<p>I just bought a Acer Aspire 5741Z-5433 from Techforless.com through EBay for $350 and I am very pleased. Webcam, number keys on the side, fast Internet. You might even get it cheaper directly from them but I like the reassurance of EBay backing. Quite an improvement from my ancient Dell.</p>
<p>Here’s a “sale of the day” from Ebay: [Gateway</a> LT3119U Laptop 11.3" HD LED Backlit Screen, 250GB Hard Drive WiFi Webcam | eBay](<a href=“http://cgi.ebay.com/“Gateway-LT3119U-11.3"”-Dual-Core-LED-Notebook"/200686114909?_trksid=p1468660.m2000036#ht_2289wt_1189]Gateway”>http://cgi.ebay.com/“Gateway-LT3119U-11.3"”-Dual-Core-LED-Notebook"/200686114909?_trksid=p1468660.m2000036#ht_2289wt_1189) That’s an 11.6" screen laptop which weights just over 3 pounds for $280. (I don’t know anything about the vendor, though.) You mention “travel” as a use for this machine - I find that the lighter weight of this class of computer more than makes up for the somewhat smaller screen. Keyboard size is standard. (The Gateway is the same size as my HP) I previously had a netbook but found that its processor and operating system were not adequate for my needs. The 11.6" machines come with standard Windows 7 and normal software.</p>
<p>I bought a Gateway netbook for $200 at best buy and it works fabulously. The keyboard has big keys so even my father, who hates tiny keyboards, likes it. Not sure of the model number though.</p>
<p>Target has a Compaq on sale for $233:</p>
<p>Features a 15.6" LED screen, AMD dual-core processor, 320GB hard drive, Windows 7 premium 64 bit, Super Multi DVD burner, 6-cell battery lasting up to 5.75 hours and integrated webcam.</p>
<p>Look in their sale flyer today.</p>
<p>A year ago I bought a 12" Toshiba Satellite (TI115D) for under $500 (then warrantied it for 3 years at Square Trade for $79) and am very happy with it. Small enough to travel with, has a built in camera and Skype software, and does everything I need it to do (internet, e-mail, etc.). It has been suggested I upgrade the RAM (currently 2 GB with a 200 GB hard drive) for better ‘speed’, but I’m cool where it is…so far.</p>
<p>Oh, no internal CD/DVD drive, I purchased an external for $30, and hook it up as needed…almost never)</p>
<p>Can somebody list the advantages and disadvantages of an ipad vs a laptop.</p>
<p>I had to get a replacement laptop right now today for school on my tight student budget. Bought this HP at a nearby Best Buy this afternoon for $400: [HP</a> - Laptop / AMD A-Series Processor / 15.6" Display / 4GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive - Pewter - g6-1c58dx](<a href=“http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Laptop+/+AMD+A-Series+Processor+/+15.6%26%2334%3B+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Pewter/3893083.p?skuId=3893083&id=1218441016361]HP”>http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Laptop+/+AMD+A-Series+Processor+/+15.6%26%2334%3B+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+500GB+Hard+Drive+-+Pewter/3893083.p?skuId=3893083&id=1218441016361)</p>
<p>I would have bought an HP DM1Z instead today if I could have found it on a store shelf today. HP Direct takes about a week to 10 days to deliver the Ultra-portable DM1Z, but I couldn’t wait that long. I liked the smaller size and portability, and it was capable of handling my tasks. <a href=“http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Category&v1=Ultra-Portable&series_name=dm1z_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/notebooks/Ultra-Portable/dm1z_series[/url]”>http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Category&v1=Ultra-Portable&series_name=dm1z_series&jumpid=in_R329_prodexp/hhoslp/psg/notebooks/Ultra-Portable/dm1z_series</a></p>
<p>I’d buy a good, manufacture certified refurbished brand name. The reason is they fixed/replaced the bad parts and it went through quality assurance twice so it is way better than the original item. It’s only personal experience but I’ve never had any problems with refurbished. My Compaq’s laptop has been working nonstop since 2003 and desktop since 2005! I understand that Compaq is no longer a top quality brand. I would go with Dell, probably.</p>
<p>We bought a refurbished Sony TV and we had to have their service person out three times to fix things before it worked. So we’re a bit shy of refurbished items.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Compaq hasn’t been a top quality brand since the mid-late '90s. If you had a machine after than era that works great…you’re very lucky. Dell also started going downhill sometime after 2003…worked on dozens of their budget-high-end consumer models and they’ve really cut corners on QC and build quality. </p>
<p>I’d also avoid buying any used notebooks unless you or someone in your family can and IS WILLING to serve as the IT support for it. Too many things could go wrong with a used/refurbed machine. </p>
