Laptop Recommendations??

[JimG]

I am in the market for a laptop and would like to spend no more than $750 for it. I am primarily looking for a machine that I can take to a handicapping tournament and/or use at an otb. I would want ethernet and dial-up capabilities for the web. It would be nice for the battery to hold a charge for several hours. I would also like to be able to play dvd's and the bigger screen, the better for my eyes. The laptop would not serve as my main computer when I am home.

I have never owned a laptop and am looking for some advice. Anybody?

Jim

[Tom]

Consider weight!

After carrying my laptop to Vegas and back, through airports, parking lots, casinos, I am lucky my shoulder still functions!

[BillW]

I am in the market for a laptop and would like to spend no more than $750 for it. I am primarily looking for a machine that I can take to a handicapping tournament and/or use at an otb. I would want ethernet and dial-up capabilities for the web. It would be nice for the battery to hold a charge for several hours. I would also like to be able to play dvd's and the bigger screen, the better for my eyes. The laptop would not serve as my main computer when I am home.

I have never owned a laptop and am looking for some advice. Anybody?

Jim
Jim,

http://www.tigerdirect.com/

Carries Mfgr. refurbs. Which ever you decide on this may help you stay on budget. I got an IBM referb (With IBM warranty) 2 1/2 years ago for the Saratoga trip for about $650 and it's still ticking.

Bill

[Bobby]

I would think twice about refurb. Just got a refurb razr phone. Sucks lines all through the phone.

Its not your main computer? Id also watch out for the battery. I've always used a laptop. The batteries aren't good. U have to use them.

[tahoesid]

There are plenty of laptop now for under $1000 if you look for ones that are on sale.. even under $600. Thing is the lighter ones cost more.

If you need one and don't need anything speedy then I would go with a name brand one and spend a little more. Have heard of the real cheapy ones losing their keys off the keyboard:D.

Just remember you get what you pay for. Fry's, Best Buy and Comp Usa usually have at least one cheap laptop on sale every week, just look for the features you want. I would try to stay away from the Celeron and Via powered ones. Also if you spend a little more you can use the laptop as your main PC.

[headhawg]

Jim,

Go to Dell.com and check out their notebook section. It will give you an idea of what you can get for the amount of $$ that you want to spend. That price point is going to be problematic, I think, for anything speedy with a 15.4" widescreen.

Battery life is a tricky thing; look online for reviews. I own a Compaq (not thrilled with it) and I get maybe 2.5 hours on a charge. The Dell Inspiron 6000 by comparison has a life of 5:52 according to PC Magazine. But now you're looking at $1000, which I think is a more reasonable pricepoint to use in order to find a quality notebook.

And get at least 512MB of Ram no matter what!

HH

[JimG]

Thanks to all for your replies. I did go with Dell and stayed under budget for a change. Obviously, if this were my main computer I would not budget myself so tight. Did not get all the bells and whistles I would like but I expect it will be fine for running a couple of horse programs and accessing internet remotely for downloading.

Again thanks.

Jim

[JustRalph]

Once again..........a PA member gets sucked in by slick advertising...........


JimG, I thought you were better than this................

http://www.columbuscool.com/dell_es.jpg

[JimG]

Once again..........a PA member gets sucked in by slick advertising...........


JimG, I thought you were better than this................

http://www.columbuscool.com/dell_es.jpg


:lol::lol::lol:

[andicap]

When I was in the market for a laptop people kept saying to me, get a PowerMac. I just couldn't bring myself to explain to them that Macs are out of the question: They don't run handicapping software.
:)

[JustRalph]

When I was in the market for a laptop people kept saying to me, get a PowerMac. I just couldn't bring myself to explain to them that Macs are out of the question: They don't run handicapping software.
:)

I don't know................? Have you ever run some of the older Mac Software? It just might fit the category................

[toetoe]

We had a discussion on here about used laptops, didn't we? Or was that on a link? Anyway, anybody still recommend that tack?

[JustRalph]

http://www.oqo.com/

http://www.mobilityguru.com/2004/12/14/the_oqo/

If this thing will Run Equisim...........????

My credit card is vibrating in my wallet

http://www.oqo.com/character/OQOH_model01.jpg

a full-featured Windows XP computer

The OQO model 01+ ultra personal computer (uPC) is a fully-functional Windows XP computer. The OQO has a 1GHz processor, a 30GB hard drive, 512MB of RAM, a color transflective display, and integrated wireless, as well as FireWire and USB ports.

Just 4.9 inches long, 3.4 inches wide, 0.9 inches thin, and weighing only 14 ounces, the model 01+ can fit in a pocket or purse

http://images.tomshardware.com/2004/12/14/the_oqo/profile.jpg

Remember, this thing is actually running WinXp. But at 2k? is it worth it?