[MotleyGirl70]

Any suggestions or comments are much appreciated.

Thank you techie FReepers :)

[theDentist]

Dell.

[MotleyGirl70]

Can you please ping your list for me.

[guitar4jesus]

My only advice is DON'T BUY LENOVO!

Lenovo = Communist China.

[ShadowAce]

[The_Victor]

I've been really please with my Dell desktops, both from a quality and service perspective. Dell laptop prices are good, but the recent battery recall might make you think twice. OTH, Dell thought enough of it's customers to issue the recall.

Dell Notebooks start at < $500.

You might consider a refurbished HP, Gateway, or Toshiba model. Good laptops, but a bit expensive if purchased new.

[ShadowAce]

Rivenwood Computers.

I know this company well. They use quality parts and have a good warranty. Very honest. Tell him I sent you. He knows my screen name.

[antiRepublicrat]

Price range? Is Windows a given, or just the ability to use MS Office?

[stainlessbanner]

Check here, too

VANITY: Any (constructive) Advice on a new laptop

[texan75010]

Get a cheap Dell that has a wireless network card so she can go to hot spots and surf for free or for the fee they charge.

Also, laptop theft on campuses are rampant so don't go nuts on a pricey machine.

A dvd player would be nice to watch movies in the dorm room.

I would also buy a warranty when dealing with a college student. 528 RAM should suffice.

[ThePythonicCow]

I'd recommend first choosing the retailer, not the laptop. In particular, I recommend DiscountLaptops.com. They have consistently had extremely high ratings from ResellerRatings.com over the years.

The brand that DiscountLaptops sells the most of is Sager, which is little known. They are a major manufacturer of high end gaming laptops under other brand names, such as Alienware.

So I'd go to the DiscountLaptops site and choose based on features and price.

[ThomasThomas]

One of those radio tech guys (Leo la something) says most major lap top company are pretty good now. The keyboard on lap tops are diffrent, try typing on the keyboard before you buy it should be big part of the choice. I repair Dell, Lenovo, HP lap tops.

[finnman69]

get an entry level Dell w/ wireless.

No need to go fancy for what she's doing.
http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_basnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Cheap Inspirons for around $500. Note, the MS Office software alone is a big chunk of the cost of the computer and often is extra, unless a friend wants to 'loan' her a Microsoft office CD to pirate.

If she spends a tad more, $650, she can get a fast Intel Core Dual chip.

[PissAndVinegar]

I recently purhcased an Acer. I can't recommend them enough.

A ton of features and power for lesser money than the Dells everyone is recommending. It wasn't filled with the crapware and 'support' software Dell uses.

When looking for the best price / selection / service - Newegg is the only way to go (they're on Resellerratings.com which a previous poster mentioned)

[Kaylee Frye]

I had thought Gateway was a good brand. Until just last week my year-old Gateway laptop died, taking with it all my data. No problems so far with the much younger HP... I also like Dell. Sony is just overpriced... Good luck!!

[finnman69]

spending a little more. this is a solid laptop that not become obsolete overnight.

Inspiron E1705
Base System
1.73GHz Intel Core Duo
1GB SDRAM memory
80GB harddrive
combo DVD/CD burner
Microsoft Works (no Word though)
Wireless card
1yr warranty

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/entnb_e1705?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

[Loud Mime]

I bought a close-out Fujitsu from Fry's at a tremendous discount. The bang for the buck was at its best with that brand. Don't forget looking at them.

[1rudeboy]

I'd like to add my request to this list. My minimum requirements for a second laptop, used primarily for games:

1. 128MB video card,
2. 15" screen,
3. Windows XP Professional,
4. Cheap.

Thanks in advance.

[toddlintown]

Eve had an Apple and Adam had a Wang.

[Mr. Brightside]

And tell your niece that I have a slightly used Commadore 64 that I would be willing to deal on.

[MotleyGirl70]

On behalf of my niece, I thank everyone for your posts and information.

I've taken notes on the suggestions you provided and will use them in my search to help my niece find the right laptop.

Thanks FReepers!

:)

~MG70~