Looking to getting a laptop for school portability, what company?

[alm99]

I am currently getting my masters and work full time. I will be traveling soon for the holidays and vacations, but I will need to get school work done still. Basically what I want out of the laptop is the ability to word processing, wireless, dvd movies, mp3, and some light gaming. It needs to last the next two years while in school. I am looking to spend <$1200. What are my options?

EDIT: Is it better to go with Dell or IBM versus buying an HP, Toshiba, Sony, etc... places like Best Buy?

 

[thuned]

IBM x31 and Dell C400 looks good for you. Maybe one of the older compaq armada's.
Or if you want, you can get an Averatec for like 700-800$ bucks. Not as high quality as the others I've listed, but it's easlier on your wallet in case it dies, unlike the other laptops I've listed.

 

[Justin216]

Apple iBook...

Very well made, has combo drive so you can play DVDs and burn CDs...has quite a few games anymore...didn't use to, but more and more titles are coming out for Mac...anywho, you can get an education discount from Apple and snag one of these for about a grand...look into it...

 

[imported_mr4thjuly]

Try Notebookshop.com their prices on some of the latest and top brand models like fujitsu, toshiba are around $200-$500 lower than any other place I've seen. Not to mention some of their laptops are very excellent and affordable. I also recommend japanese models like Fujitsu or Toshiba since they last longer, perform better and are easier on your wallet, not to mention excellent support and service. These guys at notebook shop usually give out a free printer and laptop case as well as a seperate optical mouse for all your needs.
I usually buy my laptops from these guys and I also recommend them to everyone I can.

 

The new HP DV1000 and Compaw V2000 are perfect for your needs...except PERHAPS the gaming angle. They're light (~5 lbs.), sleek-looking, under $1200, and come with Intel P4-M processors with Centrino. I'm actually looking at three different notebooks myself, since I'm a college student who lives pretty far off-campus. I'm considering the Dell 700m, the Compaq V2000 and the HP DV1000.

Give 'em all a look.