Geek advice needed

[Goat Blower]

Okay, I've gotten the go-ahead to get a new laptop for personal use including being my new Link lappy. I'd like to hear some ideas for the best laptop for the money for under $500. I'd be using it for internet, spreadsheets and Link, I'm not much into gaming or movies. I'm kinda leaning towards a refurbished Dell, but I'm open to ideas. Bang for the buck is the key here. Thanks.

[scheides]

Does dsmlink work on windows7?

Just go to best buy and pick out a nice compaq or HP laptop, it's hard to get an underpowered machine nowadays. 2GB of ram minimum, everything else will be fine.

Dell vostro laptops are decent too.

[Matt D.]

Spend the most you can, solid state drives are nice but not necessary, no less than 2GB RAM, try to get a business class model instead of something for the home user as they're typically built better. Spring for a 3 year extended MANUFACTURER warranty (not that Best Buy black tie Geek Squad bullshit) if the budget allows.

My laptops of choice in no particular order:
Lenovo (IBM)
Dell
Toshiba

Dell's refurb/discount site is tits, lots of good deals. I'd go that route and buy straight from the manufacturer and not from a store.

[mdost03]

Stay away from celeron processors :/

I bought a Sony Vaio lappy for like 599 about 2 years ago now and it still works perfectly, besides battery holding like 20-25 min charge. Always had good luck with them otherwise though.

[mlomker]

I only buy Lenovo with my own money. They tend to be a bit slower than other brands (for the price) but built more solidly.

[tpunx99GSX]

I like dells, Dell outlet is always a good way to buy. They currently have some really cool laptops out. Also HP has some cool stuff.

Does dsmlink work on windows7?
Yes it does. Both the old version of link and the new.

[bryce_]

Okay, I've gotten the go-ahead to get a new laptop for personal use including being my new Link lappy. I'd like to hear some ideas for the best laptop for the money for under $500. I'd be using it for internet, spreadsheets and Link, I'm not much into gaming or movies. I'm kinda leaning towards a refurbished Dell, but I'm open to ideas. Bang for the buck is the key here. Thanks.


I bought a vostro and I use it for the same reasons you are. works great

[Kracka]

I really like my current Toshiba, but will never buy a Compaq/HP again.

[awd-drifter]

I bought my Toshiba Satellite Laptop for about $600 since April of 09'. I have Link, Adobe CS4/5. It's holding up pretty great actually. I wish the graphics card wasn't integrated into the motherboard though but other than that, this laptop is pretty neat. 4gb ram, 320gb hd, intel dual core, lcd screen. There should be pretty decent laptops for around the 500-600 price out there. I was told to go with Toshiba, so I went with Toshiba and it's been holding up extremely well.

[Goat Blower]

Good advice, thanks guys!

I'm looking at the Dell outlet and am looking at the Inpiron 15R, dual core processor, 3GB ram, 250GB hard drive. Adding the bluetooth puts me at just under $500 without tax and shipping. I'll see what they have for refurbs in a minute.