Laptop shopping!

[deanimator]

Do lots of reading...you'll still be confused and make the wrong choice (but won't be able to blame us... )

http://www.cnet.com/Top_10_notebooks_laptops/4520-6022_1-102337-3.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/123678-1/article.html

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/computers/laptops/

My tech guy says:
...stay away from HP and Fujitsu-Siemens cos they need repairing more than anything else
...Acer have crap keyboards
...and try to stay with XP if you can.
Basically that means get a "business" spec'd Lenovo (more expensive but reliable) or Dell (extremely good value for money).

I have a Dell Vostro XP Pro, 14" super high-def monitor, 2 GHz Dual Core, 3 GB RAM, 250GB HD, etc... etc, and am 100% satisfied.

 

[Corry]

Once again: I CAN'T AFFORD A MAC!

At least not with the specs I want! So it's pointless suggesting it!

 

[Crazydad]

Take a look at the Dell Latitudes, they are much sturdier than the consumer Inspiron line. I work on one and it has been rock solid. And if you are willing to go with a refurb, you can get a reaaly good price on them.

As a member of academia, you can also get a discount of 10-12% off new or refurbished Latitudes (or any Dell for that matter).

http://www.dell.com/content/segmenter.aspx//pub?c=us&cs=2684&l=en&ref=hs&s=pub