<p>Personally, the only brands I’d have any remote confidence in recommending are Macs, Lenovo, or Toshiba…and only the higher-end corporate models of the latter two.</p>
<p>The BestBuy salespeople have been very helpful to us in our local CO store and in my Dad’s Poughkeepsie store. Helpful, but not pushy.</p>
<p>We purchased an HP laptop for my Dad at BB this summer. It is his only computer, and since portability is not an issue we picked a 17in screen. On sale it was less than $500 - more power than he will ever need. We added a router and mouse and 2 years Geeksquad support (hardware & software - he’s a novice)… and that put the total around $900. It would have been more expensive if he had needed Microsoft office. </p>
<p>Before DS went to college, we purchase Dell at BB. I liked it that Dells were service on campus. Also there was a BB accessible from campus.</p>
<p>Consolation,
Some parents on this forum are also students.</p>
<p>I have a basic Dell Vostro. It is a 1000 and was a little over $400. It has been great for my purposes. The only thing missing is the webcam. I will likely consider this line again when I need a new one. I assume they have one now with a webcam and I think the line is economical.</p>
<p>I’ve used a MacBook Pro for work and thought it was way overpriced and would not buy it for myself. In the past I’ve also used IBM, HP, Toshiba and Dell. I bought a Dell Inspiron which was on sale at Best Buy last year for $500. I see that Best Buy has a Toshiba on sale for $300. The Toshiba I had several years ago served me well and if I were to buy another laptop and wanted to get a cheap one, I wouldn’t hesitate to get a Toshiba. However, I prefer the Dell laptops I’ve used.</p>
<p>Missypie, I think you should conclude by the comments on this thread, that there is DEFINITELY no one “best” opinion here - the “best” option I would think is to decide what your budget is, go to your store of choice and ask the salesperson for the best option for that amount of $$$ and make sure you build extended warranty into your budget so you’re covered for a longer period if there are problems.</p>
<p>So if your family decides $500 is your total limit, then walk into Best Buy or Costco, deduct any additional warranty costs from your budget and then work with that number.</p>
<p>I just had a look at the specs for Intel’s Ivy Bridge chips, due out in the spring. The compute power, power consumption and integrated graphics specs are very, very nice.</p>
<p>Here’s a Dell 15" from Costco for $399
[Costco</a> - Dell Inspiron 15 Laptop Intel® Core? i3-380M 2.53GHz 8x DVD±R Drive](<a href=“http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11702933&whse=BC&Ne=5000001]Costco”>http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11702933&whse=BC&Ne=5000001) 4000000&eCat=BC|84&N=4047229 4294967022&Mo=9&No=0&Nr=P<em>CatalogName:BC&Ns=P</em>Price|0||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=</p>
<p>It doesn’t have MS Office and has the low-end Intel processor. For $200 more you can get MS Office installed and an i5 processor
[Costco</a> - Dell Inspiron 15R Laptop Intel® Core? i5-2430M 2.4GHz Microsoft Office Home & Student](<a href=“http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11711700&whse=BC&Ne=5000001]Costco”>http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11711700&whse=BC&Ne=5000001) 4000000&eCat=BC|84&N=4047229 4294967022&Mo=9&No=2&Nr=P<em>CatalogName:BC&Ns=P</em>Price|0||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=</p>
<p>I’ve had luck with Dell refurbished laptops. They call it the Dell Outlet. IMO the refurbished are more reliable because they are checked more thoroughly than the new ones. If you’re still nervous, take the money you save from not buying new and get a service contract.</p>
<p>Here is what is baffling to me. A few months ago I started a thread about my Son’s two year old lap top not working and asked if we should repair or replace. The answers were about 19 to 1 to replace. This was not a bottom of the line computer, but virtually everyone said that I could replace it with one better for about the cost of repairs. </p>
<p>First, on that thread, everyone was acting like a two year old computer was an antique. Why would anyone buy a high end at all if they are going to replace it the next year? Does having a good brand vs. bad brand mean that the good brand takes 15 months to break rather than 13 months?</p>
<p>Second, we had Son’s laptop repaired for $146. Even if the repair had been twice that, we certainly could not replace it for the cost of repair.</p>
<p>Computer stuff just makes no sense to me.</p>
<p>I think most people would be surprised to get a laptop repaired for $146.00.</p>
<p>There is a great local repair shop that I use and I know I can get my laptop worked on there for a fraction of what the large box store guys charge. If you have that available to you, then the equation as to whether to replace or buy changes.</p>