Notebook SOS.......

[rpv]

Hey guys..here is the problem. My sis needs to get a notebookto replace an aging desktop that she has at her place. She will need to use it for all the basic computing that is done at home as well as office. I dont think she uses it for gaming at all(although I could be wrong). I am not very familiar with the notebook technology out there. Her budget is less than a 1000 dollars. I was wondering if I could get a few sugestions.

 

[roguerower]

IBM maybe, if not Dell.

 

[gorcorps]

I've been told to go with Dell or HP. IBMs can get pricey. Check out the sites and configure some stuff to see what you can get.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Go Dell or Avaratec for cheap stuff.

 

[tmaestro]

don't be afraid of dell's refurb section. good deals w/ a warranty.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dfh&~ck=bt

 

[fbrdphreak]

If a 15" screen is okay with her, check out the hp ze2000: Centrino, 40GB, CDRW/DVDROM, w12-cell battery you get 6+ hours of battery life.
If she likes a 14" widescreen, try the hp dv1000: same as above, but smaller form factor.
And take a look at the Hot Deals forum here, lots of deals on notebooks.

 

[rpv]

what is the difference between Centrino and Pentium M? Which of the two is better? Is there any notebooks based on the AMD 64bit chips?

 

[ActuaryTm]

Originally posted by: rpv
what is the difference between Centrino and Pentium M?

Centrino is not a processor, but rather a collection of components - namely the Pentium M, the 855PM or 855GM chipset, and an Intel PRO/Wireless component.

Is there any notebooks based on the AMD 64bit chips?

A number of them. Very few in the sub $1,000 range, however. You might look to Averatec, HP, or an eMachine (if one can still find one) for an inexpensive AMD64 based mobile machine. There are a host of other manufacturers that offer AMD64 based machines, but very few at that price point.

If you've not yet discovered it, Notebookforums.com is the definitive source for information.

Good luck.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Gateway also offers AMD64 machines, but I think the lowest you will get is $1000-$1100 (Gateway bought eMachines and subsequently took over their notebook like, still an awesome value tho)

Also look for Turion 64 CPU's to hit the market late April-ish, these will offer battery life comparable to Centrino with performance comparable to A64's. Pricing isn't clear yet on the notebook itself, but the low-end Turion CPU's are priced competitively and still pack quite a punch. Check out the Turion thread in this forum!

 

[rpv]

Thanks guys.....will look for the AMD 64. She might not be patient enough to wait on the launch of Turion. Encouraging though going thru the info..also heard that Intel is cutting prices on the Pentium M to keep it competitive..way to go AMD! Slowly bringing the "king" to its knees!!!!

 

[NoToRiOuS1]

def go with averatec. i just picked up a pentium-m 1.6ghz w/ 2mb L2 cache, 512mb, 80gb, dual layer dvd+r & dvd +/-r, wireless G, 12in xga, 1inch thick, 4.5 lbs, w/ usb2(no firewire ) and 3-1 mem reader & xp home for 949AR at CC. they have a similar model at compusa for 849 but w/ a 60gb hd but has xp pro...you better hurry on the compusa deal it ends on 3-19...actually come to think of it...so does the cc deal....if you want an a64 notebook...check out the averatec 6240...buillt in standalone dvd player w/ 7 hour run time, a64 3000+ 80gb 512mb, dvd burner, wireless for about 1100 or something...thats also at CC...i actually bought that first...but i didn't want something so big(its actually just 6.6 but still...i like 4lbs) so i went back and got it exchanged for the 3360....and yes i am an averatec fanboy and proud of it...lol....we have about 4 averatecs in my family(5 now with my new one)...each working flawlessly for at least about 6 months..even more with some of the other models...im sure there are other good products out there but none with a better bang for the buck IMHO...and that concludes my ranting on averatec...hope it helps