Get a dual-core Compaq laptop for $379.99 (after rebates)

In the market for a new notebook? Office Depot has a humdinger of a deal: a fully loaded dual-core Compaq Presario for $379.99 (after a pair of mail-in rebates--sorry). Shipping is free, but you may have to pay sales tax.

Highlights of this model include a 2GHz Athlon X2 QL-62 processor, 160GB hard drive, a DVD burner, and a 15.4-inch screen. It also has a six-cell battery and 5.8-pound travel weight. You get a one-year warranty and 24-7 toll-free tech support.

In other words, this system has all the computing power most people need, and it's priced, well, about the same as many Netbooks. Which begs the question: why would you buy a Netbook when you can get a full-featured laptop for the same money?

I know, I know: size and weight. If you travel a lot, I can see those being big concerns. Personally, I want the big screen, full-size keyboard, DVD drive, powerful processor, big battery--shall I go on?

Whoops, didn't mean to bring up the old Netbook-versus-notebook debate again. The fact is, this is a rockin' deal on a portable PC. Yeah, you have to deal with a pair of rebates, but $379.99, people!