I will be needing a laptop relatively soon because I will be making weekly trips between Phoenix and Tucson. My main desktop PC handles the bulk of everything I need, but there is no way to do papers or surf the internet when I am out of town unless I want to go to a library. I need a cheap laptop that will handle word processing and internet surfing mostly, but would also like the ability to play some video games (mostly older games like RA2 and other strategy games). Also, I need Windows XP Home or Pro, a wifi card, at least a 1GHz processor, and at 15 or so inch screen. A long battery life is a plus, but it will be spending half its time plugged in.
I am putting my budget at $650 at the most with buying used being an option. I prefer a business machine and need reliability. I don't plan to be dropping it, but it needs to be built to last. I am looking heavily into the Intel M chip processors offered on some of the newer model IBMs and Acers. How much of a benefit is this new chip on performance and battery life? Also, I never heard of Acer until I started looking for laptops, but they have been getting some good reviews. How do they stack up to other companies? Are there any other good companies that fill my requirements?
I am putting my budget at $650 at the most with buying used being an option. I prefer a business machine and need reliability. I don't plan to be dropping it, but it needs to be built to last. I am looking heavily into the Intel M chip processors offered on some of the newer model IBMs and Acers. How much of a benefit is this new chip on performance and battery life? Also, I never heard of Acer until I started looking for laptops, but they have been getting some good reviews. How do they stack up to other companies? Are there any other good companies that fill my requirements?
