[Mike Dzurko]

My wife's 8 year old Toshiba seems to be developing dementia. Time to look for replacement. Looking for a fairly inexpensive unit, (this one was about $500 new and served well). Mostly for word processing, spreadsheets, and web based sales tools she uses in her insurance business. Fairly lightweight with probably a 15.5" screen. We've had pretty good experience with Dell, HP and the Toshiba. Any tips, hot buy, suggestions are welcome.

[Folsom]

I am tired of high Apple prices and bad working M$ stuff... I do not know a lot about these but they sure seem like a great solution.

http://www.system76.com/

The only other laptop I would consider what so ever is Lenovo's ThinkPad models (the black ones). Everything else is just kind of a plastic joke and dies quickly.

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:expandcategory?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=8FA114A7D9FF4F38AE8E19B36EC665A7

[skunark]

For the past six years I have a Dell, two Lenovos, HP Laptop and a Macbook Pro.   All 15", fully loaded and all overpriced and they all suck in their own way ...   If i was going to buy one tomorrow, I would get an new/used/refurb macbook pro...    If you are part of the resistance then Lenovo would be my next choice as well.   

Of course use experiences vary, but I still have a scar on my hand from the Dell overheating, mobo replaced because of flex in the case cracked the solder on the chipset (Dell did replace quickly), the HP is louder than my fridge when it's "idle", too many LEDs and just something I'm ready to ditch.   I've never had an issue with the two Lenovo laptops but the Lenovo update app was annoying and actually got confused a few times.  I appreciate Lenovo trying to resolve something that MS failed to do on XP.     The macbook pro has outlasted them all and will probably pass that one down to a family member when I upgrade it.   

I'm always appreciated Dells attempts to sell to the small business users, so if you want a reasonably priced laptop without all the extra crap you might just pop over to the small business side.   Also watch the small biz site prices.... If memory servers me right they only have sales on weekends lol.... go figure.

[bpape]

I'd recommend looking at powernotebooks.com

Here is a link to a nice laptop that isn't underpowered but not more than you need either.

http://www.powernotebooks.com/PowerPro-16-9-gaming-laptops-notebooks-sys-2808.html

I have several friends, members of my family, and myself who run the powerpro laptops from them.  Very reliable, excellent customer service, etc.

Bryan

[kip_]

The Dell Outlet has great deals on refurbs and scratch and dents. I have a refurb Studio 15 that's been running strong for two years now. They also run 20% off coupons from time to time.

http://www.dell.com/outlet

[Niteshade]

The best I have seen so far:

http://www.amazon.com/eMachines-E725-4520-Pentium-battery-DVD-super/dp/B003AG7N4C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1276518426&sr=8-1

[launche]

My wife wants laptop as well about the same price range as the OP.  Will use mainly for internet surfing and some online banking.  I would like to try something other than MS.  Apple is a bit expensive for her needs.  Would the Linux option be suitable for her needs and not be a pain to learn and use?

[chosenhandle]

I use Techbargains.com when I am looking for a new computer. They post the best deals on the net and have dedicated areas for each major manufacturer (like Dell) with coupon codes etc.

http://www.techbargains.com/

[Folsom]

My wife wants laptop as well about the same price range as the OP.  Will use mainly for internet surfing and some online banking.  I would like to try something other than MS.  Apple is a bit expensive for her needs.  Would the Linux option be suitable for her needs and not be a pain to learn and use?

Ubuntu (linux) is easier than an Apple I think. It requires almost no knowledge of anything. Try it on your computer, it is free to download and there are really good guides to installs. You can keep windwos too.

[Folsom]

Oh and I would not touch an eMachine with another eMachine.

[Mike Dzurko]

Thanks for all the input! She decided on an HP DV42145DX from BB for $449. My five year old HP laptop has been a great machine to date. The new HP had the stuff she wanted, and looked like it should have the goods to perform pretty well on the basic stuff she does. I started setting it up yesterday and so far like it and Windows 7. Only fly in the ointment, I can't find Windows 7 drivers for our big Sharp, Laser/Scanner printer anywhere. Pretty sure I have a newer, smaller laser printer in storage that might work for now . . .

[srb]

I can't find Windows 7 drivers for our big Sharp, Laser/Scanner printer anywhere.

Most Windows Vista drivers will work with Windows 7.
 
Steve

[Mike Dzurko]

Thanks Steve. Was able to get it working on a newer laser we have.

[viggen]

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11540217&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|84&N=4001486&Mo=1349&No=3&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=84&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&Sp=C&topnav=

I am eyeing this one.