Need XP? $563 for a decent 15.4" with XP Pro- NEW!

I hear from folks everyday who are looking for a new laptop with Windows XP. The least expensive model I have found is the DELL Vostro 1000 from Dell's Small Business division. The Vostro models are based on the consumer-oriented Inspiron notebooks, but instead of bright colors and silver keyboards, it's all business black on the Vostro. The Vostro 1000 is built on the previous generation AMD platform, which is more than adequate for running XP!

The base configuration starts at $399. That price includes an AMD Mobile Sempron 3600+ processor, but you'll DEFINITELY want to select the $25 upgrade to the 1.9GHz Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processor (TK-57 model). For another $75, you could also choose the 2.0GHz Turion 64 X2 (TL-60), but the TK-57 is plenty of power for XP.

The standard operating system is Vista Home Basic. For $99, an option that reads "Vista Business Bonus- XP Professional downgrade". In simple terms, you'll get your notebook with XP Pro installed but you'll also own a valid license for Vista Business if you decide to transition in the future. It's too bad the same option isn't offered on all notebooks these days!

For memory, 1GB is standard but for $25 they'll upgrade it 2GB. A CD RW/DVD-ROM drive is standard, but for $15 you can make it a DVD RW drive. The standard display has an anti-glare finish (common on business notebooks and a MUST under fluorescent lights) but a NO COST option is available for a TrueLife display that should offer a brighter, more colorful viewing experience. A 160GB 5400rpm Hard Drive and 6-cell Battery are also standard.

Starting with $399, plus $25 for the TK-57 CPU, $99 for the XP 'downgrade', $25 to add 1GB of RAM and $15 for the DVD RW drive. That adds up to $563 plus tax and shipping. Not a bad deal in a world where XP is so hard to find!

For comparison sake...or if you have a few more bucks and really want an Intel system- a similar Vostro 1510 will cost $698. The options to select are basically the same as for the Vostro 1000 with exception of the processor and display. Standard CPU is 2.0GHz Celeron 550, but for $25 you can upgrade to the 1.8GHz Intel T5670 (1.8GHz/800MHz FSB/2mb L2). For display, the anti-glare is standard but there isn't a no cost option for TrueLife. There are $50 and $100 options for higher resolution displays, though.

I hope this helps out any of you folks looking for an XP notebook. If you have any questions or I can help in any way, feel free to send me a PM!