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JohnnyD · 12-28-2008, 03:57 PM

XP doesn't play well over 3GB Ram. If you want more than that, you're best bet is to use a 64-bit Vista OS. I was reluctant to make the switch from XP to Vista, but the more I use it, the more I like it. It has been out long enough that all major hardware manufacturers have reliable drivers and with Service Pack 1, Microsoft fixed a lot of issues.

For the components you're looking for, I think you're definitely looking at more than $500.

It is *very* rare that a laptop will come with any useful software (like Office) without you paying extra. I'm willing to guarentee that a $500 laptop does not have Office installed. However, you (and everyone) should look into OpenOffice.org. It is equivalent to MS Office and it is free. A lot of people are suspicious when they hear free, until the try it. Also, it's free, so try it now to see if it will suit you on the new computer.

For a reliable laptop, I'd suggest a Lenovo ThinkPad. It's essentially an improved version of trusted IBM ThinkPad (they purchased the rights from IBM).

Also, I'd suggest a computer with either an Intel Duo Core or Quad Core processor. Intel just released a new processor line thus, these should start decreasing in price.

12-28-2008, 03:57 PM	#3
JohnnyD Registered User iTrader: (0) Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mansfield, MA Posts: 5,238	XP doesn't play well over 3GB Ram. If you want more than that, you're best bet is to use a 64-bit Vista OS. I was reluctant to make the switch from XP to Vista, but the more I use it, the more I like it. It has been out long enough that all major hardware manufacturers have reliable drivers and with Service Pack 1, Microsoft fixed a lot of issues. For the components you're looking for, I think you're definitely looking at more than $500. It is very rare that a laptop will come with any useful software (like Office) without you paying extra. I'm willing to guarentee that a $500 laptop does not have Office installed. However, you (and everyone) should look into OpenOffice.org. It is equivalent to MS Office and it is free. A lot of people are suspicious when they hear free, until the try it. Also, it's free, so try it now to see if it will suit you on the new computer. For a reliable laptop, I'd suggest a Lenovo ThinkPad. It's essentially an improved version of trusted IBM ThinkPad (they purchased the rights from IBM). Also, I'd suggest a computer with either an Intel Duo Core or Quad Core processor. Intel just released a new processor line thus, these should start decreasing in price.