait if I were interested in a Dell.

 

[21stHermit]

$398 AR if you don't mind somewhat ugly.

Dell B120, 14" WS

Originally posted by: mallik
I have a laptop right now, but it's a bit overkill for what I need so I was thinking of downgrading. Basically what I would use it for is work apps, internet use, and watching DVD's or videos. I would also like it to be fairly thin and light. Any inexpensive recommendations for something like this that has a widescreen?

 

[Ionizer86]

Originally posted by: 21stHermit
$398 AR if you don't mind somewhat ugly.

Dell B120, 14" WS

Originally posted by: mallik
I have a laptop right now, but it's a bit overkill for what I need so I was thinking of downgrading. Basically what I would use it for is work apps, internet use, and watching DVD's or videos. I would also like it to be fairly thin and light. Any inexpensive recommendations for something like this that has a widescreen?

That model's cheap, but I think it has a 14.1" screen in a 15.4" chassis, meaning you have the disadvantage of the small screen along with the big, clunky form factor. I also think battery life isn't too long.

 

[OCfreakley]

Acer TravelMate @ the Egg $575 w/s+h approx.

Pix
BTW it's a "weekend sale"