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[jackofallgeeks]

So, I'm kind of in the market for a new computer. It doesn't have to be much; in fact, it has to be not much. I'm really just looking for something reasonably light and mobile that can write text documents and access the internet. I don't generally trust laptops to not break, so I don't want to dump a lot of money into it.

My natural inclination is to build my own, but I so far can't find anywhere that lets you order laptops piecemeal. And even going to NewEgg, the best I can find is $600+ (going to Dell is $700+ and BestBuy is $800+).

Anyone out there know where/how I can get a cheap, basic computer? Or anyone out their looking to sell a gently-used laptop for a few hundred dollars?

Comments

[circuit-four.livejournal.com]

Geeks.com regularly has decent refurbished laptops in the $300-400 range! I've had pretty good luck with the two I've bought from them, both ThinkPads.

[jackofallgeeks.livejournal.com]

Very Awesome. *thumbs-up*

[otakulk.livejournal.com]

Building your own laptop will cost you more than just buying one, and also weigh more.

My best advice to people in the market is get something light, wireless, and don't skimp on the RAM if you can. Try to get a 1GB for XP, don't buy vista.

You're easily looking in the range of $1,000 going with dell, 1500 apple, and anything in between with IBM. If you really need cheap keep an eye on deals from compusa or best buy. The acer laptops are reasonably priced, but tend to be fragile and or break. My little bro got a toshiba (something I usually wouldn't trust) for around 300$, and its really nice! That was around xmas though, so it was probably a sale.

The only problem with those 3-400 ones is that they break easily: the cases are cheap, hard drives tend to die, and power supplies overheat. Try to get a warrenty from the store if you can, but watch out as they can get pricey.

ALso, you should put gentoo linux on it as you can install really light software. I did that with mine, it only has 512 ram, but runs like a dream with icewm.