Do they make these

[Maverick2002]

I'm a bit out of the loop but I was wondering if anyone knows if things like this exist. Basically I'm considering getting a "laptop" only for internet browsing on the basis that it would be cheaper than a similar "normal" laptop that would be capable of doing other things.

 

[Synomenon]

Asus has this new one called the EEE. $399 for the top of the line model. 7" screen, 4GB SSD, 512MB of RAM. Or you could wait until Black Friday to see if one of the major B&M stores has another crazy deal on a laptop.

 

[thorin]

I'll second the Asus EEE, it was just released recently but seems pretty much like exactly what you're looking for.

 

[0roo0roo]

i guess sorta like those email only type appliances they tried to sell a while back. naw, just get a low end laptop. the effort to market and make a simpler device isn't really worth bothering with for manufacturers. even low end laptops are pretty fast for web browsing these days. $499 dell laptop. dell.com

 

[Zap]

The EEE makes for a nice super-sub-notebook with decent battery life. If a 7" screen is too small for you, then you'll just have to go with a regular notebook. Just look for a cheap one - deals come and go, and many times in recent months I've seen basic notebooks for under $400 without rebates, some as low as $325 (after rebate). "Basic" means a Celeron or Sempron CPU, 15.4" widescreen, integrated video, 80GB HDD, 512MB RAM, Vista Basic, some kind of optical drive, B/G wireless.

 

[0roo0roo]

hm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC
guess it might be an option
dunno if its out yet.

 

[BladeVenom]

Just get a mass produced basic laptop on sale. Check the Hot Deals for sales, or wait for black friday. I think there were some last year for under $300.

This doesn't look too bad. Compaq Presario F730US 15.4" for $449.99 AR.

 

[Zap]

Hot Deals forum link for CompUSA... $299 notebook with NO REBATES

 

[corkyg]

If all you want to do is browse the web, why not consider a PDA like Blackberry or Treo?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: corkyg
If all you want to do is browse the web, why not consider a PDA like Blackberry or Treo?

Some people like their screens to be a hair larger.

 

[Synomenon]

I have a Treo and while it's nice to have net access anywhere you have cell signal, browsing on a PDA screen is painful. If the 7" screen on the EEE is too small, I heard on CNN today that Best Buy is going to sell laptops for ~$350 this friday.

On second though, BB is supposed to be one of the first retailers to carry the EEE so this ~$350 laptop may be the EEE.

 

[Synomenon]

Looks like CompUSA is selling a really cheap laptop this coming weekend as well:

http://www.notebookreview.com/assets/28007.jpg

 

[BladeVenom]

Walmarts is suppose to have one for $348 Friday.

 

[Zepper]

That CompUSA deal looks good, but it will need at least another 512MB RAM module - actually with Vista, you'll probably want the full 2GB of RAM because some of the RAM is shared with the video. You'll also have to be first on line tomorrow morning (be sure you know the actual start time as sometimes they open early for these sales) or you won't get one - they'll likely have 10 or less per store.

Don't let CompUSA upgrade it for you as they'll use the highest margin module they have. RAM is easy to install (generally under a hatch on the bottom) and relatively cheap to buy online - plus you can get a better grade module. And don't let them upsell you any accys or you'll be getting taken for a ride on those too. The only hardware I'd consider an extended warranty for is a notebook PC. But don't buy uness it unconditionally covers the screeen as that's the part that's most likely to go bad, from droppage or otherwise and is the most expensive to fix. The store plan is seldom a good buy - look into a rider on your homeowners' or renters' insurance. Plus there are companies that specialize in covering computers.

.bh.

 

[Zepper]

Then there's the XO. You can buy two, one for yourself and one for a third-world student for under $400. Very limited capabilities - only 1GB of Flash local storage (may be able to hook up external storage - I don't know what kind of I/O connections it offers but surely at least high speed USB 2.0. Probably too much to hope for eSATA...

I think these overblown, elites-driven schemes are a bunch of hooey anyway. How many of these things will end up as table decorations or doorstops (if the mud hut even has a door)?

.bh.

 

[dmb60614]

i am not really too impressed with the internet only devices. nokia has an internet tablet. the n800 comes in at around $250. the n810 (qwerty, gps) is expected to ship in november for around $450. at those prices i think it would be better to find a bargain 'normal' laptop. if you are just going to use it for internet you dont vista. put xp or ubuntu on it.

 

[corkyg]

Zap, I agree. But that does not mean it can't be considered.

 

[bruceb]

Check out Microcenter.com .. they have some excellent deals in their current flyer
And depending on where you are, they have retail stores