The Dynasty Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 Hi guys, today my ex-girlfriend's mom asked me today if I could help her out. She needs a laptop in the $500 range for her husband for Father's day with the sole purpose of wireless internet access. Now as much as I know about desktops, I don't know too much about laptops. I was wondering if you can help me with finding the best bang for my buck ($500) for conducting wireless internet access on the run (traveling between states). What do you guys recommend? Should I buy a stock pre-made one? Which one? Customized? Thanks guys and take care. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
nmm66 Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 http://exactchoice.cnet.com/Type.aspx try going through this series of questions. I would think it would be hard to get a portable laptop for $500 though. He'll be a lot happier with the laptop if a couple more hundred dollars is spent to get a quality machine. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258831 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Jerk Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 You're not gonna get much for $500. The best for use with wireless networking is anything from Mac, preferably a Powerbook, with Airport installed. I bought a brand new, cutomized Powerbook G4 last year for around $1700, and it's awesome. I'd like it if the hard drive were a little bigger, but its perfect for home/school use (but not for gaming). Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258832 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dynasty Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 Thanks guys. I'll check up on your advice. According to my ex's mom, her husband only needs it for wireless internet and typical administrative work. Nothing super. But I definitely don't want to suggest a piece of crap either. Bang for buck...and she just put the $500 price tag. I'm sure she wouldn't mind paying more. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258837 Share on other sites More sharing options...
five Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 For that price range, about the best you can hope for is a Dell Inspiron B130, Specs: Intel® Pentium® M Processor 745 (1.80GHz/2MB Cache/400MHz FSB) Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition 14.1in WXGA Display FREE! 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 2 Dimm Integrated Intel® Media Accelerator 900 Graphics 40GB 5400rpm Hard Drive Internal 56K Modem and Integrated Network Card 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive FREE! Intel® PRO 2915 Internal Wireless (802.11 a/b/g, 54Mbps) 4-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (29 WHr) 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr Mail-In Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support Dell Home Customers: FREE Netgear WGR614 Cable/DSL Wireless Router! Comes to ~ $450 range after taxes. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258847 Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dynasty Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 For that price range, about the best you can hope for is a Dell Inspiron B130, Specs: Intel® Pentium® M Processor 745 (1.80GHz/2MB Cache/400MHz FSB) Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition 14.1in WXGA Display FREE! 1GB DDR2 SDRAM 2 Dimm Integrated Intel® Media Accelerator 900 Graphics 40GB 5400rpm Hard Drive Internal 56K Modem and Integrated Network Card 24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive FREE! Intel® PRO 2915 Internal Wireless (802.11 a/b/g, 54Mbps) 4-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery (29 WHr) 1Yr Ltd Warranty, 1Yr Mail-In Service, and 1Yr HW Warranty Support Dell Home Customers: FREE Netgear WGR614 Cable/DSL Wireless Router! Comes to ~ $450 range after taxes. Hey thanks a lot, five. Appreciate it, man. Do you think that's good enough for what I'm looking for? Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258857 Share on other sites More sharing options...
five Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 I mean it's not for everyone, but it fits the bill very nicely for a lot of people. The battery (4cell) and integrated graphics are the weak points, but for the $500 dollar range, it's a nice one. It's also using last years Pentium M instead of the new duo. You can read more about it on slickdeals.net, the goto site for killer deals. Hope that helps. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258931 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickel2 Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 refurbished zv6130us at hp.com. $699 or 799. office max has them for $750. Athlon 64, 128mb video card, 80 gig hd, 512 ram, 15.4" widescreen. desktop replacement. 8lbs. nice machne for the money. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258942 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NCMALEN Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 The Dynasty, I just bought a B130 and its a nice setup for the money. The only thing I'd recommend is maybe upgrade to a little larger battery. I upgraded to the 6-cell internal and it probably only provides 3-4 hours of unplugged use. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-258951 Share on other sites More sharing options...
bravesj858 Posted June 9, 2006 Share Posted June 9, 2006 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Ca...lc.asp?CatId=17 good quality labtops for under $500. if you're looking for just a portable, i say they are good. if you're looking for a desktop replacement, then this isn't your thing. you'll problay have to spend a few hundred more. Link to comment https://www.mvpmods.com/forums/topic/21209-need-help-finding-a-laptop/#findComment-259034 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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