New to Laptop/Notebooks and

SeFu

Junior Member
Aug 21, 2005
11
0
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I know very little about where notebooks are at this time but I know I should be looking at laptops with centrino or Pentium M's.

I am hoping some of you out there can help me determine what notebooks I should be considering at this point.

What I am looking for:
price: 800 to 1100
CPU: 1.6 or higher if possible
RAM: 512

and I would like a 64 or 128MB video card if possible.


My main goal with this laptop is to transport common files and programs I work with frequently between home and work.
However I would also like it to be a source of entertainment when I am on the road or sitting around on the couch.
(Movies and somewhat older video games, I dont need it to push serious graphics since I can use my PC for that.)

Anyway... could some of you out there help me determine some notebook models to focus in on please?

Thank you for your time and help!
-SeFu

P.S. I get a 20% discount from DELL for being an employee at my company... not sure if DELL is the way to go or not though.
 

HomeAppraiser

Platinum Member
Aug 17, 2005
2,562
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This HP zv6000 AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3200+ (2.0GHz/512KB L2 Cache) should do the trick for only $699.99:

http://officedepot.shoplocal.com/office...132&offerid=&L1CatID=5208&L2CatID=5209

Upgrade to the ATI RADEON XPRESS 200M with 128MB dedicated video memory and Hypermemory. Includes a 6-in-1 media card reader, ExpressCard54 card slot, IEEE 1394 digital video port, and conveninent Quick Launch buttons all for about $30 more through Office Depot at the in store order kiosk.

Base model in this offer has:
512MB memory
40GB 4200 RPM hard drive
DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive
Windows XP Professional
15.4" WXGA widescreen display
Wireless 54g 802.11b/g integrated
and a FREE HP printer
Configuration Code 03017058

Shipping and handling is about $40 additional

You must order the AMD64 processor, if you drop to the AMD Sempron you lose $100 of the rebate.

Good hunting.
 

SeFu

Junior Member
Aug 21, 2005
11
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0
What are OMG coupons... sorry for the dumb question.


I have looked at that inspiron 6000 too... considering it also.
I like the widescreen.


 

KingCheeba

Member
Dec 21, 2000
165
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Periodically deal sites like (gotapex.com / bensbargains.net) will have coupons that are available in limited #'s like 5000 uses - check daily
Do you know about notebookreview.com ?
 

Slicedbread

Senior member
Mar 27, 2005
324
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Alot of the notebooks instore (best buy, compusa, circuit city) are in that price range with specs like that. Nothing beats testing out a laptop before you buy it, you'll know exactly what your getting yourself into (plus return is easy if needed). Also check the closest mall for a dell kiosk to try out those laptops.
 

Tostada

Golden Member
Oct 9, 1999
1,789
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Given your requirements, just about any laptop will be fine. Since you mentioned "somewhat older" video games, integrated graphics would also be fine if you get something with the GMA 900 (Sonoma integrated graphics) or maybe the Radeon Xpress integrated graphics on Turion notebooks.

So, you really just need to decide on what size of notebook you want. Dell might be the way to go, but there are usually Dell coupons (listed on gottadeal.com) better than 20% off. Dell will probably be what you want given your budget unless you want a 14" widescreen -- it's a good size for a thin/light notebook that still has a comfortable keyboard, and Dell doesn't have anything that size.

Like Slicedbread said, you'd be better off just trying some out, since your requirements aren't that specific. Dell kiosks in malls have most of the models that you can try out. Best Buy has Gateways that you can try out (they have different model numbers than Gateway.com, but they're about the same). Circuit City has HPs.

So, do you want something that's 15.4" like the Dell Inspiron 6000, or maybe a 17"? Those are good desktop replacements, but you already have a desktop and you want to take stuff back and forth to work. If you want something really small, there are a lot of 12" laptops, but you might think the keyboard is a little cramped. The Inspiron 700M is always a good deal, but it's a little thick for a 12" laptop. I really like the Gateway M250X -- it's a 14" widescreen that looks nice and has a good keyboard and is really thin, but the price just went from $900 up to $1000. You can get the HP DV1000 line for under $1000.

You also have to decide if you essentially want a disposable laptop and you can save some money by not getting a warranty, or if you're going to get a good 3-year warranty. Dell and Gateway have 3-year on-site service for about $200. HP will extend the warranty to 2 years for $99.