Notebook pc recomendations?

[goofygrin]

A "laptop" that you can't pick up is no longer a laptop. Seriously, carrying around a 15"+ laptop becomes a real PITA. Of course, I use mine all day, every day and drag it all over the place, so thats why I prefer the smaller ones.

[SixAce]

Thanks for the help guys. I went ahead and got a bigger unit than initially planned, figure I'd go ahead and use it for other things besides just trackday stuff. Thanks for opening my eyes to the specs. Got a nib from fleabay under the make offer thing...specs below should handle what I need....

SA



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Meet the Inspiron 15.6" laptop computer for your everyday needs. With an attractive, stylish design and mobile technology, this laptop features everything you want for everyday computing.
Includes the full version of Microsoft Office Home and Student.
Enjoy viewing photos and watching widescreen movies on this 16:9 aspect ratio 15.6" HD widescreen display.
Quickly transfer your digital photos and music from your camera, phone or MP3 player using the 7-in-1 media card reader
The latest in WiFi technology allows you to connect to the Internet wirelessly and transfer larger content faster. By utilizing MIMO (Multiple In, Multiple Out), the Dell Wireless-N employs multiple integrated Hyperband antennae to handle simultaneous wireless data streams when sending and receiving
Microsoft Home & Student:
Includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and more; the most popular software titles to easily improve your notes, documents, and projects. Software pre-installed for right out-of-the-box enjoyment!
Dell Dock:
Enjoy a cleaner desktop with this application organizer. Installed software applications on your PC are automatically sorted into user-friendly categories placing your most frequently used programs front and center.
Communication:
Integrated camera and microphone Open up a vast world of communication with the integrated 1.3-megapixel camera and digital array microphone. Special effects software can create avatars and graphic overlays that add personality and flair to your video communication.

Features

Processor and Memory:
Intel Pentium Dual Core T4200, 2.0GHz, 800Mhz, 1MB L2 Cache
4GB DDR2, Shared Dual Channel DDR2, 800 MHz

Hard Drive and Multimedia Drives:
320GB 5400RPM Hard Drive
8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)

Audio, Video and Graphics:
Integrated High Definition Audio 2.0
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD

Connectivity:
Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card

Ports/Slots:
3 USB 2.0 compliant 4-pin ports
15-pin VGA video connector
Integrated network connector 10/100/1000 LAN (RJ45)
AC adapter connector
Audio jacks (1-line out, 1 Mic-in)
34 mm ExpressCard slot
7-in-1 Media Card Reader

Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor:
Standard keyboard
Glossy 15.6? Widescreen XGA (1366x76
Integrated 1.3M Pixel Webcam
Power:

9-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Dimensions and Weight:
Dimensions: 14.7"W x 1.02"-1.48"H x 9.6"D
Weight: Starts at 5.8 lbs.

Additional Software and Information:
Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition
Creative Camera SW
Adobe Reader 9.0 multi-language
Roxio Creator DE 10
Media Direct 4.0
McAfee SecurityCenter with Antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall, 30-day subscription
Dellconnect 2.1, free basic service
Cyberlink Power DVD 8.2 Playback

Operating System:
Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Home Premium Edition (64 Bit Edition)

[goofygrin]

The only thing I'd upgrade would be to Windows 7. Vista sucks comparatively.

[channelmaniac]

Cool...I just picked up a tiny Toshiba dual-core for $499 - Waiting on the $50 rebate now...

It's slightly bigger than my wife's Netbook and has a dual-core AMD CPU along with 320Gb drive and 2Gb memory.

I wanted something that I could use to write a book while on an airplane. My work laptop is too big to use on an airplane in coach seating - especially if the jerk in the seat in front leans it back.

[jeff_man]

Pro not home. Get a external drive and use the auto hd back up system.