www.computersworth.com has it for $133.

Beware: From what I have been able to discern, if you want to install Windows XP Pro on a Vista machine, you need to make sure the manufacturer has created drivers for your machine.

The Sony I had settled on (this one) is perfect for my needs- a bit more than I planned to spend but still lovely) does not have the drivers available for XP. Sony advises that one NOT install XP until the drivers (which they're working on) are available. Other models do have the right drivers, but screens are too small, they weigh too much, the price tag is giant, they don't have enough RAM, I can't find them at my two vendors of choice (Circuit City or Tiger Direct) etc. etc. etc. It's very frustrating!

I'm getting more and more annoyed with Vista right now. :mad:

GG

thelark,

The worst part was that - in order to use the 15% discount - you had to call in.... THAT was a pain... so the agents could get the sales credit....

But, I can tell you, my partner loves it... and ironically enough, my laptop died this morning... so dell outlet is where I am looking for a laptop.

William

I've got a 15% off coupon here for the outlet Wharvey, drop me an email :D

Update: I've just realized that I have a fantastic addition to my options!!! Sony.com is in AAdvantage Shopping AND GiftCertificates.com, which means I can order direct, make sure my laptop has drivers for "downgrading" to XP AND customize and choose a color. Fabulous.

Happy GG! :)

I got an XPS M1330 in December and I'm pretty happy with it. Make sure to get the graphics card option for your use. It's still laptop graphics but better than the internal graphics option. I think the slim LCD screen is also worth it, as is one of the fast large hard drive options. But, for the hard drive, I did get the 160G 7.2k drive with mine, but before using it, I swapped it out for a 200G Hitachi 7.2k drive. Swapping it out couldn't be easier (4 screws, with a slide out tray). You can install XP Pro on it if you want to. All the drivers for XP are available on support.dell.com. There's a long thread in the dell support forums on the order to use and a few gotchas to watch out for when installing XP Pro. (The biggest 'gotcha' is to use the Dell Media Direct CD to partition the hard drive before doing the XP install if you decide to change the partition sizes. Don't partition it any other way, or pressing the media button can make your OS unbootable.)

There's at least a few of us here that have this laptop. I think Scott C has one also.

-David

I'm also in the market for a new laptop. Thinking of a Lenovo Ideapad Y510.

Do you know this company? Have you dealt with them?

check slickddeals. There usually is some sort of Dell laptop on there, or at the very least, coupon codes. :)

Just bought through Dell Outlet
 

wharvey[/B]: How was your experience buying from Dell Outlet? I checked that out but am a little wary about buying a refurb - though the savings look like they can be pretty good. Guess I'll keep my eye on it since they don't have what I would want available right now (xps m1330 2.5ghz, 4gb ram, 120-200gb 7200rpm hdd)[/QUOTE]

I just purchased a laptop through the Dell Outlet and was very happy with both the product and the service. I had never owned or used a laptop before and ended up buying a Precision M6300. When I got it out of the box I was surprised by the sheer size of this beast. I knew I was getting a 17" screen, but it just seemed to big for travelling. I took it on a business trip and my concerns were realized. After returning I called Dell and explained my situation. They were great. I was able to re-package the computer and shipped it back to them for a full refund. I then went on to buy the much smaller Precision M2300 and have been extremely pleased with its performance. Both refurbished computers appear that they have never been used, not a single blemish to be found anywhere.

I'm going to be ordering a Lenovo Thinkpad R61i today, from Lenovo directly. I used to have a Thinkpad (back when it was IBM about 2.5 years ago) from my company, and while it wasn't the sexiest box, it was a real workhorse.

Can still get it with XP-P and there is a promo code I found online for 15% off.

15.4 WXGA, Dual Core processor, 2 G RAM, 160g 5400 HDD, CDRW/DVD ROM, BT and the 9 cell hi-cap battery all for $664, with free standard shipping.

RFTraveler ^

The graphics are indeed internal (Intel) - so given your need for intense graphical capabilities, a machine with a separate graphics adapter might be better for you (my most intense graphical need is for the movies on the DVD player) :)