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General discussion

Cheap laptop for.....

by ploftis Nov 11, 2004 2:26AM PST

Hi,
I am new to laptops, fairly experienced with desktops. I have an AMD Athlon XP 3000+ desktop system and love it. I am looking for a very cheap notebook PC for...

1. surfing the net wirelessly
2. watching DVD's on trips
3. uploading photos from dig camera on trips
4. playing low-tech games with kids (not halo 2, etc.)
5. ? listening to music (maybe if possible, not necessary)

I am quite uncertain about what I actually need, as opposed to what I want. I want a $3000+ falcon NW system or the like, but need to spend only around $500.
I would like it to run XP and have a CD burner and DVD player. At least 2 USB ports would be nice. Wireless or the ability to go wireless would also be useful. Any suggestions on models to look at or more helpful would be minimum stats to do what I am looking to do. Thanks a lot.
Pat

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Re: Cheap laptop for.....

by KenSanramon Nov 11, 2004 3:24AM PST

look at HPshopping.com at the HP DV1000 (14" widescreen at 5.3 pounds) and HPZT3000 (15.4" widescreen at 6.5 pounds with dedicated video memory).

You can find out about a ton of ordering discounts at X1000forums.com (Compaq X1000 is the same as the HPZT3000).

The HP DV1000 has 2 headphone jacks in front for use on a plane or in the car (for CD's and DVD's), a built in remote control, CD's and DVD's can be played with operating system off (giving instant on and longer battery life) and this is a very nice size and also plays widescreen DVD's (don't waste the experience by buying full format DVD's that have the sides chopped off).

This DV1000 is in the $1,000-$1500 price range depending on options. If you don't get a DVD burner (at CD-RW/DVD ROM instead) you should be able to get one in the $1250 range. The new Briteview XGA screen is outstanding so don't get one without that. You can try it out at Best Buy, etc.

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