Best deal on laptops- help
 

I have some bills to pay off (:D ), but in about a month or so, I'm interested in purchasing a new laptop with Wireless (also the basic Microsoft pkg -- word/excel/powerpoint). My needs are pretty simple. Any recs on what to get?

I understand you are looking for new, but another idea, if anyone is looking for a used lap top is to go through craigslist. I sold my laptop last winter this way. There was nothing wrong with it, I just didn't have use for it anymore. The only downfall going this route is that many people are cheap and will want you to practically give away the computer and also there are a lot of wierdos out there on craigslist. But otherwise this is a good resource, especially for those of you going back to school without much $$$$$$. For a basic computer, you can't beat Dell or Gateway.

If you enroll at Duke as a freshman you get a brand new IPod!

I have a Dell Inspiron 8200 (Dell's are great...you can also apply for the credit card online and order it online)..my only suggestion is make sure it has plenty of memory and if it is going to be wireless make sure it is LIGHT! My lap top is sooooooooo heavy! Also, I have heard so many people get talked into not getting a floppy drive (to save money) and just getting the memory key-- do not do that!! Floppy disks are not extinct yet and the people I know who have done this have ended up screwed when they need something off a disk! Best wishes on your search!

Wow, you're not kidding!
http://www.macminute.com/2004/08/20/duke

Anyway, I recomend a Mac. Its a much better computer experience.

I miss being in college. There are so many cool new perks for incoming students these days. It is fun times to be a college freshman. Email was just getting started back in my day.

I think they just gace us condoms and Bills on the first day.

And then you got the free t-shirt after you signed up for 10 credit cards!!!

Ok...back to the topic on hand....sorry for the hijack!

I have the Latitude D600 & I love it. I'd highly recommend it to anyone! Oh yeah-and the D400 is cute too. Its smaller but doesn't come w/ the CD/DVD player.

Which of course got me into trouble for the next several years AFTER graduation! :mad:

If you want cheap w/a lot of features, I've heard EMachines have improved their quality (although customer service is still crap).

I have the D600 also and I love it!!! Its so lightweight too!!!

Mac it. Even if you're not starting at Duke, there are package deals that will allow you to get a printer or iPod free with the purchase of a new computer. Plus, their student discounts are better than PC-based machines, and come w/ the wireless and MS Office suite.

I'd go for Dell or IBM. I wouldn't go with Gateway.

ooooooo another vote for a mac here. cannot live without my powerbook, which hasn't had a single problem from day one. i have the nice small one that will fit into a lot of my handbags! at work i just hook it into a large external monitor and have double the screen space.