For under $500 out the door.
For email, surfing, very light graphics (PSE/DW).
1GB+ RAM
>100GB+ HD

I have no interest in PC gaming or watching high-def movies on my lap, so there is no need for super upgraded video capabilities or screens. Wi-Fi will be important, though.

If I have to get something that comes with Vista, that's fine, but I figure it's high time I got with the program and ran some Linux. Considering Ubuntu unless someone (cough-DINO-cough) had a better idea.

I prefer Intel Centrino Duo, but if something else would work (and save some money), I'd be open to hear it. I just don't think that, if I wanted to play with Photoshop Elements once a year, that I'd want to dick with a Celeron.

I know some of you guys have places you go to find the best deals. Hoping someone knows of one today.

Thanks.

PS - I've already been to Newegg and PCConnection.

if you are getting a vista machine, get 2GB of ram. and why do you want to run linux?

best buy has pc's for 499.99 usually each week in their sunday ad flyer.

I typically buy pc components through newegg, haven't personally looked through their pre-built notebook pc's though.

I got this one: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=781571

Yesterday for $449+tax (free shipping)

It has an intel core 2 duo w/2gb ram, xp home, 160gb HDD, DVD RW, Nvidia 8400m dedicated graphics, + more

Sold out now tho. But keep checking www.slickdeals.net for more deals.

Just get an Asus EEE and get an external drive for storage. $300 for the PC and drop $200 on a huge external drive.

Originally posted by ner947
Just get an Asus EEE and get an external drive for storage. $300 for the PC and drop $200 on a huge external drive.

Which is what I do. My laptop has an 80gb hdd, and i have a 320gb external.

Thanks for the leads, fellas, but Jeffe hooked it up for me this morning. Picked up a certified refurb Dell Inspiron 1521 for $415 + shipping/tax.

– Inspiron 1521 Laptop: AMD Turion 64 X2 Mobile Technology TL-58 (1.9GHz/1MB)
– Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (Keeping the drive warm for Ubuntu.)
– 160 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
– 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM 677MHz (2 DIMMs)
– ATI RADEON Xpress1270 HyperMemory
– 8X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
– 15.4 WXGA Laptop Screen Display with TrueLife
– Certified Refurbished (1yr warranty)
– 1390 Wireless Card
– 6 Cell Primary Battery
– Jet Black

Sweet deal on good laptop!!

Originally posted by DR1665
but Jeffe hooked it up on a certified refurb Dell Inspiron 1521

Jeffe knows what's up. :)

Pretty good deal on the laptop.

If you need any help with Ubuntu, hit me up, I'm pretty decent with it. (Dino is surely better, but I can help some :D)

Sounds like the deal I got on my re-furbed 1721 last fall. :thumbsup

Originally posted by DR1665
Picked up a certified refurb Dell Inspiron 1521 for $415 + shipping/tax.

Well, its just a little bit overkill, but you can run MegaSquirt now........

Originally posted by Weezle745
I got this one: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=781571 Yesterday for $449+tax (free shipping) It has an intel core 2 duo w/2gb ram, xp home, 160gb HDD, DVD RW, Nvidia 8400m dedicated graphics, + more Sold out now tho. But keep checking www.slickdeals.net for more deals.

Rofl. I told him about that but it was a day late. It's the one you downgrade from a 9cell to 6cell and save $150 I think.