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General discussion

What is the best laptop to buy if...

by jeannieradek Jun 7, 2009 10:38AM PDT

Hello,

I'm planning to buy a laptop based on these needs:

Portability: smaller than 14" screen, lighter than 4 lbs.
Memory: at least 2GB
Hard drive: at least 160GB
Processor: Prefer Intel Duo Core (is it worth paying more for this?)
OS: Window XP (Has Vista worked out all it's kinks, should I not be
afraid)
Hardware: Whose is best value? Who rank best?
Software: Don't need all the bells and whistles
Price: $500-$800
Don't know: How to decipher the processing speed from vast options
out there.

I'd like to keep this computer for at least 3 years. Please help.

Thank you

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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that 4lbs is really hard to hit
by JonTitor Jun 7, 2009 1:59PM PDT
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what is CULV?
by jeannieradek Jun 7, 2009 10:21PM PDT

Jon,
Thank you for the link. The description sounds good but I don't know much about MSI. Where can I read about the maker and its reviews? What is CULV?

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here's a review
by JonTitor Jun 8, 2009 10:31AM PDT
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Looking at PC World website in the ultraportable category
by orlbuckeye Jun 8, 2009 12:38AM PDT

The cheapest laptop in that category was 1199 while only 5 of the top 10 ranked were under 2000. If your a Sam's member they me have something close to your price range.

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Doesn't Exist
by Renegade Knight Jun 8, 2009 7:15AM PDT

What you want is an ultraportable laptop. Bigger than Netbook, smaller than a regular laptop and price as heck.

Take a look at these options.

Lenovo Thinkpad X61, X200, or X300. All will do the job. If you can get one via the outlet section of the website you may hit your price. If you can't...you won't.

The Apple MacBook has a 999.00 option that gets you a fairly capable 13" laptop.

Dell has a 13" XPS model that may do the job but my 15" XPS is already having problems,and my other Dell laptop is DEAD and a debate with Dell over Policy vs. warranty (they think policy wins, and since they have the repair depot and I'm not rich, Policy does win) my other Dell sits Dead with a Warranty still in effect. So I can't reccomend Dell.

I don't have experience with other ultraportables.

Some high end netbooks may do the job. Especially as they hit 12" monitors and use ultra wide keyboards you may be able to find one that does the job you need.

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Another model. . .
by CodyG [WINDOWS-TEAM] Jun 10, 2009 4:28AM PDT

I've got to agree with Renegade Knight on a couple points. Netbooks are definitely a good option, but there are definitely a bunch of ultra-portable laptops that'll also get the job done. I have some experience using the Dell XPS 1130, and have found it to be lightweight, powerful, and really reliable. The drawback: definitely out of your budget range.

I did a search using Microsoft's Laptop Scout (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-laptop-scout/), and did find one portable laptop that matches most of your specs (although a little speed had to be sacrificed to get it in your price range), the HP Pavilion dv2-1030. It's a decently priced ($749.99) machine that weighs in at exactly four lbs. It might be a good fit for you.

Cheers,
Cody
Windows Outreach Team

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