Choosing a cheap Laptop

[ihrsetrdr]

I've been looking for an inexpensive laptop to take along when my wife and I go to Vermont next month. I am familiar with laptops(have owned a couple years ago) but as I don't have an regular, extensive need for mobility I just want a cheap one.
Here's 2 that I'm looking at:

REFURBISHED: TOSHIBA Satellite M30 Celeron M 1.3GHz 15.0" 256MB 40GB DVD/CD-RW Combo Intel Extreme Graphics 2 NoteBook - OEM $683.05


Acer Aspire 3000 AS3002LCi Mobile Sempron AMD2800+ 15.0" 256MB 40GB DVD/CD-RW Combo SiS Mirage 2 NoteBook - Retail $649.00

Both come with XP Home and have modem & LAN. My real desire would be to find a new lappy without an o/s and just put a Linux distro on it. ;)

Since I'm an AMD fanboy I'm leaning towards the Acer...would like to hear what ya'all think! :)

[ErikD]

I found myself in a similiar situation to you, just wanting a cheap laptop for when I am traveling or don't feel like sitting at the desk. I ended up buying a cheap used Dell for like $300, and putting Slackware on it. It runs great, has everything I need, and even got a wireless card working without to much effort. You can always check on eBay for some deals on used laptops.

If you are willing/able to work with Linux then you really won't need as powerful a machine, and can save some money by getting something a bit older. My Dell has a 700MHz processor and 256MB of RAM and I am very pleased with the performance. If all you are looking for is something to just surf the web and check email while away from home something similiar should suit you fine.

[Vengance_01]

IBM T2X's go for about 250$ on ebay. I hear these are great cheap laptops :santa:

[perfectturmoil]

Hehe.. I feel like I've made this post like 10 times...

I got a thinkpad T22 off ebay for 310 shipped.. 900mhz p3, 256mb ram. Its perfect if you don't need lots of processing power.. and its build like a brick.. very good construction..

Pick up a brand new battery for like 50 bucks and you have even more portability..

[Xenocide]

acer

[Rpkole]

acer

i am with Xenocide on this one i have a acer and it is great and came with some very nice programs

[ihrsetrdr]

Thanks for everyones inputs, I'm gonna get this one (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16834115195) . ;)