Question:
My laptop was stolen while @ the Quest Inn in Dallas. It sure looks like I am going to be compensated even though they determined the maid stole it. I am wanting another and was considering trying Ebay, but my geek friend in NC told me not to go with a refurbished one. I want it for web surfing and to load a streets and trips program of some type, as I am getting tired of bad quallcom directions. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what I need ? I am budgeting around $650 for a new one.
Thanks in advance- Tom

Answer:
Take a look at the H-Ps that Wal-Mart sells. They're not top end but they have a good warranty (H-P, 1 year) and are more than adequate for use on the road. I've been using one in the truck for the past couple of years.

Answer:

Thanks Phil,
I got the same suggestion on another board.

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At the WalMart site below, what do you think of the 2nd laptop, with CD-RW/DVD combo $648.,
or get an external CD-RW, for the 1st on the page... Balance CN6555 w/external hard drive $727.
WalMart
Or would a namebrand like HP be better? This one looks good.

Answer:
Dell, HP and Compaq has good basic laptops. But, when you add options, CD rewrite/DVD, upgraded RAM, upgraded HD, OS, maybe Wireless card, etc, etc. your looking at 1k or more for your laptop. Check your local area and find a shop that sells refurblished laptops or ebay. You find one with some kind of basic warranty. If you can find maybe a lowend P4 that might fit into you budget. Good luck.Ivey EnviroTech Services
Start Up date: 3/1/06

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dell if something goes wrong you can get it fixed consumer reports rates the 2200 as a best buy

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If you're going to run real-time gps mapping software (it's going to be turned on and open while you drive a lot of the time) you may be better off with a heavier-duty laptop designed for this kind of use. The relatively fragile machines for under $1000 have more trouble taking the constant vibration and abuse it'll get up front with you as a navigation tool. I'm on my fourth laptop in 6 years. I once found a site that specialized in "rough duty" machines, but didn't bookmark it...but you can search in the direction of "tough-duty" or "rough-duty". There are several grades of laptops made for tougher environments. The medium-grade rough-duty machines are made for construction contractors and others who carry them around outside alot -- that's what I'd go for. You don't need to go to military style machines (which retail for $5,000+) Any of these tougher machines are more expensive new, but perform longer because they use better parts and components. A used one might last longer than a more fragile new machine made for lighter duty -- cheaper in the long run, especially if you ever spill coffee on it or drop it, etc.
You might want to research these "tough duty laptops" and make a list of models that look good, then try to find a used on on e-bay.
I'm currently using a smaller Sony Vaio, which has a strong hinge and fits nicely on my dash mount. But I went through three IBM Thinkpads. The constant use in the truck ripped them up, especially the poorly designed hinge. I'd stay away from Thinkpad.

Answer:
www.DiscountLaptops.com
.www.usedlaptops.com
.www.RefurbElectronics.com
.www.RetroBox.com
.www.TrueDataProducts.com
.www.PcMall.com

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Well, thanks for the advice. I just got a HP Pavilion @ wallmart. I knew in my heart I could get a better deal, but due to my turbulent (lol) relationship with my female co-driver I can never be sure where my next hometime will be. Im going to load streets and trips with the gps next.

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If you don't like the Pavillion, you can return it to WalMart within 15 days for a full refund. The key part is the 15 days. Most electronics are returnable within 30 but there is a shorter period for the laptops.

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Try this in the future :
www.newegg.com
Excellent quality and customer service. Below retail. Never had a problem with them.

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Shuffler, you're thinking of Toughbooks by Panasonic. They're what a lot of the cops are using.no static, no static at all.......XM !!!
"Driver, turn off your dome light, you're scarin' my dog!"
Jack

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Also, check out www.dealcatcher.com. Dell has some pretty crazy special offers sometimes and you can get great deals on new laptops through dealcatcher.com. The only downside is the waiting period before they ship the unit.
Eddie

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Check out the Toshiba laptops! Great for the money, and they hold up well in a truck environment.

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Dell also has their outlet laptops. These are laptops which have been returned for some reason or another. I have one, a 17" Dell Inspiron 9300 2Ghz Centrino near top of the line which was $500 cheaper than normal priced same model with a $750 coupon! Near as I can tell, not a single difference between mine and a new one other than the price. Laptop is perfect, no blemishes or dead spots on the screen, and a three year warrenty. Only problem is you can't spec them out, but there are many to choose from so you should be able to get one for your needs.