Recommendations sought for new laptop computer

[MJPollard]

I'm thinking about replacing my aging, horribly-out-of-date, so-limited-it's-not-funny IBM ThinkPad i1412 (which, at the moment, is literally finding its most practical use as a paperweight), but the choices that are available right now are overwhelming. It's hard to settle on one manufacturer, let alone one model, and I'm not going to just rush out and buy the first one I see. (Bad policy when it comes to expensive items like computers.)

I'm not planning on doing any video/audio editing on it, but I do plan on playing DVDs and music, accessing the Internet (web and mail), and doing C/C++ programming (for work). With that in mind, I'm working with the following requirements:

- 1GB of RAM minimum (2GB would be better)
- Intel or AMD CPU, it doesn't matter; if it fits my needs, I'll undoubtedly go with whatever is cheaper
- CD/DVD drive (preferably a CD/DVD burner)
- Widescreen LCD display
- Video chipset geared towards multimedia
- Ethernet and wireless networking
- NO WINDOWS VISTA (or, at least, the capability to "downgrade" to XP, meaning drivers I can download)

With that in mind, does anyone have any recommendations? Which brands should I consider, and which should I avoid? (If you could give reasons for either, rather than "just do/don't do it," I'd be very grateful.) Any specific models I should look at?

Finally, please, no Apple recommendations. I have nothing against the Mac, and I know it can do a lot of nifty things, but it's just not what I'm looking for at this point in time.

Thanks in advance!

[oldandinthe way]

Look at Lenovo, the successor to IBM's PC division.

They have lots of models which can meet your requirements. From Thinkpads to their N1000 series (which has more commonality of hardware with their competitors like a Synaptics pointer).

You will continue to get the excellent IBM technical support, and the IBM built update and support tools, which you take for granted until your new machine lacks them.

Shopping requires checking the big box stores for their weekly specials, because savings of up to $400 off their website price can be found. I had originally ruled them out on price, but found a great deal at under $600 at Office Depot.

I've had my N1000 for 16 months and still love it.

They use high quality drives. Mine came with a Hitachi hard disk (Hitachi bought IBM's HDD division) and an LG DVDwriter.

[MJPollard]

OAITW, thank you for your comments. In five days, you were the only one to respond. And to think, normally people here don't hesitate for a second to offer you their opinions, whether you asked for them or not.

I've looked at Lenovo, and they're on my short list. Anyone have any experience with Dell laptops (particularly their more recent offerings)? Good? Bad? About the same as everyone else's?

[andie41]

In the past 6 weeks I have purchased 3 Dell laptops, and to this point, I am extremely pleased.

I bought 2 Vostros, one to get XP for myself, and one Inspiron with Vista - no problems, as yet, with any.

I have burned a few DVD's, played some music and watched some DVD video. The output to TV via "S" video is a real bonus after struggling with Video2DVD on an underpowered older computer.

The new Intel graphics chipset seems more than adequate for my needs (no games).

And the price for the Dell's was significantly cheaper than other brands (I am in Canada)

[Super Warrior]

In the past 6 weeks I have purchased 3 Dell laptops, and to this point, I am extremely pleased.
I bought 2 Vostros, one to get XP for myself, and one Inspiron with Vista - no problems, as yet, with any.
I have burned a few DVD's, played some music and watched some DVD video. The output to TV via "S" video is a real bonus after struggling with Video2DVD on an underpowered older computer.
The new Intel graphics chipset seems more than adequate for my needs (no games).
And the price for the Dell's was significantly cheaper than other brands (I am in Canada)

Not bad. I bought my Vostro 1000 w/XP about a month ago and its been great.

It didn't have S-video out though, because i got the cheapest Vostro model available, but mine has the better ATI-Integrated graphics set and not the intel stuff.

I recommend Dell and agree, even in the U.S, that they have the least expensive prices for new, GOOD quality laptops.