Question:

Suggestions for Back to School Computer?

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Hello, I will be going back to my University at the end of Sept. (UC Davis) and was wondering if I could get a suggestion for a back to school laptop under $700 (not including tax and warranty).

This what I am going for right now:

HP dv5z:

Operating system- Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit)

Processor- AMD Turion(TM) X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processor ZM-82 (2.2GHz)

Display- 15.4" diagonal WSXGA+ High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1680 x 1050)

Memory- FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!

Graphics card- ATI Radeon(TM) HD 3200 Graphics

Hard drive- FREE Upgrade to 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive from 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive

Personalization- Webcam + Fingerprint Reader

Keyboard- HP Color Matching Keyboard

Networking- 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN

Modem Port- No High speed 56K modem port

Primary CD/DVD drive- LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support

TV & entertainment experience- No TV Tuner w/remote control

Primary battery- High Capacity 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

Productivity software- Microsoft(R) Works 9.0

-I was going to replace the RAM with Crucial 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-667 PC2-5300 Notebook (SODIMM) Memory after I get the laptop.

A couple questions:

Is there much of a difference between the 1680x1050 and the 1280x800 ? If there isn't, then I would rather get the 1280x800 with the Brightview Infinity screen.

I was also going to get a mini-notebook as a secondary laptop. Which one is better? (The Lenovo S10, HP Mininote, Eee, Dell mini?) I know the Dell mini hasn't come out yet, so I am waiting on that so I can check out all the reviews on that. Right now, I'm leaning towards the Lenovo, but let me know what you guys think.

Also, I'm not bent on the HP laptop, but that's just the best thing I've found so far that fits my needs.

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  1. unless you're going to watch a lot of HD movies or do photo editing, the lower resolution screen is just fine and it will save you some money.

    Also, for a secondary laptop, the eee just can't be beat. least expensive, very sturdy, and QUALITY. I'm thinking of getting one for my daughter.

    Good luck

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