Hi. I would like to purchase a small laptop computer and would really
appreciate your help.  I'm looking for the best overall laptop based
on hard drive, memory, company reputation and reviews.  My primary
specification is portability as I am using this computer mainly for
basic functions: writing, internet, etc.  With that said, however, I
am trying to find a laptop that can give me the best of everything
(even if I won't use certain features on a daily basis).  

My must-haves include:
1) A screen around 10-11 inches 
2) A weight of around 3-4 pounds
3) A CD/DVD writer

Price is not too big of a factor at this point but of course the more
affordable, the better.

Please list several company options, model numbers, and why you
suggest those particular computers.  I would also greatly appreciate
the best place to purchase the product based on price.
Thanks,
Kelli

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Request for Question Clarification by keystroke-ga on 26 Sep 2006 11:14 PDT

Hello kelli26,

Would a tablet PC suffice for your needs?

--keystroke-ga

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Clarification of Question by kelli26-ga on 28 Sep 2006 13:05 PDT

Hi keystroke,

What is a tablet PC? Thanks

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Request for Question Clarification by keystroke-ga on 07 Oct 2006 12:58 PDT

Hello kelli26,

Kenjic has basically got it spot on, a Tablet PC is usually not as
heavy and sometimes does not come with a keyboard BUT is usually
lighter. (Most laptops will certainly weigh more than three or four
pounds, especially with extras like a DVD writer.) The only PC that
complies close to your specification is not small enough.

--Keystroke-ga

Tablet Pc is almost like a palm pilot. It basically has touch screen,
which you can draw, write, and use the stylus instead of the mouse.
It's a nice feature, but its going to cost more to have it.

I found two computers that meet your specifications at newegg.com

 AVERATEC 1100 Series AV1150-EW1:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16834149047

 Fujitsu LifeBook P Series P7120:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16834110179

The Averatec looks like it is a better deal. It's $500 cheaper, has
1GB of RAM ans opposed to 512MB (twice a much), it also has 20GB more
storage with its 80GB hard drive. However, there are no reviews
avalible for it. The Fujitsu, on the other hand, has three positive
reviews.

Personally I use Thinkpads. These were formerly made by IBM but are
now made by Lenovo. In my experiance they have lasted plently long to
become obsolete and then some. Their smallest machines are in the X
Series line. Standard they weight 2.7lbs and have a 12.1" display. The
DVD writer is an add on.

Thinkpad X Series: http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/notebooks/thinkpad/x-series/index.html

Trying to keep it in the limits you specified. The ideal laptop your
looking for is a dell 700m which I own. One of the smoothest and
smallest laptops I have ever seen. Only one issue they discontinued
this model and replaced it with a more exspensive model. the XPSM1210.
which you can find specs that I have design a basic model Dual Core
system with 2GB ram 12" screen dvd writer and extended primary
battery. also 4 years of warranty coverage and accidental damage
coverage. more details can be found on the dell website.
the pre configured system can be found here on my personal site. So if
you want it you can head over to dell and build the same system and
order it. If you would like to find the 700m ebay is your best bet.
And it can be found for average $800 for a solo core system with about
1GB ram. Im searching for a second one myself. for photos of the 700m
http://chongostorage.com/gallery/dell/
the toshiba next to it is the A45-S151 15" Pentium 4 2.8Ghz.

Also recommend the iGo Everywhere 130 AC Adapter... you can change
tips so it will work with any laptop. comes with auto/air adapter and
includes lifetime warranty on the cable. which is good cause if you
have been through laptops like i have you will learn the first thing
to go is the cable! from wear and tear!

gateway has a similar model seems to be $100 or so cheaper but I have
no experience with the company and there tech support.

with dell I have had no real complaints with the tech support I have
pretty much had anything resolved online with the 24hr chat support.
Even upgraded my dell 700m RAM and HD myself amazed at the ease and
How organized everything is inside the 700m no reason it wouldnt be
the same in the xps.

I will give my 700m another year before I get myself one of those
xps1210s.. you can find them at the kiosks in most malls and see for
yourself how light and small they are.

Hope this can help.