Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

[Sil Greene <quack AT ibiblio.org>]

If money is no object, I suggest a Dell, a Toshiba, or a Mac.  If money is 
an object, buy a low-end Dell, or if the budget's REALLY tight, look for a 
used ThinkPad.

Avoid eMachines, HP, and Compaq LIKE THE PLAGUE.  There's a reason they're 
super cheap:  they're super crap.  This is not negotiable!  Just Say No.

And if you're really looking to save money, and you do get the el-cheapo 
Presario, for god's sake don't get sucked into the sales pitch for the 
"high definition" screen.  No rash sales-floor on-sale-today-only 
decisions: if you really think you need it, get the specs on it and do 
the research.  (Ask here!)  Otherwise, save your money ... (for the car 
charger, laptop bag, or other accessories, of course!)

*plunk* *plunk*  (my 2¢)
--Sil




from Colleen McCarthy:
> Hi Folks,
>
> Do any of you have any particularly good or bad things to say about your
> experience with laptops?  I've always had a Dell, and never had any
> problems.  I would look at other vendors, however, if someone recommended
> them.  I'm interested in durability, value for the money, and also any
> features that you have and decided were a waste, or features that you wish
> you had.  Office Depot has a Compaq Presario R3000Z with an AMD Athlon XP-M
> Processor 2400+ for sale through 3/8 for $399 after some rebates.  The
> machine has 256 DDR Memory, a 40 GB hard drive, 8X DVD-ROM drive (not
> burner-- can get the burner for $55 more), 15"  XGA screen, 32 MB nvidia
> GeForce 4 420 Go (upgradeable to the 64 MB for $25) graphics card.  The guy
> at Home Deport recommended that I upgrade to the high definition clear
> screen for $75. I don't know if this is a good deal or not.  Also, does
> anyone know if there is a non-biased site that rates PCs (other than
> Consumer Reports)?
>
> Thanks much!
>
> Colleen McCarthy, BSMT, BSEE, MBA, PMP
> (h) 460-0641