Recommendations for a laptop?

I read what you said re "non-Apple". Maybe your decision is a political one, I don't know. I was always a PC devotee until I moved in with my girlfriend who had a G4 that was about equal to the PC's I was used to. But almost five years ago we traded that for one of the very first MacBookPro, and since then I am completely converted. Those five years later it is still up-to-date. Even at the $2500 they cost then, it was worth it with all the built-ins and practical immunity from viruses. But now with the price now at $1199, you get a machine that would cost much more if you were to try to duplicate it in PC. And with Macs able to run all PC software these days, there really is no comparison. Every time I have to use a PC at work -- what a pain -- not to mention the hassle getting a PC serviced reputably. Most software problems are solved for free at any Apple Store, and should there be need for parts there's a super-reputable and reasonable guy in California who does top-notch work -- http://www.macreboot.com/

In all, the whole PC domain is like going back to another era: the difference between, say, one of the antique sports or muscle cars I used to drive and something from this era. The evolution and difference is that great. So if it's a just question of some kind of stubborn allegiance to PC's, all I can say is -- change your mind. Nostalgia is great and I'm all for it; but not in the computer world.

EDIT: Thank for the clear responses. Really. As for the computer, that word "bloatwear" stuck in my craw. I know that some PC's have a reputation of coming boxed with some of that. Apple on the other hand comes with lots of stuff that is useful, but that stays in the background until you might like to use it. 'Garage Band', for instance -- an entire music and recording studio with every instrument you can think of built in. And a precise Color Analyzer. Or just the nifty 'Visualizer' that makes a music-synched psychedelic thing dance on the screen. I KNOW you'd like that! Etc.

I love my 15.6" Compaq from Walmart for only $298. --- I hooked up a wireless mouse and felt right at home with it.

Compaq is pretty good about not throwing all those advertisements into its programs. (of course you already knew that, cause you have had a lot of computer experience -as I recall)

The three year warranty extension was on an extra $20.

it comes with both a cd and dvd burner -- keyboard is comfortable and size of regular desktop keyboard in the letters area.

PS: it has an RGB outlet to any monitor or HDTV -- quality on TV is excellent - about 1900 x 1200 pixels or whatever

I have had it for about 3 weeks, and yesterday I saw that my Walmart got in about another 50 of them.

edit: And .... just before I go to bed each night ... it says "Goodnight Sweetheart"

The best place to buy anything computer related is Newegg.com just because user friendly reviews and no one can beat their price.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8... --- 769$ ----

This is a Toshiba and I would highly recommend this for you. This comes with an 2.66Ghz Icore5, 4GB memory and a really nice graphics card that will be able to watch seamless Hd, and play today games. It also has 4 Hours Battey/ 7-10 on Battery saver which will reduce Performance, but not noticeable when watching movies.

Hope I helped

Perfect laptop is the HP Envy 14 it can have up to a 14 hour battery life if you get a batter slice. Just look the laptop up on YouTube. Its really portable too it has a 14.5" display. Its also really good for watching DVDs because you can hook it up to other monitors like a TV because it has a lot of ports for that.

Sony Vaio VPCM13M1E/W

Intel Atom, 1.83GHz, 1024MB, Hard Drive Size 250GB

Acer Aspire 5742G-5464G75Mn Intel Core i5-460M 2.5GHz

Intel Core i5, 2.5GHz, 4096MB, Hard Drive Size 750GB

Acer Aspire 5742 Intel Core i3-370M 2.4GHz

Intel Core i3, 2.4GHz, 3072MB, Hard Drive Size 250GB

Sony Vaio VPCEB3J0E/WI

Intel Core i3, 2.4GHz, 4096MB, Hard Drive Size 320GB

HP Pavilion dv6-3180ea (MY FAVOURITE :P)

Intel Core i7, 1.6GHz, 4096MB, Hard Drive Size 500GB

Hope I Helped :)

Oh My God!!!

A Darth Cheney question!!!!

Isn't this like a sign of the apocalypse?

Wish I could help, but I'm an Apple guy.

Now if you'll excuse, I need to faint....

Well, definitely not an Acer; my aunt bought one and the battery gave out in no time.

Edit: Hey, make sure you have one that will play "Hearts Of Iron", lol.

i have to second billy bob's answer. i got a toshiba satellite, with a pentium processor, 4g memory, fast as heck, and the battery isn't so bad if you charge it right the first few times. plus, the price was right, me being cheap as all get out and all, dangit

well i would suggest compaq 610 it has big screen 15.6 and good keyboard space i am using it since 2 years no issues really a best buy

I found a few on bestbuy.com

1.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Laptop+/+AMD+Athl...

(battery life of 4 hours and 15 mins)

2.http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Laptop+/...

(battery life of 6 hours and 30 mins)