Help me buy a laptop for a road warrior for under $800

[Greg]

Hi all,

I need help buying the best laptop for a great price. It's for a friend who is always on the road.

I'm terrible at shopping and deal hunting, and figure you all would be a great source of deals. So I'm hoping you can help me out.

What we're looking for....

Priorities:

• size and weight -- small but still usable (not a micro-laptop)
• must have camera
• must have wifi

Budget is $800.

Please post links to awesome deals, and of course, any coupons you know about.

Thanks in advance!

Greg

[amyschiff]

Hi Greg,

$800 is actually a very good budget for a laptop these days.

I would recommend either an HP paviliion: starts at $599.99
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...dv6700t_series


or a Gateway M series: starts at $699
http://www.gateway.com/systems/series/529598024.php

Both have webcams and wireless as standard features.

The pavilion weighs just a little less and costs a little less to begin with. Pavilions are really nice computers--my boyfriend has one and it has been through a lot (being dropped etc) and it still runs just fine.

I never recommend Dell computers to anybody because with them, you get what you pay for. I used to work on my college campus fixing students' computers and have seen A LOT of really messed up Dell PC's. From what I've heard, the tech support isn't good at all either.

One thing to be aware of... windows vista pretty much needs 1GB of memory just to run well, so you may want to look into getting 2GB. On the HP it looks like you get a free upgrade to 2GB and the Gateway comes with 2GB standard.

If you really want to try and be frugal, check out the clearance sections of their sites. A factory refurbished model will often cost even less.

My post wouldn't be complete without mentioning that apple laptops are awesome... lightweight, slim, and long battery life. Unfortunately they are ridiculously expensive. =(

Hope this helps!

[Will]

Originally Posted by Greg

Hi all,

I need help buying the best laptop for a great price. It's for a friend who is always on the road.

Oh, you remembered my birthday!

[hermione]

Wow, I wish I had a friend like you. I just got this in my Dell Direct email 3/21/08. I don't know if it's what you're looking for, or if it comes with a camera, but it's $1 less than your budget because they have free 3-5 day shipping right now.

P.S. It just so happens that it's my b-day today. Hint hint.

INSPIRON™ 1720
Experience the Game on a Brilliant 17" Widescreen.

$799
after $275 off instantly
or as low as $24/mo

2GB memory* for speedy access to your favorite videos
250GB* hard drive to store up to 100 hours* of DVD quality video
AverTV Tuner with Media Center Remote Control
Limited time offer

[Greg]

Thanks guys! This helps a lot. The HP is perfect. Thanks!!

And Will, you'll get what you deserve soon....

[rachael24]

I just bought a laptop that was almost the exact same one as above....I love it, Good luck with it!