Laptop?

[eyesack]

Hey guys, I'm realizing more and more that since it's cold out, I can't do the exhaust-fan/cologne bath that I was doing this past summer (shhhhh!), and a laptop would really be awesome to allow me to get downstairs to the garage and puff while doin my studying every once in a while. I also spend about 80 hours a week in my room doing homework, so a leg stretch and maybe a trip to the bookstore or B&M to do homework would be great.

Now, my dad said that he would help me out and pay for it as an early birthday/hanukah present, but I don't want to be greedy or anything. My price limit is ~$300 +-50 dollars. Might not be as high as his, but again, my parents have really helped me a lot financially since I've been out of work and gone back to school full-time.

So far I've got my sights set on a Dell Latitude D620, like this one: Dell Auctions Looks like a very good bang for the buck, with ample ram to efficiently run Office and surf the net. Quick question, though:

Does this "Network Interface Card / Ethernet Port 10/100 NIC 56 kbps" mean it has a 56k modem in it? If so then it also says it has an INTEL 3945 802.11A/G for it's wireless card. What does that mean?

I'm also very open to suggestions about other machines, but I'm looking in the 250-350 price range with at least a 1.8-2.0gHz dual core and 1 gig of ram.

My desktop has a 2.67gHz quad core with 6-gigs of ram, a decent vid card with an n-wireless card, and all the other bells/whistles so I'm not THAT interested in anything high-performance, just something that I can do my homework on, get on Puff, and watch Hulu or DVD's.

Thanks guys!
Isaac

[5point0]

Hey Isaac......work hard and get good grades....if it does not have to be new, you might look for a company in the area that is a clearing house for companies upgrading their computers. They had laptops and desk tops. We got a Dell GX 270(sound like a Lexus) 2.8, office and a buch of ram and other stuff. We also got an "18 flat panel monitor for $95.

But on the laptops I believe they were under$200. Might give them a call. Im not sure what we would have done because we were not looking to spend a lot of money.

I have no affiliation with the exception of being a happy customer.

Technology Recycling Center
9540 Madison Blvd
Madison, AL 35758-9155

Get Directions
(256) 464-7985

[eyesack]

Ooo thanks for the tip, Tony! I'll give them a call to see what's up! I might wait till X-mas time because then everyone will be wanting 2010 models and maybe i'll get an even better deal on something. I'll give your guys a ring though!

[eyesack]

And omg did you really just smoke an SRT-8?!?!?!

[5point0]

Well to be perfectly honest...I didnt really smoke him, but I got in front of him fast enough and for a long enough period that he followed me into a gas station to see what was up.
My Mustang is basically stock. I have 3:73, longtubes and FLowmasters.........and I told him that at the point my biggest advantage is less weight.....
I really like the new retro rides, but I went for a ride in an SS Camaro...and it felt too refined and too polished. When I got back in my 'stang, it felt even better because its not perfect. And after meeting the SRT Challenger at a light and riding in a 2010 SS....well I know what the outcome will be with a 331 stroker in my 17.5 year old car
And its a daily driver at the moment

[Stench]

Isaac, I use a netbook outside. I've seen them as low as $149 on Woot.com

Good luck!

[eyesack]

Haha I KNOW the feeling brotha! My 93 Miata, when it was stock, drove like a go-kart. A squirrelly, loud, untamed ride. New Miatas not so much. Now my Miata drives even more like a go-kart, cuz it's riding on racing suspension (spine-compressing stiff but worth the tradeoff IMO). He only puts down 90whp (probably a little less, engine's got 150k on it and i beat the crap outta it every time i drive), I'd take it over most new sports-cars anyday. I swear there's not many newer cars out that I'd want to buy, 'cept the new mustangs, they're pretty badass!

lol anyway, another reason I'm leaning toward the Latitude line of Dell is for their Magnesium-alloy chassis and shock-resistant hard-drives... I know the way I drive...

[eyesack]

Thanks Rob, but I need something with a bit more "oomph" than a netbook.

[5point0]

LOL, I hear you....there are a lot of simularites between your Miata and my Mustang.
I have had my Stang since 1994
I had a 1988 Mustang for a coupke of years and do you remember the Dodge Stealth w/ twin turbo...well I wanted one of those so freakin bad that I could hardly contain myself.......until I drove it...yes it was fast but even back then with the all wheel drive it was just to civilized.

[Magicseven]

I would probably see what Black friday has in store for you.

I know some of the ad's are already being leaked online. So you can see what to expect early.

I go to this site often slickeals.net and they usually post good deals on computers as well.

Good luck.

[Demasoni]

Isaac, try searching Craigslist, or ebay, you may come across a sweetheart deal.

[eyesack]

Thanks guys, I think I'll wait till Black Friday and see what's up. I'm thinking if we wait till this model-year stuff becomes last year's model-year maybe we'll find some good deals on even 2 model-year's stuff ago. Anyway, thanks again fellas! I'll check craig's list Abed!

[Magicseven]

Hey Issac

I see this one for black friday! Seems like a good deal, I would check the specs and reviews.

Office Max
Toshiba Laptop Computer w/ T4330 Intel Processor - $399.99

[demo]

My HP G60 is amazing and relatively cheap too(I found mine for about 300 last year) If you can find one, they usually come with a router and printer bundle for around 350.

[JuJuMan16]

Hey i just read your post, i can probably help you out. I work in the IT field and my company is always replacing equipment. I can probably get you something just like this for like $40,

IBM ThinkPad T43 Notebook PC (Off-Lease) - Intel Pentium M 2.0GHz, 1GB DDR2, 80GB HDD, DVD, WiFi 14.1", XP Professional at TigerDirect.com

If you give me a few days since you are a student who needs it and a fellow BOTL, ill make it a Holiday gift. If you are interested PM me and we can coordinate it.

It is not the best thing in the world, it is not brand new, but hey, its free, you can use that money for books or tuition. LMK