For laptops; IBM, Sony, and Toshibas are a bit more expensive than other brands.

If size doesnt matter you missed out on a GREAT deal.

Processor AMD Athlon(TM) XP-M 2800+ (1.60 GHz)
Notebook Display 15.0" TFT XGA (1024 x 768)
Memory 256MB DDR SDRAM (1x256MB)
Operating System Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home
Hard Drive 60 GB 4200 RPM Hard Drive
CD/DVD Drive 8X DVD Drive
Video Card 32MB NVIDIA(R) GeForce(TM) 4 420 Go
Modem/PC Card 54g(TM) Integrated Broadcom 802.11b/g Wireless LAN

For $800 or so. But the laptop is like 8-9 LBS h:

 

my next labtop will probably be a satellite unless i can afford a xps extreme

or get a asus and let me know how that works

 

What do you mean by poor hardware design?

What maker doesnt load a bunch of USELESS stuff on their computers? First thing to do is a reformat anyways :exnbp:

 

for instance, my dads HP laptop's motherboard fried...twice!

 

why did he let it happen twice

 

first time was replaced under warranty...second time it wasn't. we thought it was just a fluke

 

bought my dell a month ago, Inspiron 5150, $1150

2.8 ghz p4
512 mb ram
64 Nvidia
40 gig hard drive
15.1" display
CD-RW/DVD drive
802.11 Wireless Card

 

PSU has a deal with Dell...i think i can get 10% off!

 

Youll be surprised at how many companies have some sort of academic programs. HP offers 6-7% off.

 

Apple ibook or G4 powerbook
Dell Inspiron 5150
Sony Vaio series
IBM thinkpad

Any of the above make good inexpensive choices that will also deliever great performace