Hey gang,
I need to update my laptop, or “notebook” if you’re a hip urban youngster :dunno:
Any suggestions on where to shop or start digging for a deal? I’m not needing much, if it was current when Windows 98 came on the scene, it’s probably got enough umph for my garage.
They aren’t used, but they aren’t really pricey either.
Gateway sells a lot of Remans… I dont know what their inventory/price range consists of…
Thanks for the feedback so far. I’m a little leary of Dell due to their software alterations to Windows…not sure that’s a legit concern but I have it anyway…
Anything to worry about with reman’d stuff? I see alot of it and haven’t really been shopping it as I don’t trust it. Again, no valid reason, just haven’t been there done that so I dunno what to think on reman’d units.
It’s not a legit concern. When you get it, just re-install Windows. Dell sends you a Windows disk (with ONLY Windows) separate from the rest of the software. Only install what you want. 
K, cool, thanks for that Huskygrl.
It’s amazing how little I actually need. When I shop around and use some of the manufacturer websites to determine what I need…ie, gaming and video barely factor in to my needs and that seems to be where it’s all happening…
When do you need this machine by? I beleive in February they do the tax exempt thing for PA. At least they did in the past and thats when my family bought my laptop (this was in 2001 when I was in school still) but I remember it being a recurring thing. Any PC you buy off the shelf will have the manufacturers special “touch” to it. Like huskygirl said… install the software of your choice and be done with it. Laptops occasionally require special drivers, so if you get a modern laptop be sure to have those first. Older laptops will have the software built in obviously. What do you plan to use it for specifically?
emachines… VERY good for the price.
My laptop is absolutely a garage tool, doesn’t even come out of hte garage unless it’s datalogging during a drive.
I use it to run VAG Com, which is the best diagnotistics and datalogging software going for the VW/Audi crew.
Additionally, I run MegaTune software on it for tuning my engine management. As well as the other affiliated software necessary to keep a programmable management doing what you need.
Overall, very basic stuff. Nothing wild or even remotely extraordinary. Current issues with the old system that make me want to replace it is the fact that :
a) dead battery. Power inverter makes that easy to work around, but it compromises flexibility.
b)screen resolution: I’m limited to 800x600. Means i can’t run the program that graphically displays my datalogs. There’s some other EFI supporting software that I’d love to run but my antique system can’t do it for this reason.
c)floppy drive. It’s all I’ve got and it’s worked well, but you’re LUCKY when new software is small enough to drop onto a floppy so you can carry it over to the laptop and install it. I need a CD drive to make my life so much easier.
d)I know I can buy solutions to each and every of the above problems(I think, I’m no computer jeenyus), but how much do you drop on a free antiquated laptop? I’m thinking I could probably spend $200-300 on a used one and get everything I need, probably even less if I would really study this and learn it.
What do the computer savvy think?
qknes, I’m looking into emachines right now…
Make sure your software that you use now is compatible with Windows XP… because I guarantee you that you won’t find anything with Windows 98 anymore.
I will ask this guy I do consulting for. He is the owner of Hancock Architecture. He just got a couple new systems (laptops included) and his old machines were decent. I’ll see if he is willing to sell them. The 2 I have worked with meet all of your requirements.
hah, yeah, that’s sort of the reason for my cry of “help”. The kid at the local Best Buy or Office Max can’t fathom Win 98, but to me, it’s the latest greatest cutting edge stuff. Haha, so sad. But there it is.
S10- thanks man, that would be greatly appreciated. I’m willing to shop and buy, but along those lines, I KNOW that folks that value the latest greatest would dump something I could use for very little. It’s how I scored my last one about 5 years ago, time to upgrade. 20 years from now I’ll be back here asking about the newfangled XP Pro 
I have a gateway laptop at home and do not like it, I had to rebuild the thing several times. I only use it now if I go away and need internet access while at shows and what not.
Everytime Kennametal gets a load of new laptops… they sell the old ones back to Dell… who fixes them up and then sells them on their refurb site. Kennametal will be dumping about 400 lapotps somewhere around March. The laptops came with Windows 2000… I don’t know any of the other specs… You may want to wait until March when Dell has an abundance… They may go cheaper due to high volumn.
-NewChic
He gave the old ones to his sons. I’ll keep an eye out though.
what about the place in youngwood corner of 4th and depot st that has all the strobe lights kinda looks like a cop car sitting in the store front
Don,
Interesting bit on Kennametal/Dell. I’ll have to keep that in mind. I’m not in a hurry for this thing as I won’t be tuning hardcore until the salt is washed off the roads by March rains…
I forgot about the Youngwood place…cyber depot I think is their name. I work in S Greensburg, I can check em at lunch, thanks for that…
i got a compaq 2100 2 months old if you need one…