What Laptop/Notebook should I buy?

[RymRytr]

I'd appreciate your opinion on what to buy. I don't want to spend more than necessary. I've been reading boards, eBay and RR Sales and am finally at a dead end. AMD or Intel...? Avetirc is too hot?; HP is cheap...? Sony is not too solid...? etc.

My main need is for Word Processing! I have Dragon Speaking Naturally which requires a minimum pf Pentium 4 - 1 Gig and with 1 Gig of memory. My "want" is 11 (or 12 max) screen. I don't play games, download pictures or music. I just write. I have a portable DVD R/W so I don't need a built in, although it would be nice. My other "must" requirement is Intergrated Wireless.

Thanks for your help.
Rym Rytr (Rhyme Writer)

[bombledmonk]

What's your budget? That will be the defining factor in proper suggestions.

[tdbs]

You mentioned 11" - 12" screen - that's coming close to UMPS (ultra mobile pc) category - you will pay a large premium on a notebook with such small screen.

Integrated WiFi is present on all new notebooks sold today.

The sweet spot for notebook screens is 14" - 15.4", with the latter being the most popular size. You can get a 15.4" laptop with 1Gb RAM for under 1000USD (my Acer 5612WLMi was 1050CDN + tax obviously).

For word processing only, 700-900$ laptop would do great, and I will strongly advise you to look into an Acer model.

good luck,
tdbs

[RymRytr]

My budget is (I hope) under $750, but I can be flexible. I choose the 11" - 12" screen size, thinking that the smaller, the eaiser to handle; carry around; lighter in weight. But I could go on up to 13 or 14, if the bulk isn't too great. I'll take another look at Acer, in the mean time. I've got big hands and did have a Sony with a 10.4 screen, but couldn't comfortably use the key board.
Is it true that Avertecs run hot and I should avoid them? I ask because I've been told that AMD is better than Inter... Thanks again.
Rym Rytr

[bombledmonk]

Avertec computers don't run hot as a rule, but many models may be uncofortable if used in the lap or on the palms. (some not all)

For $750 you will not find a new 12" notebook, just isn't going to happen. It's pretty much impossible to get under the $1200 mark for a laptop that small unless you find some extrodinary deals.

Lenovo has some very durrable consumer models these days within your price requirements. They don't offer as much value as in features but reliability and a rock solid brand make up for it. Check out the N series
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/3...o_n100_14.html

If you can get in on this deal take a look, VERY good specs for the price while still portable and quite usable. http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthr...67#post3940167