Gotta buy a laptop...
 

Alright guys, it's time for Eye to get a new computer. I need something light(<5 lbs.) and that comes with XP-Pro and Office with Word, Excel, and Publisher. Here's the question:

Is there a better deal than the Dell Inspiron 700m at 30% off? (4.1 lbs.)

Where the hell do you buy laptops with all the standard MS crap other than Dell?

Gimme a hand folks. What the heck should I get?

Whats your price range, and what size screen do you want? Theres a bunch of options out there but i'm not quite sure where to start pointing you to.

Not a tiny screen, but not huge.
Price range is b/w $1200 and $1800 I guess.
I have an hour-long commute and need something light and smallish.
I am almost sold on the Inspiron 700m.
Know anything that compares favorably?

Go with the Inspirion from Dell, you can't go wrong. They have a great warranty and are very good at supporting and fixing any hardware/software problems. I work for an IT department and we only purchase Dell laptops because of the warranty period and reliable service that Dell offers.

This months consumer reports reviews laptops. Look there if you get CU, or hit the library.

Ever considered an apple laptop? Not trying to convert anyone here, but many people just dont even think of them. They are very competitively priced, especially the 12" powerbook. My stepbrother originally bought the small alienware laptop but was very dissapointed by it's build quality and performance, so decided to try a mac, he's very happy with his decision. The 12" Powerbook is $1600 and a competivly spec'd dell 700m is around the around same price. Only difference being the powerbooks slightly smaller (dimensions, not screen size). If there isnt a reason you cant get one i'd recommend at least considering it.

2nd that emotion.

I think I'm gonna do the Dell. I've had one and before that I had a Toshiba. Both lasted about a year and a half before dying. Kind of disappointing. I wish there was something tougher and still lightweight. The IBM X40 seems to have some special thing that parks the HD if you drop it. Seems like it would be too late though. Any more advice?

I would be very dissapointed if my laptop only lasted a year and a half. I've heard great things about the Fujitsu LifeBook's. They are Very small and light and get excellent battery life. Check them out before ordering :)

http://www.fmworld.net/globalpc/products/lifebook.html

The LifeBooks look interesting. Maybe I'll make a little trip down to J & R to check them out among other things.

On another note, does anyone know of an excellent computer shop(PC) in Manhattan?