Get an HP dual-core notebook for $465

(Credit: eCost)

Call me crazy, but I don't understand why anyone would buy the much-ballyhooed Asus Eee PC for $399 when they could get a full-fledged notebook for just a few bucks more. Case in point: eCost has the HP Presario F579WM for $465. Granted, it's an HP-recertified model, one that weighs three times as much as the Asus, but it's also much, much better equipped for everyday computing.

In addition to its dual-core AMD Athlon processor, the 6.6-pound Presario comes with 1GB of RAM, a 120GB hard drive, a super-multi-DVD burner, and a 15.4-inch screen. In short, it's a solid entry-level notebook, one that should easily satisfy users with basic needs. It even has discrete graphics in the form of an Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 processor, meaning games aren't out of the question.

The notebook includes a 90-day warranty. You can find complete specs here.

[BuzzillionsEmma]

This is the best laptop for under $500 - a lot of people who bought it left pretty good reviews, although nobody was compelled to give it the full 5/5 stars. The reviews by people who bought the laptop can be found here: http://www.buzzillions.com/hp-compaq-reviews

However, some people after purchasing the notebook spent a few more bucks to maximize it, and it proved to be well worth it: "I purchased this laptop in NJ on a business trip. It's one of the best laptop for the price.I wiped out Vista and installed Windows XP Pro. I also upgraded to 2.0GB of RAM, and now my machine is flying. I run multiple applications at once without any problems. New applications like Adobe Acrobat 8, Adobe Photoshop CS3, Adobe Flash CS3, etc. all run smoothly and very fast respond.I would like to recommend this PC to anyone who is looking for a budget, good performance, and reliable laptop.One more thing, the screen is beautiful and bright."

[beelissa]

But I want a small machine. I really like the idea of a machine that's sturdy and that I can throw in my purse. And I'm not normally a pink gadget woman, but as the only female in a house full of males, I like the idea of getting a small pink laptop (the Asus Eee PC 2G model comes in pink) that no one will want to use but me! I've got a 2 Gb SD card already, so I figure I could buy the 2G version for $300. I can retire my old NEC Mobilpro780 which I've never figured out how to surf the web with, and which I have to drag into my son's bedroom to sync because it only syncs via serial cable so it won't sync with our newer computers.