Computer Guide Center - What kind of laptop should I buy for college?

What kind of laptop should I buy for college?

I'm going away for my sophmore year in college in the fall and I'm planning on buying a laptop. Here's what I want/need it for: -HAS TO BE windows based -writing papers and doing school work -downloading and playing music -possibly playing movies (not required)- -surfing the internet -using instant messaging services -checking e-mail -all the very basic computer use stuff. I don't have a whole lot of money to spend, I'm hoping nothing more than $800/$900 at the VERY most. (hopefully under that much) Any suggestions?

Public Comments

I would buy a Dell. I bought one and it does everything i need it to +. Also you can costumise it so whatever you dont want on it you wont get. Prices range from 250 and up good luck
If you can hold off until you get there, you'll probably find students selling their laptops on bulletin boards around campus. Your school website may have a student classified section on it that you can check right now.
hp / compaq v3000t http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Usage&v1=Everyday+computing&series_name=V3000T_series customize it, Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo T2250 (1.73 GHz/2MB L2Cache) 14.1" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800) Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Imprint Finish + Microphone + QuickPlay 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) 80GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support 802.11b/g WLAN 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery Microsoft(R) Works 8.0 >> $ 790 the dell inspirion e1405 is more expensive & processor choice on date is very limited !
any cheap one is ok
here's a link on ebay where you can read reviews of new laptops by ebay members