If you want something cheap with a long last battery look into the laptops called Netbooks which are specially for internet browsing and minor applications.
Those can be had for $300ish. I have one of those called a MSI Wind specially for travelling and it can go on batteries for almost 5 hours.
Other than that there are a ton of $300-$500 laptops on the web.
Just check out deal sites like fatwallet.com in the hotdeals, Searchalldeals.com, slickdeals.net, slickdeals.net, techbargains.com etc.
Personally I like Dell laptops but just my preference.
Those can be had for $300ish. I have one of those called a MSI Wind specially for travelling and it can go on batteries for almost 5 hours.
Other than that there are a ton of $300-$500 laptops on the web.
Just check out deal sites like fatwallet.com in the hotdeals, Searchalldeals.com, slickdeals.net, slickdeals.net, techbargains.com etc.
Personally I like Dell laptops but just my preference.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I went through this same excercise about 4 months ago with my wife. I bought her a very nice Toshiba. Small compact tons of memory and speed she loves it and it was $600. I am a Dell man So I would say Toshiba or Dell. Stick with a name brand. You can easily find a not so "juiced up" computer from either of these manufacturers for less than $500. MAC are nice but way overpriced for what you need. ACER is a piece of shit and you are rolling the dice of a problem within 12 mos
The problem i ran into with my last one i think was because of downloading music. I kept it music free for the first 4 years but as soon as music was put onto it, it went bad. I also should not have taken it into the bathroom and listened to music when i took a shower cause the steam probably hurt it also. Bad common sense on my part.
d1g1t
Everyone's experience is different of course.
Over the past 15 years I've owned probably 15 different computers and small servers almost all being Dell and I have rarely had an issue with any of the systems. These are also the same systems and servers we use at work. Compaq is another option but I honestly have no experience good or bad with them.
Bottom line, do your research, read reviews and almost all come with 1 year warranty, with 2+ years and on costing extra.
It's $300-$500, so it's just a drop in the bucket anyway.
As far as netbooks go, make sure you try out the model you'll be purchasing ahead of time. The keyboard size is a big deal, unless it's one of the 10" models /w full keyboard. Also, the processors ARE slow, no way around it. It's fine if you don't multitask much, but if you do I imagine the 2GB memory limit (on most netbooks) and the slower Atom processors might bug you. They're great for some things (I take mine to the bar every Sunday during FF season!) but like I said, just make sure you get some time on one before buying.
Kingbill just reminded me a very simple law to live by told to me by tons of computer peeps and Tech's...Whatever you buy just make sure it has an Intel Pentium Processor (duo core nowadays). The fan burning out and the laptop overheating is a huge problem for other processors as they run very hot.. Once again I am just one mans opinion.:toast:
