Hi All,

did a search but couldnt really find any really current threads, so apologies for starting another one about laptops..

I am looking for a portable, although not ultralight/ultrasmall = extremely expensive.

Basiccally, I only need it to do basic excel/word operations, email and mobile internet. No serious ultra fast processor needed. A built in DVD would also be a great feature.

I liked the Sony Vaio V505 I looked at today, although at $1800 it is at the top end of what I wish to spend.

Any recent recommendations/experiences anyone can share ?

Thanks

J

P.S: Is there a review site for laptops, i.e. something like "Steve's Digicams" for laptops that anyone can recommend ? T

I recently exchanged my old Sony 505 (PCG-N505VE) for a new machine. The Sony was nice and light (2.7lb) and served me well for 3 years. However, it had a smallish keyboard and screen and did not have an internal CD-Rom or LAN conneciton.

After several months of watching the market, I replaced it with a Fujitsu S-6110. It's a P4 1200mhz machine with a 40gb drive, 512k ram, 13" screen, wi-fi, internal LAN connection and DVD/CD burner. With the DVD, it weighs 4.5lb and 3.8lb without. I paid $1600. For me, it was the best bang for the buck. After 6 weeks, I'm very happy with it.

Of course, that all got blown out of the water this past week with the introduction of the new Centrino machines.

[This message has been edited by BillMorrow (edited 03-22-2003).]

I have the Fujitsu P2110 (soon to be the 2120 if it'll ever get here!) and love it. It's definitely a subnotebook but fully functional and powerful enough for DVD watching and word/excel/etc. It also has decent battery life, I can get 3-4 hours out of the extended battery. It makes a GREAT travel machine.

The Apple iBook is very small and lightweight and comes with a DVD player. You can pick one up at http://store.apple.com near the $1K price point.

FWIW, I love mine!

Goto www.cdw.com

Search for Sony laptops.(my fav brand if you have seen any of my other posts here)

Then call them, give them the model number and ask them for their best price. You may be pleasantly surprised.

I didn't notice that you live in ORD. They are located in Vernon Hills. No shipping if you pick it up yourself. They also have a smaller warehouse downtown I think.


[This message has been edited by korea71 (edited 03-24-2003).]

Here's a third vote for the Fujitsu machines. You get IMO a superior machine to most Sonys (I used to own an R-505), with a lower price tag.

The two Fujitsu lines that would fit your bill are the S series and the P series. With what you need to do, either would probably work out.

The major differences are that the P series has a smaller screen (10.6" vs. 13.3" diagonal), and an underpowered processor (Transmeta Crusoe vs. Intel PIII). They both come with a combo CDRW/DVD drive that works like a charm, and at least as much built-in software as the Vaios. They'll also both run you about the same price ($1,400-1,600 depending on configuration - I got mine as an open box special online for just $1,399.)

The S is about 11x9x1.2" thick, and weighs 4.4 lbs.
The P is about 9.5x7x2" thick and weighs an amazing 3.4 lbs (both numbers are with the combo drive installed).

You can't go wrong with either one - IMO Fujitsus are far and away the best value in laptops out there these days. Good luck!

Mook

wow, definitely a lot of Fujitsu users on this board.

I do like what I here about the P series, however I am not sure about the lack of a touchpad ? Also, any problems with the small screen (10.4") ? Does it strain your eyes to work on documents for longer periods of time ?

Thanks all
J