help me pick a laptop

[knarf231]

I know there are LOTS of posts seeking help in narrowing down a laptop search, so I guess I will add to the mess... Anyway, I am buying a laptop to replace an old Toshiba that has gone south. I am looking to spend no more than about 1200 USD. I am going to use this laptop for basic web surfing, email, homework, and watching lectures for my online courses (there are web based lectures and cd based lectures). I have an Xbox 360 that I will use for gaming, so I do not plan to use this machine for games. Anyway, I am looking at the following:

Gateway - MX7118 - 850 USD (Best Buy)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7625974&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01174&id=1130986342806

Gateway - MX7525 - 1199 USD (Best Buy)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7628613&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01174&id=1130986342926

HP - DV4335NR - 1199 USD (Best Buy)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7625812&type=product&productCategoryId=cat01174&id=1130986342570

Sony - VGN-FS715 - 949 USD (Best Buy)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7615823&productCategoryId=cat01002&type=product&cmp=++&id=1130985156294

ANY help/thoughts/opinions/reviews would be very helpful....

Thanks in Advance,

Frank

 

[Ku-sama]

id say get the second one, most preformance out of the four, but for a price... if you dont feel like springing for it then get the first one

 

[LaptopExtreme]

I'd get the Sony. I love the FS series, its very thin compared to the rest also. Strong build and a very nice screen. Easier to carry around than those other fatties. The HP DV4000 has a lot of nice options though.