$400 will either get you a netbook or an entry level machine that most likely will be a piece of crap. I'd look at the Dell XPS M1330 (it's starting at 849 right now) Lenovo Thinkpad series (the SL400 is about 650)
Intel and AMD are 2 different companies that make processors (the brains of the computer). Either of them will work for you. But within each there are levels of processors. It's like saying "what's the difference between Toyota and Honda". Both make similar cars, but within each are different levels and types of vehicles. If you're looking to spend around $400, you'll get a low-end notebook that is pretty barebones unless you can find one that's used or something. If you're willing to spend about $600-$700 or so, you can get a good one using various coupons that are out there for Dell and HP. If you want coupons on Dell's, HP's, etc. scan gotapex.com and techbargains.com. Maybe Dell's outlet site has some in your price range, but that is reeeally low-end as far as a notebook.
OK guys here are the 2 opponents: Laptop Contenders Please Note: *HP laptop will have to be shipped for $24 , but I am sure I can get that waived. I am mostly going to use this for school work, limewire (music) , movies, and websurfing. Which one would you recommend ?
Still can't see anything. BTW- My wife bought me a Gateway last year... no problems whatsoever... Not sure the equivalent now, but the model # is MA7, came with Vista Home Premium, a DVD burner combo drive, cards slots, etc... Widescreen... has a Intel Centrino Duo.. $599 on sale. FWIW- I would have overlooked their products based on an old desktop experience, but the Gateways have improved greatly. As for the laptops, I'm using an old, originally Windows 95 Gateway with a Pentium II 233 processor w/only 128 ram... As a "netbook" to post this. The screen has kept it's brilliance... and I just loaded xp after a format and it's pretty fast for a machine built in the 90's.
Here is the direct link!!! http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...8011394877*1218010538308*1218010176595&catId=
never go with toshiba. as for portability, you might want to reconsider laptops with 15" screens. the HP with the 14.1" is small enough and has decent enough weight that it won't be a chore lugging it around when compared w/ the toshiba.
Flip a coin. I'd take the Toshiba with those 2 configurations and assuming the specs shown are correct. The Toshiba looks like it's running 32-bit Vista vs. 64-bit for the HP, but that's not a big issue for your needs (or most anyone else's). The Toshiba has 3GB RAM vs. 4GB for the HP, but 32-bit won't be able to use more than the 3 gigs anyway. The HP is more expandable in terms of memory, but again, for your uses, I doubt you'll need the extra memory. The Toshiba has a bigger screen. The Toshiba has 802.11n (draft) networking which can be better, but for your needs may not matter. The Toshiba is $50 cheaper. The HP weighs 0.8 lbs less, but it's also a smaller notebook. I don't know if you'd care about the weight or not. Go down to Best Buy and see if they have them in stock and compare which one you like, too. Both are good laptops from the looks of it.
Really? You can get 2 Macbook models for cheaper than that. I, as always, recommend Apple. You won't get SD card slots, but a $20 universal card reader will take care of that just fine. Student and corporate discounts are available.
Well, if you're ever interested, I'd be more than willing to help out. Just send me an email through the board. No pressure or anything -- I can totally understand why someone who's been using PCs for years would want to keep using 'em.
