Buying a basic laptop from Dell

[sanjuro]

My cousin is hard-up for a computer, so the rest of the family has decided to get her a cheap laptop from Dell B130 Laptop (http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/featured_basnb?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs), the one with the 15 inch screen and 40gb drive.

My cousin is just going to type her resume, do email, and edit some photos. I think this is the best choice.

Any other opinions?

[binary visions]

It has to be a laptop? So many people get laptops that would be equally served with a much more powerful, cheaper, and less fragile desktop.

There are deals all the time on Inspiron dual cores at places like www.bensbargains.net that will provide a better computer at a similar price. I've seen 1.66ghz Core Duos going regularly for around $650.

e.g.: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?CS=19&kc=6VAFF&oc=e1405s1

Dell Home has the new Inspiron E1405 Dual Core Notebook for $679 + $0 shipping = $679 shipped. This particular system qualifies for 20% off $999 code TMLZVFQ44WR72D [Exp 9/7] if you'd like some upgrades.

# Dual Core 1.60GHz, Windows XP MCE, 14.1" XGA, 512MB DDR2, 60GB Hard Drive
# 24x DVD/CD-RW Burner, Intel GMA950, 10/100 + 56k + 802.11g, 1-Yr Warranty

[sanjuro]

I personally prefer desktops because I won't be using a computer at the coffeehouse or taking it with me when I go camping/biking.

But the cousin has indicated she wanted a laptop...