Considering on getting one before my trip so I can upload pics and watch movies.

 

You can get quality used laptops off of ebay for that amount. I don't think you'll be able to get any P4's but should easily get into a fully optioned P3 800mhz+. I recently purchased an IBM TP 600x 500mhz for $200. It works for its main purpose of internet, light word proces., and watching dvd movies on the go.

 

If you really want a new laptop for 500 bucks, wait until the day after Thanksgiving. Last year, I waited in line @Best Buy starting at 3AM to get a 500 dollar Toshiba Satellite. It has a 2.4 Ghz Celeron, 256MB RAM, 14.1 screen, and a CD-RW.

So yeah, I figure this thanksgiving, they will offer a similar deal; but with better specs. But it seems like your trip will be long before turkey day.

 

I've seen Comp USA and Best Buy offer laptops lately in the $700-800 range (after rebates).

Otherwise, I've also bought a couple used laptops on ebay. They're slow as hell but good enough for internet and listening to music or watching DVDs on trips.

 

Ask me on AIM I'll get you a good one for cheap

 

Or, you can wait till 11:00am (F getting up at 3 for a computer) and get the "Hot Tickets" that some people didn't claim. That's what I did, and got the same deal on the same computer last year.

 

Hot ticket?


I won't be taking the trip till Dec, so I got plenty of time to look. Just wondering now so I can jump on a good deal when I see one.

What's the speed I should expect from a lap top costing 500-700 in the market now?

 

I think the question you are really asking is "How crappy a laptop does $500 buy?"

 

sure, you can look at it that way too.

 

ebay!!