Help me find a cheapo laptop (not related to angry inspiron threads)

I need to pick out a new (very cheap) laptop for my sister because her toshiba A70 is breaking down hardcore (there is a major defect in these, I dont know if youve heard )

So basically Im looking at the Inspiron 1501 because its on xp and is hella cheap. For basic tasks like surfing the internet, downloading music, and some multitasking but with light apps. (msn, limewire, explorer), will this setup be fine?:

AMD Turion™ 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-56 (upgraded from sempron junk)
Windows xp home
1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz, 2 Dimm (upgraded grom 512mb)
80GB Hard Drive
ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 with 256MB HyperMemory
53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Any input is greatly appreciated, except for matters relating to lcd

 

Seems to be good... although... the graphics card seems to be a bit excessive for the situation (I would trade more RAM for less graphics power for general activities like web browsing).

That's just my opinion though.

 

I only put that because it is the only option there...there is also an item on sale with the:
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Mobile Technology TK-53
Windows Vista
2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHZ, 2 DIMM
80GB Hard Drive
ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 with 256MB HyperMemory

I mean, I think this may be a better system...it has vista which is slower than xp, but it has extra ram and only sacrificed a little due to the slower processor...Man, this decision is tough

 

Get XP *and* sacrifice processor for ram. Win-win. Ram matters more than proc.

 

ok thanks...i think Ill get the xp with the tk-53, 1gb of ram (with 1 dimm though for possible upgrades if necessary)

I have a feeling 1 gb may be fine for her in xp, but if not a 1gb stick is soo cheap nowadays

 

Check the bargain sites like slickdeals and fatwallet and buy from the educational site and get big fat discounts

 

that isn't always true. sometimes, going through the regular links as opposed to the education ones will yield better discounts. it is smart to check them all to make sure you do indeed get the best bang for your buck.

 

You might also consider the vostro 1000 which is the same thing as the 1501 but will probably look a lot better and be less expensive for better parts.

 

If I were going to get a cheap laptop, I would wait for a sale in the store (probably Circuit City or Best Buy. Maybe Office Depot or CompUSA).

There will probably be some nice back to school sales in August and late this month. I bet you'll be able to pick up a dual core (TK-53 or TL-52, probably) with two gigs of RAM (533, though) for only $400. I don't know whether or not will have Vista Premium. It will probably have the GMA 950 or the Mobility X1150 (I think. Not sure what ATI's equivalent to the 6150LE is).

 

I really would like xp for it, but Ill take everyones opinion into consideration...also tigerdirect.ca has some really good deals too so Ill check them out. Has anyone delt with this website? I know its fairly popular with computer sales.

 

The priceleaders are on the whole terrible machines. When you are pushing for an ultra cheap solution, there is really no "great" choice. But when push comes to shove, the Dell ultracheaps are way better than HP/Compaq/no-name priceleader 399 deal. I have seen so many of these come in with problems almost immediately its like throwing your money away.