Get a 16-inch HP notebook for $499.99
If the Pavilion GX-235DX looks familiar, that's because its refurbished counterpart just made an appearance here. But for only a few bucks more, you can get it new with a one-year warranty.
Remember the HP Pavilion G60-235DX notebook from last week? Buy.com had refurbs for $469.99 shipped. (They still do, in fact.)
But eagle-eyed reader Mike wrote in to say that Best Buy has new HP Pavilion G60-235DX notebooks for $499.99. In other words, for an extra 30 bucks (plus sales tax in most states), you're getting the same system brand new, with a full one-year warranty instead of just 90 days.
Worth it? Absolutely. I mean, at any price under $500, this notebook is a steal. The 16-inch LCD makes it more than suitable as a desktop replacement, and it offers ample mainstream-computing power from its 2GHz dual-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and roomy 320GB hard drive. (Check the original post if you want more specs or commentary.)
User reviews for this model are stellar on the Best Buy and Buy.com sites alike. And just to clarify that one point of confusion from last week, Buy.com did indeed have the wrong product photo, which they've since corrected. The G60-D235DX does have a full-size keyboard with separate numeric keypad.
If you don't have a Best Buy in your area, you'll have to pony up an extra $25 for shipping. But I still think this is a system worth considering, especially if you're shopping for, say, a high-school grad who needs a college-ready notebook.