Also buying a laptop, please help.

Like other here, looking to buy the right laptop. Not beholden to Dell, but like their payment options. Would like to stay under $1000 if possible, but could go to $1250. Price important, but overall value for dollar also important (happy to spend another $100 if it's really worth it).

Uses: WiFi at home with XP Home Desktop, mostly just lazy sometimes when I need to be doing work late don't want to go to the dungeon where the desktop is. Want to play DVDs for kids on plane trips. Looking to start business, so this may need to be main computer for business, which will require some statistical software tools and heavy word processing.

Looking at refurbished to keep price down, realize downside of not being able to totally customize. Any key elements to look for. (Not looking too much for overall comments on refurbishment, my desktop is refurb and has worked just fine). Is $296 worth upping 1 yr warrantee to 4yr?

General thoughts so far were Inspiron 1100 or 5100, P4, 20 or 30 mg (hopefully 5200 rpm) HD (most file storage on Desktop), 8X DVD ROM (I don't care about video card, do I need to?), add a PCMCIA WiFi after, 256 M ram. Comments? Hints? Other manufacturers that can serve me better?

I was really happy to find this site and laud those who keep it going. Thanks.

 

I'm not sure how others have found their service, but ECost runs good specials in what they call their bargain countdown. Don't be fooled or goaded into buying anything there in a hurry because the time is running down or there aren't a lot of units left, I've been monitoring it for the past few weeks and the same laptops have been on there for a while, with a new one being added or dropped every now and then.
Find one that fits you, take your time, and you should be happy.
Good luck!

 

I agree with TheShaman on the eCost deceptive practice of displaying time and quantity left for the sale. I found out by calling them directly. The sales rep over the phone frankly told me they had lots in stock and the sales price would stick around longer than that 72 hours displayed on their site.

They were 2 weeks late on the delivery of what I ordered. But other than that, they have pretty good deals.

 

I would recommend Dell Inspiron 5100. Good for basic computing, internet browsing, web programming, light graphics design, even video game playing (not graphics intense). Also is very easy to set as wireless laptop - comes with bult-in mini-card that 802.11 (b/g) compliant... Nice screen and good overal performance for close to $1000 (US). Watching DVD's is fun. I've written a complete review at http://www.cheap-laptop-and-used-laptop-review.com/dell-inspiron-5100-review.html. Wait for a rebate, and buy it online - you may get a free shipping.

I'm planing to give mine to my sone when he leaves to college...

Looking for cheap laptops? http://www.cheap-laptop-and-used-laptop-review.com