Laptop recomendations

[uro cy]

My laptop died, after 5 years of use/abuse. I am in the market again, and would appreciate any advice/recommendations.

What I am mainly looking for in something to surf the net and answer emails on while I watch TV. I might (rarely) do some word processing.

I would prefer something on the cheap . I have been thinking about a mini (9" monitor)....has anyone out there tried on yet?

Thanks. (besides...who wants to think about that miserable game last night )

[ISUKyro]

Stay away from anything Toshiba makes. Oh the horror stories my family could tell you about those!

[AirWalke]

Agreed with Toshiba, my girlfriend had one and it hardly lasted two years.

For my Apple plug of the day, rumors are strongly pointing towards a sub-$1000 laptop coming out from Apple on Tuesday, possibly an $800 MacBook. They're revising their manufacturing process by building a plant here in the states rather than outsourcing it overseas. The new process also carves the case out of a solid brick of aluminum. I'm no expert, but it sounds like this allows them to drastically reduce their pricing and compete with the likes of Dell and such.

[MrGreg]

This 9" ASUS is $410
ASUS EEE PC 901: Intel Atom 1.6GHz, 1GB DDR2, 20GB SSD, WiFi N, Webcam, Bluetooth, 6-Cell Battery, 8.9" LCD, Linux $380 - SlickDeals.net Forums

Is this the kind of laptop you're looking for? To be honest I don't know much about this one, but people at slickdeals seem to like it

Edit: Not sure if I'd want a solid state hdd or not. Maybe this laptop? I don't see any reviews on Amazon, haven't looked elsewhere...
http://www.amazon.com/1000HA-10-Inch...G241KJE6DPVB16

[ISUChippewa]

I recently got a Dell Vostro 1510, which I am enjoying immensely so far. I was able to get it on Amazon.com for just over $600 too, which is an absolute steal.

[uro cy]

This 9" ASUS is $410
ASUS EEE PC 901: Intel Atom 1.6GHz, 1GB DDR2, 20GB SSD, WiFi N, Webcam, Bluetooth, 6-Cell Battery, 8.9" LCD, Linux $380 - SlickDeals.net Forums

Is this the kind of laptop you're looking for? To be honest I don't know much about this one, but people at slickdeals seem to like it

Edit: Not sure if I'd want a solid state hdd or not. Maybe this laptop? I don't see any reviews on Amazon, haven't looked elsewhere...
Amazon.com: ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Fine Ebony: Computers & PC Hardware

That is similar to one of the options i had been considering....I don't know anything about the solid state HD.

[jumbopackage]

I like my Dell Inspiron 1525. Depending on how they are configured, you can get one for around 5-600 bucks.

I suppose it depends on your budget. Apple makes great hardware, but it's always overpriced for what you get, IMO.

If I had to do it over again, I'd probably look at an XPS 1330, just to get something a bit smaller. Or one of the newer sub notebooks (i.e. EEE or Inspiron Mini 9)

[MrGreg]

I guess solid state drives can be a bit pokey. This guys sums it up nicely...

For people who are fighting over SSD vs Hard Drive, it is pointless. Different tools for different needs. Some people want the ruggedness of SSD and is willing to put up with a longer boot up time and slower response during use. You can walk around with laptop powered on swinging in your arm and the SSD won't complain. Other people want faster load time and massive storage space for porn and music, and is willing to take higher risk of a mechanical drive crash.

[jjisu]

Not sure why all the hate on Toshiba but i owned a toshiba Tecra notebook and it was a great machine. Never ran into any issues...

[MrGreg]

Otherwise you can pick up a basic 14" or 15" laptop for around $400 if you look around. Here are some options:

1. Watch SlickDeals for good deals. I recently picked up a Dell Vostro 1510 for $390.

2. Use live cashback for 30% off ebay purchases. For example, get this lappy for $350 after cashback (good deal, throw in some RAM after you get it): NEW! Dell Vostro 1510 C2D 1.8GHz/1GB/80GB DVD Vista FS! - eBay (item 260297444543 end time Oct-17-08 18:01:33 PDT)

3. Get a Dell outlet coupon and buy a laptop from the outlet

I am mentioning Dell computers because it is generally easier to find good deals on them since they are so common.

[cloneluke80]

Japanese - Fujitsu.

Japanese know how to make electronics, period.

[Clonehomer]

I got a 15" HP (2.0 DC w/ 3GB RAM) this summer and I really like it. I think I paid around $450 for it at bestbuy. I'd keep an eye on the bestbuy circular because they usually have either a Dell or HP for around $400 - $500. When I was searching I really couldn't find anything much cheaper.

[illinoiscyclone]

i love my macbook, but at 1200 large, i dont think it would qualify as cheap.

[acrozier22]

i love my macbook, but at 1200 large, i dont think it would qualify as cheap.

I have a 17" macbook pro. Not cheap! If you want a cheap computer, buy a PC. Especially if all you want is email and the internet.

[jumbopackage]

I have a 17" macbook pro. Not cheap! If you want a cheap computer, buy a PC. Especially if all you want is email and the internet.

Or video games, or office stuff, or pretty much anything you can do with a Mac...