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My computer hunt goes on, but now I consider a laptop. Any suggestions? Preferably, one that is around 1-1.5 ghz, has a fairly large sized memory, can play Medieval: Total War at a decent graphics setting, and does not cost over 1200 dollars.

I saw one on the Compaq website for 999 dollars (with 100 dollar rebate), with a 2 ghz processor, 64mb Radeon card, 256 DDR and 40 GB memory...

Think it was the Presario 2172us or something.

40 GB of memory? That must be fucking expensive since most computers only come with 256mb or 512mb standard.

Oh, you meant 40 GB of HARD DRIVE space. Memory=RAM.

That Compaq deal seems fairly attractive...any other thoughts?

I've got a HP Ze4430, and I've had nothing but good luck. Some people have really bad luck with HP though, so bear that in mind.

Try for an IBM. They're usually highly reliable.

IBM is definately one of the top laptop makers, but you certainly pay for it.

You really, really pay extra for it. However, you might be able to find an ex-IBM employee or a stockholder so you can get a better deal. Also, there's the IBM eBay Store where you can usually get some good deals.

Now...about Internet. If I wanted to, say, be able to use DSL on the laptop, what would be required?

Most laptops come with a network adapter built in.

But really, you'd want to splash out and go wireless.

Wireless router + wireless PCMCIA (if you choose a laptop without wireless built in) will probably set you back about $200 extra, but, well, internet everywhere.

Plug your DSL modem into your laptop via crossover ethernet cable. USB modems work, but they suck.

WLANs are useful for laptops, but are insecure, so be careful.

Well, the 'internet everywhere' option sounds very appealing.

Alyeska wrote:40 GB of memory? That must be fucking expensive since most computers only come with 256mb or 512mb standard.

Oh, you meant 40 GB of HARD DRIVE space. Memory=RAM.

Yeh, yeh, yeh... spot the dumbass who got his terms the wrong way round...

There's Dell's 1100 series. Or the 5100 series.

Dell Inspiron usually isn't made that well, though (exception being their new 600M)