Suggest me some brands for a new laptop!

[GandalftheGrey]

USE: multitasking, internet browsing, word, excel, powerpoint, movie playback
PRICE RANGE: $1000
PREFS: multitasking capability, small, widescreen, lightweight, long battery life

This might be a commonly tough set of criteria to satisfy given the price range. Just try your best. More generally, I'm looking for suggestions on which name brands are good. there are just too many laptops out there to consider, so a narrowing down of choices would be very helpful.

On a broader scope, given my USE criterion, is it better to go with cheaper laptops bought more frequently (every 2-3 yrs) or is it worth investing more money in a better laptop to last for a longer time (4-5 yrs)?

[flanzig1]

The recommended brands here are the Levino ThinkPads,Dell, ACER. I like the HP that I have at work(it's from their business line). As for going with a cheapie every couple of years or the pricey units will depend on how you will use it: always sitting on a desk, road warrior use, use at school, entertainment while traveling, etc.

[corksil]

I would go for a Sony, their Vaios are pretty nice. I have used a couple, and my favorite is the TX, a little 11 inch widescreen, but the FJ series may work nicely for you. Mine was 1300USD, so a little above what you said, but it's up to you.

[jayb1234]

Acer TravelMate TM4222WLMi NoteBook Intel Core Duo T2300(1.66GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA 1GB DDR2 533 120GB DVD Super Multi Intel GMA950 - Retail $954.99

Acer TravelMate TM4672WLMi NoteBook Intel Core Duo T2300(1.66GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA 1GB DDR2 533 120GB 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA950 - Retail $1,097.99

Dell Inspiron E1705 from $899

[GandalftheGrey]

thanks everyone.

does anyone have any opinions on this sexy little thing?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834149040

it's a 12.1" widescreen averatec with an amd turion chip, 80gb of hd space, 1gb of ram!!! where are the strings??? (other than the "out of stock" string)

how is averatec as a brand/mfg?

[Stuey]

At first I thought that my Dell 1505 was lightweight, but honestly it's not meant for long walks.

If you're going to be carrying your laptop a LOT, I think you should go for a 14" screen. It will be a little heavier than a 12", but will be a lot more powerful albeit less portable.

Toshibas and Thinkpads are notoriously well made, but you can't beat Dell's pricing.

[GandalftheGrey]

yes i was actually shooting for a 12.1" screen but they tend to be quite expensive. the 14.1" screens are a bit big for my taste but i suppose i could settle for it.