Is this a good deal?

Depends on what options you get and what you plan on doing with it. As a portable computer, for doing schoolwork, internet browsing and the like, it should be fine. Just don't expect it to be a good machine for gaming. I'm not a fan of Dell, but generally their laptops are OK. I prefer Acer laptops.

Minimum you should get with a laptop -

At least a CDRW/DVD-Rom Combo drive, or better yet a DVD+/-RW (a lot of new software is coming out on DVD, so get at least the combo drive).

1GB MINIMUM memory for Vista, 2GB is much better

Hard drive space - well, that depends on what you plan on doing.

I would look towards an AMD processor. Both AMD and Intel have good offerings, but AMD's generally use less power that Intels, which makes a difference in how long the battery will last on a charge.

Just remember - a laptop IS NOT a desktop. You're not going to get the same "bang for your buck".

I wouldn't look at a laptop unless it runs at least $800 or so. Less than that and you usually get crap.

One last thing - GET THE BEST DAMN WARRANTY YOU CAN GET!!!!!! Pay extra, sell a kidney, whatever. Laptops break. Laptops are EXPENSIVE to fix. Get the best warranty coverage you can get, you'll be glad you did.

Hope that helps.

Jason

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Unfortunately not in my opinion. If you like all the stuff the comes with it, the warranty, all hte extra software, then ya, you could buy it, but if you want a better cheaper one with none of that stuff, then you should just buy a refurbished laptop. For a lot cheaper - you can probably get one with the same specs for 600$ or less, buy a refurb gateway or something. I find its a lot better value.

for your basic needs, yeah go for it... I would. But if you need to do a lot more with it like gaming and things that are similar, I would suggest you look fo another one...