Anyone know of any good deals right now? Any brand to stay away from?
 
I just want something that's fast, has good wireless range, a nice high res bright screen. This will not be used for gaming...that's what my desktop is for. Just internet, watching movies occasionally.
 
Are refurbished ones ok to trust?
 
How's this?
http://www.buy.com/retail/product. [...] 70#cRevSec
 
or  
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6834115472
 
Should I look for an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD x2?
 
I'm thinking 2gig RAM minimum?
 
TIA  
 

I've been looking for something similar, and I'm thinking of going for this:
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6834107014
 
I wouldn't mind more RAM, but I figure I'll end up wiping the hard drive anyways and installing Ubuntu or Windows XP, so 1 GB should be more than adequate. I'd also like something with more power than the GeForce7000m since I'm hoping to play a bit of EVE Online, but for the price I really can't complain.

The Intel Core2's are faster, but for general purpose stuff, either will do fine. The Turion X2's will tend to be cheaper. 2gb of RAM seems to be the sweet spot, especially with Vista.  
 
As far as refurbs go, I've used refurb desktops from Dell and they've been ok, but not sure if I would trust the more fragile laptops.

Not bad, but I don't need that video card.

 
Cool. I'll take note. Thanks    

This looks good. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] =ILC-FPM02

i also want a laptop under $600 with the following specs
 
1) What is your budget?
$600
 
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
 
b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
 
any of above
 
3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
Pakistan
 
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
1.HP
2.Dell
3.Any
 
5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
1.Multimedia
2.Internet
3. Microsoft Office
 
6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Leave on Desk mostly
But it can move occasionally
 
7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No Games
 
8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3+
 
9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Online
 
10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Visa, Any
 
 
11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen
 
12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
 
 
Widescreen
 
d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.
 
 
13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Non Glossy
 
Build Quality and Design
 
14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
NO
 
15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
2 yrs
 
Notebook Components
 
16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB?
at least 160gb
250 gb would be great
 
17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
DVD-Burner
 
I am leaning towards AMD Turion 64 x2 processor powered laptops because they tend to be cheaper and i have a tight budget.
I have a relative in New York who can buy it from there and send me as there aren't all the range of laptops available in Pakistan
Thnx

As far as i know compaq and HP have merged
so what is the difference between new compaq and hp laptops
 
There are two attractive deals at bestbuy.com
 
hp dv6636nr
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....#productdetail
 
&
 
compaq presario f767nr
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....#productdetail
 
compaq is $ 527 compared with hp dv6636nr which costs $699 although compaq has 250 gb hard disk instead if 160 gb in hp dv6636nr
 
the only reason i think hp's expensive is that it has a remote, RAM expansion upto 4gb and design
 
Is there any other reason?
Whats the difference in graphcs of both?
 
If i can raise my budget 2 $699 & get the hp dv6636nr what is the better option 4 me?