Looking for a cheap laptop to work on this holiday season

Alright, after a semester at college I realize that having a desktop isn't the most useful thing when it comes to doing work. I dropped enough money on this rig that I just want a nice, work focused laptop on the cheap.

I'm thinking about trying to get on some of these Black Friday deals, but I'm kind of weary and I think I'll be getting hosed. My hands are definitely too big for an Eee or else I'd get that hands down. But what about this?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8587772&type=product&id=1190677437770

Or

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Comp...96359/catOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Or even this because I can buy it now

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Tosh...96558/catOid/-12963/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Thanks for the help!

i say go for the first one on the list, best priceerformance ratio

either one or two
both look same to me

the 2nd one is the best deal i believe as it is $299 and the bestbuy one is $399

but what about the in store deal with a toshiba laptop and cannon printer for $229 (in store best buy)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=999980700050007&type=product&id=pcmprd80600050007

ahh, I didn't even notice that deal...would those specs be just murder for Vista even on a work machine?

I'm thinking of getting the Compaq because I need a work laptop. Any reason I shouldn’t? It seems like a good deal but I don't have any experience with Compaq, are they a good company to deal with?

And is there any protection that would prevent me from formatting it and installing XP?

Well Black Friday deals were a biiiig bust. I think I might as well just wait until I get some more money and drop a grand on a better machine. It'll probably be smarter in the long run. the Dell Latitudes look pretty sick.