Laptop recommendations?

[buckeyegirl]

Hello any fellow techies...

My 13 year old has expressed an interest in a laptop for Christmas which I embrace vs. more gaming crap! Any recommendations under $400 that anyone knows of? I'd like something that will accommodate a high schooler's needs without becoming too antiquated within the next couple of years.

Vee? Can you divulge any of your tech-savvy knowledge as to specifications that are musts?

Thanks!
Heidi

 

[melimcn]

I work for a technology reseller.
For a 13yr old, that likely will use it for internet and homework, you don't need much.
Under $400 will be tough, but you can get an E-PC for around that marker.

I'm guessing that you have DSL or cable at home for internet. Anything you buy now will have a huge hard drive, more than your son could ever fill.
Make sure you get one with Windows 7 or XP (just not Vista).

I believe Best Buy would be a good source for those. My company sells more business line and networking equipment, so we don't carry much for end users. Otherwise I'd make specific recommendations.

 

[Beavs]

You might try visiting PC World's website for reviews:
http://www.pcworld.com/

Computer Shopper is another option:
http://computershopper.com/

 

[chefling]

I have a preference for Dells. You can get a laptop today for $449. with dual core 800mhtz, 3GB memory and 250GB HD and video cam & Windows 7. My guess if you wait till this weekend you may even get free shipping. Dell.com.

Also if you are shopping on Black Friday, most all the big names are having huge deals on all computers.

 

[LauraR]

Get a refurbished Mac. For all the same reasons, as you, we got our son a computer. (Ugh! to too much Wii and Xbox!) We got our son a Clamshell for $300.