What should I look for in a laptop?

Take a look at these TWO HPs. I am with you. When you SEE and LIKE... go for it.

This one has Windows XP and will run pretty fast. As you can see, it has a fairly large hard drive, Wireless Internet, DVD burner and plenty of RAM. But it also has the fingerprint security system. This is an awesome rig.

HP Compaq 6710b(RM275UT#ABA) NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo T7100(1.80GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA 1GB DDR2 667 120GB 5400rpm DVD Super Multi Intel GMA X3100 - $979.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...

Then look at this BIG BOY. It's heavy, and won't fit in many laptop cases, but it is WAY COOL.

HP Pavilion DV9640US(GS745UA) Intel Core 2 Duo 17.0" Wide XGA+ NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS NoteBook - $1,299.99

http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-2594269-10440897?url=h...

My first choice would be a Toshiba. My Dad just got one... but it was somehow broken. He just exchanged it with NO hassle and is as happy as can be. He bought it at Office Depot.

TOSHIBA Satellite A210-EZ2202X NoteBook AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-58(1.90GHz) 15.4" Wide XGA 1GB DDR2 667 80GB 5400rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Radeon X1200 IGP - $849.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...

Here are the things to consider:

Weight - you might want a lightweight

Screen Size - you might want BIG

DVD Burner - most come with that

Lots of USB ports - 4 is awesome, but you should get two at least.

Memory card slots for your camera's memory card.

Finger print security - HEY, this is MY computer, keepa you hands off.

Battery charge - many do not show the rating, but wouldn't it be nice if you could use your new laptop for 4 hours without recharging.

But notice this... do not use it in your lap, in bed or on any soft table top. Use it only on a solid hard tabletop, so the fans are not blocked. Many laptop manufactures will KNOW that you BURNED IT UP by using it incorrectly.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

I have an Hp and it cost me $900. $700 after the rebate. But the thing you should look for is portability first (screen size, weight, etc). Will you need to carry it around or not. Next is ram, 1 gb is recommended for vista, do not go below that. 2gb will be more expensive but you can always upgrade later. Mine has 1gb and runs great. Processor is also important. Dual core is better than single, but single will do the job if you don't really do much.

Next you should check hard drive space. 80 gb is okay if you dont have much on your computer, but I have a 160gb drive as I have a lot of movies and music so storage is important. Video graphics card is also important if you want to play small, low end games like the sims (world of warcraft and halo, require more higher end expensive laptops) 256mb dedicated is recommended. But your budget will buy you a great HP laptop and will do almost whatever you are looking for and will include all the specs I just named except maybe hard core gaming (halo,etc) Hp's are great!! Good luck.

compaq was merged with hp sometime ago. Dont think they even sell compaq parts/pc's/etc with that logo anymore.

For $900 you will be able to get a decent laptop somewhere in the midrange.

HP is a decent brand, but dont limit yourself to one provider. HP,dell,gateway and sony all offer comparable laptops.

Look for:

2 GB Memory ( upgradable to 4-6GB )

120+GB Hard Drive

Vista ( Either Basic or Premium )

Most models will run dual core processor

If you plan to do video editing or gaming, you will have to shell out additional funds to increase/upgrade memory/graphics card/processor. Otherwise you will be good to go.

It all depends on what you plan to do with the laptop for what hardware you need.

Uhm..id go for a compaq with windows vista...its a really nice laptop