I really need help finding a laptop...

[skygunnerblue]

Ok, I'll be the first to admit I don't know near as much about computer shopping as I do game shopping. If anyone would be willing to help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm looking to buy a laptop with these general specs:

Wifi enabled
Minimum 14.1" Active Matrix (TFT) LCD screen
1 GB RAM
CD-RW / DVD-ROM internal combo drive
Full-size keyboard / Touchpad mouse
Minimum 60 GB hard drive
Midsize, 4-7 lbs
Minimum 2 USB ports

Processor?
Operating System?


Any suggestions on processor or OS? Anything I'm missing?
Finally, where are good places to buy? I kinda don't want to walk into Best Buy and get one, knowing how they are on other electronics.
I really need help in this department, so thanks for any suggestions a knowledgeable CAG may have.

 

[sying]

I really need help finding a laptop...

Did you look behind the couch? lol! I would expand your horizons to the MacBook. A very capable computer with built in value with iLife and the webcam and OSX

 

[m6oo]

Processor: Look for a good deal on the older Centrino Core Duo. Now that the Centrino Core 2 Duo is out, many models featuring the older processor are being cleared out and the bump in speed apparently isn't all that great.

OS: You're probably looking at some version of Windows XP. I personally prefer XP Pro, but I think that many laptops these days are coming with XP Media Center, which I think is based on XP Home. Anyway, with Vista coming, many PC makers are including cheap ($10) upgrades to Vista when it becomes available. Try to get one of those included with your laptop.

 

[SOSTrooper]

Go to slickdeals.net or fatwallet to look up good laptop deals. You didn't list a price range, but if you know the maximum amount of dollars you want to spend, shopping for laptop becomes a lot easier. Go for recognizable brand names like Toshiba, HP/Compaq, Sony, Dell, Gateway, Apple, etc.

 

[skygunnerblue]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I really appreciate the tips.