I too think the VAIO series is very good. I have a somewhat older XG28 with a 650Mhz processor, 128MB RAM and a 12GB HDD.

I concur that the best deals you can get are on the net. My own machine was bought from a bidding site where I got a very good deal. It has never given me trouble. Windows does crash now and then but thats a different matter http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I have a Lucent OriNOCO WIFI 802.11b network compatible wireless card and its quite easy to set up and use. Download speeds on my college network are really great. I've never tried it at an airport though.

BlrGuy

I just put in my order for a new Dell Inspiron 8000. 1 GHZ P3, 512 MB and 48 GB drive with built in CD-RW/DVD drive. I purchased through Ebates for a 2% rebate, and used my Discover card for the purchase (another 1% back in cash, or 2% back if I take the rebate in gift certs).

I have never been as impressed with a computer as my new iBook 500mHz/128 Meg/DVD for $1499...

Gorgeous - pure white - also called the "Icebook" - amazingly crisp screen, and easily gets way past 3 hours running on battery...

2 USB Ports, ethernet built in, Firewire built in, and an antenna for wireless access at AAdmiral's Clubs, ( if you add a $99 Airport card - in seconds...) and soon, the airline consortium for wireless access in the air...

And weighs less than 5 pounds....

Picked as the top laptop by C/Net and PC World.... Gotta agree... this thing runs RINGS around my Thinkpad and Dell... And I like not having to carry around all the add-ons like the VAIO...

A happy new iBook owner...

KevinB

What bidding site did you use? What sites do people recommend to buy a laptop?
I live on an outer island in Hawaii and can't actually see the Vaio or the IBM X20 in a store. I had narrowed my search to those same companies as a light, thin laptop is my highest priority. I'd love to hear more on this discussion as I,m still undecided.
Aloha and mahalo.

Empress - check out the IBM factory outlet in Newmarket. (or therabouts)

Dave - London.

KevinB has it right. Once you own a Mac, you'll never go back.