thedude4000

So I know the bare necessities about computers but I don't quite trust myself in buying the right laptop for my needs. I will be using for school stuff mostly and occasionally for leisure. Here are the things I will definitely need in a laptop followed by things I wouldn't mind having but that I could sacrifice if need be.

Need: Wireless Internet, DVD player, reasonably fast net surfng, microsoft office capabilities

Wouldn't mind having but could do without (if it's going to catapult me into spending hundreds more): Game playing abilities, DVD/CD burning, 15-17" screen, capability to record digital music (with Sonar, Adobe, Cubase etc.)

I'm looking to spend 500-600 new or used. (leaning towards something used on ebay to get a bit more bang for my buck since I'm only working with 500-600 dollars).

I'm not afraid to throw away the things in the "wouldn't mind having" category so feel free to heed that in any advice.

DCIScouts

Your basic needs shouldn't be hard to come by, as well as most of the "nice" section. The only part that a basic laptop wouldn't be able to do is be an ultra gaming machine. You could play stuff like Neverwinter Nights probably and anything about that level. But, trying to play F.E.A.R. on that level of a laptop is a no-no .

eBay is cool, but I'm always a little gun shy of buying computers on eBay. If you can't find something you're comfortable with, just check local retailers or order directly from Dell, HP, Sony, etc.

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LaptopExtreme

I'd get an Acer. Wide screens, lots of features, very affordable, and easy to upgrade RAM in the future.