I will buy a LAP TOP...Any Advice?

I'd buy an ibook (Apple)

What do you want to use it for?

There are a couple of different things that maybe important to you or not. They include

- How much memory do you need (this depends on what programs you will be using).
- How big, how good of a screen do you want (this is easy to see and decide).
- Do you care about Wireless internet?
- Do you care about writing DVD's or even CD's (although I think writing CD's is standard on almost all new laptops)?
- Do you need a good graphics card? This is important if you will be doing something with a lot of complex motion-- mainly video games.

I just got a laptop. I plan to use it mainly for Java developement. A program I use extensively requires 512M of RAM. I don't care at all about videogames and need only a basic display and didn't care about wireless.

With this knowledge I got a basic Dell for US$550 that I think will make me perfectly happy. But this computer would be very bad for someone who cared about video conferencing or playing games.

You need to know what a computer will be used for to make a good decision-- especially when looking for a low cost machine (the expensive machines will do everything).

As ebrown says, its a good idea to figure out just exactly what your requirements are (and allow a little room for growth), then start looking at the various review sites and get busy doing some research. The 2 most frequent errors folks make buying any kinda 'puter are to understimate what they're gonna need, or to go for all sortsa bells and whistles they'll never use. The more homework you do, the happier you're gonna be.

www.cnet.com is a great place to start checking out reviews of various items. You could also try www.pricegrabber.com. wwwamazon.com reviews give a wide range of opinions, also.

I will buy a laptop soon
That should have been www.amazon.com.

Obviously, the prices may not be too relevant, since they'll be in $$$, not Euros, but you can make the conversion. (I don't know whether less expensive in the US is also less expensive in Europe.)

Another thing to consider, aside from the all-important point of what your computer needs are, is size/weight. Bigger has the advantage of a more readable screen, and maybe a more standard-size keyboard, but if you're going to be lugging it around, you don't want a behemoth-with-a-handle.

With laptops there will inevitably be compromises, so make a list of what you NEED and another of what you would LIKE. Then decide.

For me, this has been a great intro to buying a laptop. I don't play games or use gimmicks; Email, compose short papers and surf, that's about it for me.