Need a laptop

[mccoady]

I know very little about laptops but would like one to have around the house for emailing, internet, some processing, dvd burner for files, that can be hooked up my network. My desktop is pretty decent with 2GB of Ram, Intel Core 2 Dual, ect. so I'm used to having a pretty fast computer but will sacrifice some on the laptop since it wouldn't be my main computer. I would like to spend between $500 - $700 to get a decent laptop but the lower the better but don't want it breaking down in a year.

For what I'm wanting to use this for would there be much difference between using the AMD Turion 64-2000 or a AMD Turion 64 Dual Core 1600 processor? I'm planning on getting a laptop with 1GB of Ram, 60 to 80 GB harddrive, probably Windows XP Media Center, Dvd RW, a wireless card and probably a 15.4 screen.

As far as brands go would a Dell or a Acer be about equal in quality? If about the same, would there be anything wrong with getting a refurbished Dell? Is there anything else I should keep in mind when looking at laptops?

[MJA]

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=203325922&adid=17662

You may not like
only 512MB DDR2,and 40 GB harddrive I think both are more than enough for net and things like that

look under Tech Specs

[Jeremiah58]

...AMD Turion 64 1800 processor? I'm planning on getting a laptop with 1GB of Ram, 80 GB harddrive, probably Windows XP Media Center, Dvd RW, a wireless card and probably a 15.4 screen.

I've edit a bit your specs above, because I bought exactly the same one, during my holidays last August in Chicago in the CompUSA.
It was HP Pavilion dv5215. Payed 599$ after 100$ store rebate and 100$ mail-in rebate (the retail was 799$).
It is nice and suits my laptop needs. No problems so far.