Refurb IBM, or a new HP/Averatec?

[mrming]

Ok, I'm trying to decide which is more likely to last me. I'd prefer to stick around $600, and don't intend to do anything too heavy with it (the most demanding application will probably be a divx player or world of warcraft).

It'll mostly be used to stay in touch during travels and a place to dump digital images to. My main concern is being able to take a bit of a buse, and longevity of the unit.

I'm not too thrilled with the hp's right now, IBM has some T24 and similiar which are thinner on refurb.

So, what do you gents recommend? Am I safe with an ibm refurb or will hp/averatec out last it if I keep the rough handling down?

[freedon]

Just keep in mind that with $600 you are limited to certain computers.

And you won't be able to play WoW, maybe on the lowest resolution but it looks so bad it ain't funny.

[mrming]

Eh, wow isn't really top priority. $7-800 is probably what i'll end up dropping, but 600 would be nice. Saw a averatec sempron mobile 2200+ w/ 512mb for sub 800 earlier today so it shouldn't be completely out..

Not after this to be a desktop replacement, more a travel piece to watch divx's and dump images to.

[unclescrooge]

let me know how this turns out. i'm looking for something similar and the most demanding app i plan on running is either dreamweaver, flash, or photoshop.

[proxops-pete]

Right now this week, Office Depot has decent sale on Compaq's new R4000 series laptops... :) Check out their site for more info...

[PCJ]

I would go IBM, but I'm REALLY biased. I just love their build quality.

[Ashpool]

Originally posted by PCJ
I would go IBM, but I'm REALLY biased. I just love their build quality.

Would you spend the same price for a laptop that'll last twice as long?

;)