Help me find a good laptop

[Zuckman]

Macs are awesome! I've had so many problems using Windows...viruses, etc. Macs are so reliable and Leopard OS X is an awesome operating system! Great security which Windows could never match.

 

Zuck

[MSc-microbiology]

I'm not sure why folks were chatting about going refurbished or substandard in order to get a laptop to meet the OPs needs. There are many brands (including Toshiba, HP, Dell, even Sony) that offer laptops/notebooks for $599-699 that meet or, more often, exceed the OPs needs. One has to simply check out the local Futureshop/Best Buy/Staples etc., or for an even better deal, go with one of the online options. Right now is a great time to buy, with all the "back-to-school" sales going on.

 

I would recommend some skepticism regarding recommendations for laptops selling for $1000+. Based on your posted needs, $1000+ machines are likely way overpriced and loaded with hardware/software not necessary for your uses.

 

The machines mentioned above for $599-699 are brand new computers and are excellent quality. Since there are lots of brands in this range you can go with whichever you prefer (ie. Sony for quality/looks, HP for quality/performance, Dell for low-cost). ANY of these laptops/notebooks will exceed the requirements for "school" use. Unless you are a gamer or creating a feature-length film on your laptop, then these machines should be more than adequate.

 

 

Typically, these $599-699 notebooks spec out with:

 

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz (or AMD equivalent)

Memory: 2-4GB

Hard Drive: 250GB-320GB

Wireless: a/b/g/n

CD/DVD: 8X DVD+/-R/RW DL

Screen: 14-15.4"

Graphics Chipset: Integrated video (perfectly fine for school, movies... but definately not for a gamer)

Battery: 6-cell (get the 6-cell or higher.... as folks mentioned batteries are the single best component to upgrade)

[prince5325]

Dell is very nice and Cool laptop now a day b'coz ,Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop in black, which features a bright, vivid 15.6-inch LCD screen and long-lasting 6-cell battery. Weighing just under 6 pounds.

[m30wc0w]

i wish my laptop had better graphics... it's such a bottlenexk D;

[ygella]

If you want a new computer though, I have bought quite a few computers from Canada Computers and I have had nothing but success with their products and service.

http://www.canadacomputers.com

 

Canada computers has really good deals, def. check it out.