Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyD
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.
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Agree with Jonny D on just about all . 'Cept XP is OK with 3-4GB RAM but it just not use most of that range due to memory management issues, but I digress
. I also think mos people are unable to take advantage of a 64bit OS (not truly 64 bit but I digress again
)...
Here si one at Office Max geting some thumbs up:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...light=notebook
http://www.officemax.com/omax/catalo...uestid=2545122
Lenovo - with 2GHz Core 2 Duo, 1GB ram (get 4GB cheap elsewhere), for around $500 after discounts:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...ghlight=laptop
If you see a deal - shoot me a PM and I'll look it at for you. I gotsta reply to yours
