The best laptop for $1000?

[weiser701]

Ok, I'm looking to get a laptop as a Christmas gift and have set a budget around $1000. I suppose I could go as high as $1100 if needed but $1000 is the figure i'm aiming for. I usually do a pretty good job of researching and getting the best bang for my buck when purchasing big $$ items like this. But since computer evolve so quickly, I have a hard time keeping up. I'd like to get the best laptop I can get for $1000 and one with relatively new technology. I'd like for it not to be obsolete a few months after I get it ;)

So are there any particular brands I should look at? Right now I've been shopping HP and Toshiba. They seem to get good praise and have laptops around my budget. And there's always Dell. I guess the processor is about the only thing I need help with - I can't keep up with em. Are the new Core Duo processors supposed to be the newest design? I see them around 1.73 GHz while the Pentium 4 is running around 3.6 GHz. I'm guessing it's just the different type of design that creates the difference. Mobile vs. desktop? What should I be looking for? I'd just like something that would still be considered at least average a year down the road. I noticed Intel is coming out with something new in Spring '07 but that will be expensive, no doubt. a 17" screen would be kind of nice too.

Anyways....just some feedback is all. I can't keep up with the trends!!! Thanks a lot!

btw, one that seems to be the best candidate so far is the HP dv6000 which can currently be found for $1050 at Best Buy. it doesn't have the 17" screen though.

[Amiduffer]

Ok, I'm looking to get a laptop as a Christmas gift and have set a budget around $1000. I suppose I could go as high as $1100 if needed but $1000 is the figure i'm aiming for. I usually do a pretty good job of researching and getting the best bang for my buck when purchasing big $$ items like this. But since computer evolve so quickly, I have a hard time keeping up. I'd like to get the best laptop I can get for $1000 and one with relatively new technology. I'd like for it not to be obsolete a few months after I get it


:evillaugh He he. It must be a very special person to spend that kind of :greedy: on.

I'd take a look on Craigslist or Ebay to see what's out there thats in your price range and you can get something pretty close to the newest version, although without the warranty in most cases. I wouldn't strain myself over getting "THE" latest gewgaw, unless the person you're getting this for is going to be using a game or aplication that requires it.

But, be carefull of my opinion, I'm still using an IBM Thinkpad 600 and an Amiga 3000. ;)

[weiser701]

haha, thanks for the reply. i always feel like i'm jinxing myself if i don't get an electronic device with a warranty so i better stick with new or certified refurbished.

got another question for you guys though. what do you think of 15.4" vs. 17" monitor? my old 15" laptop isn't widescreen and i've been stuck on the new 17" widescreens because i want a good dvd watching machine but haven't reallly put much thought into the 15.4 inchers. since they're widescreen, am i going to notice much difference? considering price, availability, ect. would it be more practical to go with the 15.4"? i'm not that concerned about the weight difference but i know it's still a plus. in YOUR opinion, would a higher resolution 15.4" beat out a 17"? thanks