Hey guys, I'm sorta new to the laptop scene. I would never consider getting one, but my girlfriend is looking to get one and wants my help spec-ing one out (or whatever you do with laptops). I was wondering if I could get some advice as to the manufacturer/retailer/model/whatever that would be best. The guidelines are as follows:
Intel CPU (can't get an Athlon 64... don't ask why).
DVD drive with CD burning capability (CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo is fine).
Decent amount of RAM or decent expansion capability (I can install my own no problem).
Integrated wireless (for campus network) and Ethernet port.
The laptop will mostly be used for websurfing, IMing, document stuff, music downloading, DVD movie watching... you know, typical girlie stuff. Further guidelines:
Integrated graphics not a big deal; just has to get the job done. She's not a gamer.
Should have decent multitasking performance.
A screen that is not painful to look at (I don't want to have to buy her a spare LCD).
Ideally, it should be as thin/light and thermal-/battery-efficient as possible. She's a chick; loud noises and heavy things scare her.
Now within these criteria, I want this thing as CHEAP AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. She's not made of money.
Now this is where you guys come in. I have no idea what kind of prices are good these days, what kind of technology I should expect, what manufacturers are good, the difference between a Pentium 4 and a Pentium M, what Centrino is, etc. I can spec out a desktop system for whatever purpose you desire, but I'm out of my element here. If you wonderful [H]ers can help me get a decent system (at the right price) for my girl, I would be eternally grateful.
And of course, it will be folding for Team 33 24/7.
P.S. - It can't be an Apple. As much as I love their laptops (and I get a decent discount on them), I would have no idea how to fix it, customize it, or tweak it. She's not familiar with Macs either, and you know how eager you girlfriends/wives are to learn new things about computers...
Intel CPU (can't get an Athlon 64... don't ask why).
DVD drive with CD burning capability (CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo is fine).
Decent amount of RAM or decent expansion capability (I can install my own no problem).
Integrated wireless (for campus network) and Ethernet port.
The laptop will mostly be used for websurfing, IMing, document stuff, music downloading, DVD movie watching... you know, typical girlie stuff. Further guidelines:
Integrated graphics not a big deal; just has to get the job done. She's not a gamer.
Should have decent multitasking performance.
A screen that is not painful to look at (I don't want to have to buy her a spare LCD).
Ideally, it should be as thin/light and thermal-/battery-efficient as possible. She's a chick; loud noises and heavy things scare her.
Now within these criteria, I want this thing as CHEAP AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. She's not made of money.
Now this is where you guys come in. I have no idea what kind of prices are good these days, what kind of technology I should expect, what manufacturers are good, the difference between a Pentium 4 and a Pentium M, what Centrino is, etc. I can spec out a desktop system for whatever purpose you desire, but I'm out of my element here. If you wonderful [H]ers can help me get a decent system (at the right price) for my girl, I would be eternally grateful.
And of course, it will be folding for Team 33 24/7.
P.S. - It can't be an Apple. As much as I love their laptops (and I get a decent discount on them), I would have no idea how to fix it, customize it, or tweak it. She's not familiar with Macs either, and you know how eager you girlfriends/wives are to learn new things about computers...