Wanting to buy my first laptop and need suggestions

[leglez]

Ok I have never had a laptop before but have been wanting one for a while. With Christmas coming up I decided that this is probably a good time to get some good deals. Basically I want a laptop for Office, Internet Browsing, Instant Messaging, listening to music, watching movies, CD Burning, maybe DVD Burning, and little programming. I am not sure what my price range should be so lets say no more than $600 for the laptop and maybe another $100 for accessories

What I want:

At least 512MBs of ram
Not sure how big laptop HDDs are nowadays. But I want at least 80GBs preferably more.
Decent wireless (Possibly buy a wireless card)
Good battery life
Ability to hook up to a VGA monitor.
CD Burner (Preferably a DVD burner also)

Price Range:

$700 w/ accessories

Also this laptop will just need to get me through the rest of high school (I am a Junior now) and my first year of college. So 2 1/2 years

 

[pkme2]

My recommendation is a Dell Inspiron and if you use a readily available Dell Coupon, you can really get a super buy. http://www.meanbargains.com/dell/

They always repeat every month but the percentages vary and sometimes go up to 35% off on certain occasions.

Good luck on your special buy.

 

[cheesehead]

Originally posted by: pkme2
My recommendation is a Dell Inspiron and if you use a readily available Dell Coupon, you can really get a super buy. http://www.meanbargains.com/dell/

They always repeat every month but the percentages vary and sometimes go up to 35% off on certain occasions.

Good luck on your special buy.

Dells are cheap, but yucky. I've owned one, and will never do so again.

My advice?

1. Upgrade the RAM yourself. A 512mb PC3200 module can be had for $35 in the for/sale/trade section - add it to to the likely preexisting 256mb module, and you're set.

2. Consider what you need. I have an IBM X40, and love it - it's durable, light, and designed to be schlepped around everywhere. However, it's completely unsuited for pro audio work or heavy-duty Photoshop.

3. Buy used or refurbished, but - and I can't stress this enough - get a warranty. A used IBM T-series laptop can be had for under $700 with a year of warranty left. (Many people get 3-year warranties, and sell after two.)

 

[leglez]

Ok thanks. Is it fairly easy to install laptop RAM? I have installed lots of components on PCs but never a laptop so I am not too sure. What are some suggested brands? I have seen a lot of Acers, and IBMs so I would assume those are both fairly decent. Also where is a good place to buy used laptops? Can I buy certified refurbished IBMs? Or is it possible to buy a used laptop off ebay with a waranty

 

[HamSupLo]

My first and current laptop is an asus. Check out the line up at c9tech

there should be one lappy that'll fit your needs. I'd spend a little more and get something other than a dell. The quality well last you longer.

 

[leglez]

Would it be a bad idea to go to like best buy or circuitcity or something and look at floor models and just do an impulse buy?

 

[alimoalem]

Originally posted by: leglez
Would it be a bad idea to go to like best buy or circuitcity or something and look at floor models and just do an impulse buy?

no, they're more expensive and anything in the $600 range is either nonexistant or horrible at a B&M. i agree with the refurbished or online purchase

 

[leglez]

Where can I go to find a refurbished one? I have tried searching but no luck

 

[smopoim86]

ecost

 

[simms]

IBM T series...ebay but check the warranty before you buy.