Netbooks

[IcePrincessKRS]

I much prefer a regular laptop. Aside from their other limitations netbooks are just way too small for me to use comfortably. I also take a lot of photos, which I back up on external HD, and netbooks can't beat the storage space on my laptop.

[CatherineM]

I carry an ipod touch for everyday stuff, calendar, email. It can do everything an ipad can, but it fits in my pocket.

[TeresaBenedicta]

Thanks for some of this input. I think I might be leaning toward a cheaper laptop than a netbook- for various reasons. My parents both have an iPad and while I enjoy using it, I really can't stand to type on the screen. And I'm trying to keep the cost down (and I don't want to buy a lot of accessories).

Does anybody know the difference(s) between Intel processor and AMD E-Series?

I'm currently looking at these two laptops: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13504&type=page&pageIdentity=searchDriven&_DARGS=/site/en_US/catalog/fragments/product/olscompareproductcenterwell.jsp

Any other suggestions?

I'm trying to spend $400 or less.

I'm looking mostly to use it for internet/e-mail, hold my iTunes, potentially watch a few movies, and some research (I might be getting a position as a research assistant for a former philosophy professor). No gaming, not a whole lot of pictures, etc.

[Basilisa Marie]

You're link's dead, TB.

But just digging around the site, have you thought about looking into one of the factory refurbished laptops? They're usually just as good, and cheaper than new models. I saw a couple that even had a built in webcam, most under 400 dollars. Plus they seem to come with a 90 day warrenty. Wow I sound like an ad.

[TeresaBenedicta]

I think this is [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+14%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+320GB+Memory+-+Pewter/2753496.p?skuId=2753496&id=1218348481450"]the one I'm going to go with[/url].

It's HP (I've never had one of them before, but you do, right Basilisa Marie?). Intel Pentium processor. 4GB. Webcam. Only $350.

[Basilisa Marie]

[quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1311112116' post='2270354']
I think this is [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Pentium%26%23174%3B+Processor+/+14%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+320GB+Memory+-+Pewter/2753496.p?skuId=2753496&id=1218348481450"]the one I'm going to go with[/url].

It's HP (I've never had one of them before, but you do, right Basilisa Marie?). Intel Pentium processor. 4GB. Webcam. Only $350.
[/quote]

Nice! Yep, I got an HP in late 2006. I haven't had any problems with it, besides the initial battery life shorted out. But ever since I stopped leaving it plugged in while it's off, it's been perfectly fine. The built in webcam's pretty good, too.

[TeresaBenedicta]

Oh man, the more I read into the "pre-set up" and "optimization" offer they tried to sell me on... the more I'm getting angry. $99 for a scam! Or, being charitable, for stuff you can do on your own.

I'm going to be extremely frustrated if the Best Buy that I go to tonight doesn't have a non-optimized product in stock. [i]13[/i] at the other store, and all were pre-set up and optimized. Ridiculous.