Buying laptop for sister, need recommendations under $700.

[DNyholm]

My sister needs a laptop for general computing. She is a teacher so uses powerpoint, excel, etc... no gaming. Just a general all around laptop. I found this HP DV6T with the following specs for $600:
T6600 (2.2Ghz)
4Gb Ram
320 GB 7200 rpm Hard Drive
High Definition 720P LED Brightview Display (1366 x 768) have no idea if this is any good
DVD drive
6 cell high capacity battery

Since i honestly kow nothing about laptops, is this a good configuration? She is replacing a Dell E1505 from about 5 years ago, so she keeps them for a decent amount of time. I don't see any recommendations for HP products on here, I hope there isn't a reason for that though. I can get the same laptop through Costco for $50 more with a 500GB 5400 rpm HD, but I think the smaller 7200 is a better deal myself, but Costco give a 2 year warranty instead of the regular one year...

 

[Throckmorton]

Seems like the 2 yr warranty is a good reason to go with the Costco one. 7200rpm vs 5400rpm doesn't really matter.

 

[Skott]

You don't mention a size requirement. What you have available to you though is a wide variety of manufacturers and models in that price range. Are you looking to buy online or at a B&M store? Or does it matter?

 

[DNyholm]

Well, i get a discount for HP and Dell through work, but it doesn't seem to be enough of a discount to MAKE me purchase through them. My sister is looking at the 15" screen size. 17" is just too big and a 14" would be a little too small unless there were some great deals on one?

I just don't want to get her a 15" to find out that I could have gotten XXX model for $100 cheaper with the same specs or better build quality or something along those lines. If it is basically 10 identical laptops from different manufacturers that I might as well throw a dart at, i'll understand that and take the Dell or HP that i can get for a slightly better price.

 

[mshan]

I would recommend something like Dell Vostro 1520 with upgraded 1440 x 900 anti-glare screen.

Check out Tech Bargains dot come for discount coupons on Dell.

2 GB RAM is probably plenty, and 5400 rpm drive is also probably more than plenty fast. Integrated webcam may be worth small additional cost.

 

[Skott]

Well, i get a discount for HP and Dell through work, but it doesn't seem to be enough of a discount to MAKE me purchase through them. My sister is looking at the 15" screen size. 17" is just too big and a 14" would be a little too small unless there were some great deals on one?

I just don't want to get her a 15" to find out that I could have gotten XXX model for $100 cheaper with the same specs or better build quality or something along those lines. If it is basically 10 identical laptops from different manufacturers that I might as well throw a dart at, i'll understand that and take the Dell or HP that i can get for a slightly better price.

I know how you feel. I get a 12% Dell discount from my employer but even with it BB can usually more than beat anything Dell itself offers. So basically you are wanting something between 14"-16"? One rule of thumb to remember. Buying a computer is often like buying a car. There is always a better deal down the road. The trick is to get the best deal you can at the time you buy for the best price.

Have you looked at Toshiba yet? I went with them this last time. They have a 12 cell battery thats really good for battery life. Some of their models have it and it fits many of their models so its a nice option if battery time is really important.

I don't know if they still do it but PCMagazine and Computer Shopper used to rate the various manufacturers and their tech/customer support. May want to look at their sites and see if they still do that. Might help you narrow brands down a bit. You'll be wanting their 2009 reviews since those should be the most recent. You may want to take her to a local BB or such store and let her look at various notebooks and see what she likes first hand. That should help narrow things down as well.