Anyone have suggestions for a laptop?

[Kerrytravelers]

I am looking for a laptop. I need Internet access, Office with Word and Excel, some programs that I need for my job and space for an additional writing program. I don't need room for games and other bells and whistles. I really don't do that much on the computer.

What laptops do you use and which ones do you particularly like?

What price range should I be looking at?

[DS1]

1. I prefer flat, folding laptops

they offer lots of power in a small, easy to carry size.

Ones with batteries are also good.

[Orrex]

2. IBTL

No sex threads!

on edit: Oh, wait a minute...

[NeedleCast]

3. For the things you're looking for

You want low end. Luckily chip-tech has slowed a bit and you don't need to replace a computer every six months. If you already have a copy of MS-Office, you're probably looking in the 500-600 dollar range. Ordering online might find you some specials at Dell or Gateway.

Look for a low end duo-core processer and a gig of RAM. Make sure it has an ethernet connection and a wireless card (usually integrated these days) for internet connectibility. Hard drive space will not likely be a concern for you. Video card will not be an issue.

I recently got a (high end) Dell and love it. I've used Gateway laptops in the past and they're fine. Just my personal feelings is that Sony's are over-priced and HP's are not great.

[TrogL]

4. SHOOT IT. SHOOT IT NOW!!!

Laptops are the spawn of satan.

[TZ]

5. I like my Toshiba..

its pretty much the same as what you are looking for and it was about 700 dollars.

[krispos42]

6. I avoid Toshiba on general principles

I'm still pissed at them for illegally selling advanced cutting machinery for ultra-quiet submarine propellers to the Soviets during the Cold War.

[DS1]

8. So what?

The only two outcomes of the cold war were total annihilation of everything on Earth, or nothing. Who cares if the Reds got some sub technology, the whole thing was just one big wargasm in the first place.

In other words, whether or not the Soviets had ultra-quiet subs made zero difference

[krispos42]

10. As it turned out, it didn't

But the Cold War could just as easily have turned into a conventional war, with ultra-quiet Soviet submarines interdicting our supply lines to Europe and the Pacific.

If, say, Boeing illegally sold the technology to mass-produce JDAM (bolt-on kits that turn an unguided bomb into a GPS-guided precision weapon with a 15-mile range and 30-foot accuracy for a mere $18,000) to China or Iran tomorrow, would your attitude change?

If, in 2030 it turns out that nothing bad happened from Boeing selling the JDAMs to China or Iran, would you just shrug it off?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. Mac G4 iBook. Love it.

[Initech]

9. Get one of these:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2913225&CatId=2289

Where I work, we have several similar models and they work beautifully. Not bad for $550.

[Kerrytravelers]

11. Thanks! I'll look into the suggestions.

Ugh. I hate make decisions that cost more then $10!