budget laptop shopping

Right now trying to figure out the difference between the 1200 and 2200. Can get a bus. 2200 256 celeron 1.5 15 in. with Free! 8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer write capability for $614. Or a 1200 512 1.3 15 1n. dvd-cd rw for 549. looking for basic internet, dvd movies, light coffeeshop usage etc. 5 year old desktop needs replacing. Checking prices with the 6 mo. free ISP no manufacturer comes close. Any opinions, is the 3 mo. warranty too much of a gamble? Thanx.

 

Personally I would get a years warranty. The Celeron M is a fine CPU, but do not expect great battery life from it. If you are looking for a budget laptop, a Mobile Sempron is a better choice since Semprons support lowering the CPU clock for better battery life. Celerons do not do this. Dell doesn't do AMDs though. Check the deals on the front page. There is often new notebooks for less than $500 if you are willing to do the rebate thing. Good Luck.

 

Rebates ,or a lack of, are another thing in favor of Dell. Emachines still owes me $75. Made me get extra copies of everything and still refused to pay. No mail ins are a beautiful thing from the past. Thanks for the info on sempron VS celeron.

 

Yah sometimes they look for reasons to deny you. Might want to contact the Better Business Bureau. For larger rebates, I usually send them certified mail. That way they can't claim they didn't get it since they have to sign for it. If you are looking for a good inexpenive notebook, a used ThinkPad might not be a bad choice.

 

OK visited the local Dell kiosk and got my answers; there is no difference between the models or business and home. Basicly a marketing ploy although the configurations and choices may vary from the base model, just have to look for the best bargains.