need suggestions

[bluepillow]

Hey guys, I'm looking for suggestions for a new laptop. I'm currently using an HP dv2000 and it's beginning to get on my nerves. It turns on when it feels like it, and if it does, the screen sometimes goes black while the computer still runs. My warranty expired so I don't want to overpay for HP's crappy repairs.

I'd attempt to fix it myself, but I have close to zero experience when it comes to working with computer hardware, so I don't want to risk it completely crapping out, though if there was a relatively simple solution I'd gladly try it.

That said, I read the other "Which laptop?" thread and saw that you guys recommend IBM for Windows users. I went on the IBM website and got many options. Most of the spec numbers mean nothing to me, as I never bought a computer for myself.

I'm looking for something to hopefully get me through college, or at least most of it. I don't need incredible performance, but I don't want crap either. I play games but not excessively, so extreme ZOMFG graphics aren't necessary. Also, I've had a problem with overheating because of HP's idiotic placement of vents. I need to keep this one halfway off my desk because otherwise it would cook itself, so a laptop that usually wouldn't run into this problem would be great.

Back to IBM, this is what they offer: (removed) I'm looking at this: http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILib...2AD8C

If someone can help me narrow this down, or maybe recommend something else I'd GREATLY appreciate it. Thanks guys.

edit: removed incorrect link, added option
Modified by bluepillow at 6:44 PM 1/25/2009

[Beancooker]

All the ones liosted on that page, have the Intel ATOM processor. That is great for surfing the bweb, but fairly useless in most other applications IMHO.

Look for something that has a T5800 or better processor.

I am really happy with my HP, but if I could go back to the day I bought mine, I could have picked up a Dell with a better proc for $50 more.

Lenovo makes a good laptop, and I like Dell a lot also. I hear a lot of complaints about HP, but mine is running flawlessly.

http://www.dell.com/content/pr...s=dhs

That is what I would be looking at if I was you. IMHO, the one with the T8100 proc is well worth the extra money. It is faster, more efficant, and will take twice as long as the other two to drain your battery. The ones with the T23** proc are just too slow. They only have 1mb cache, and are a 65 nm proc.

[bluepillow]

I wish I had the money for a better processor but I don't. The Dell you showed me looks ok but after all the adjustments (which weren't much really) came out to be over 1k, and I can't afford that right now.Also I'm a little skeptical when it comes to Dell but everyone has different experiences so it's hard to say.For now I think I'll pass on the T8100 processors (I know I'll be kicking myself later though).

This one looks a little better (4th). http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILib...438D0

Also on the previous one I failed to see that it has a 10.2' display

And what the hell is the deal with these pink and purple laptops.

[nnorton44]

Can't go wrong with a Core 2 Duo

[Beancooker]

Cool. The idea pad isn't a bad PC. The good thing is you can buy a new proc for it at a later date.

What the heck did you add to that Dell? Straight out of the box, unaltered, it's pretty badass.

[bluepillow]

I added an additional year of warranty and bluetooth.