[JeffCharger]

my son is looking for a laptop to take away to school. I would suggestions on :

- processors (Intel versus AMD, (sempron, celeron etc.)
- battery life
- maintenance problems (overheating etc.) (my other son had a problem with his top-end Toshiba and they replaced the MB)
- manufacturers (compaq, toshiba, etc.)

He doesn't require a serious machine. It'll be used mostly for basic stuff, word processing, mail, MSN, and maybe a bit of gaming (he also has an XBOX 360). We will likely be looking at the low end ($).

Feel free to give your personal preferences.
Thanks

[AutomatedOutlet]

I just went through the same thing. I ended up getting a dell when they went on sale. Make sure to check the sales.

[jayfro]

I have 4 Dell laptops. They have battery issues, and issues where its sleep and display upon reboot (on 2 of them). All are different models with updated BIOS. We use Dell exclusively at work, running about 1000 desktops and 200 laptops. I find them to be slow compared to other laptops of similar configuration. I also don't think the displays are nearly as good as other laptops I have owned/services (Sony and Compaq are the best)

That being said, I would suggest Compaq when it comes to cost/performance. You can get them for a great deal at the big box stores usually with rebates or gift cards. Dell has some good deals sometimes, but again, I just don't think they are as good from my experience.

Of course, these are my opinions and experiences only.

Jay Fro