Recommend a laptop (dual-core processor) for under $500...

[ScottieBaseball]

...that will allow me to surf the web, maintain my iTunes library (500 songs, 1 or 2 movies, 2 or 3 TV episodes at any given time), and hypothetically use a bit torrent client to download movies and/or music should I ever choose to go that route.

Thanks!

[weams]

...that will allow me to surf the web, maintain my iTunes library (500 songs, 1 or 2 movies, 2 or 3 TV episodes at any given time), and hypothetically use a bit torrent client to download movies and/or music should I ever choose to go that route.

Thanks!

My Acer Aspire 5736Z with 4 mg of ram does all those things. Hypothetically. It also has a great cd/dvd read write drive and has three USB ports and a HDMI. I like it, you should have enough left over for dinner.

[weams]

Add two gigs to this puppy.

http://starworthcomputers.com/product/10331_Acer-AS5736Z-4427-15-6-Inch-Laptop-Mesh-Black-LX.RDE02.019.html

[weams]

"The best feature is the HDMI out and the graphic card, which runs like a dream when connected to an HDTV - you get a real "watching TV" experience running sites like Hulu and Youtube through the HDMI, with no choppiness or color loss, and great sound.

Pros:
Light and compact
Incredible AV experience through HDMI
Doesn't over-heat
Inexpensive to replace power adapter, battery
Low price for dual-core, 64 bit Windows 7 laptop. "

[ScottieBaseball]

I bought this:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/286602/HP-g7-1070us-Laptop-Computer-With/

[Tony-OH]

I'm in the market for a laptop since my five year old HP is in it's death throws. I don't want one as heavy is the one I have (it's a seven pound desktop replacement) and I want the battery to last a long time (at least four hours of web surfing) or three hours while watching a blue ray. Oh did I mention I want it to have a full size keyboard, HDMI, and a blue Ray player? I'm also thinking of going to a Solid state drive but I wanted to get some opinions on it from the experts around here.

[ScottieBaseball]

I'm in the market for a laptop since my five year old HP is in it's death throws. I don't want one as heavy is the one I have (it's a seven pound desktop replacement) and I want the battery to last a long time (at least four hours of web surfing) or three hours while watching a blue ray. Oh did I mention I want it to have a full size keyboard, HDMI, and a blue Ray player? I'm also thinking of going to a Solid state drive but I wanted to get some opinions on it from the experts around here.

My 5-year-old Gateway just gave up the ghost, so that's what this HP is replacing. It's a little over 5 pounds and has a 5-hour battery and HDMI, but no Blue Ray.

What's the benefit of a solid state drive?

[Tony-OH]

My 5-year-old Gateway just gave up the ghost, so that's what this HP is replacing. It's a little over 5 pounds and has a 5-hour battery and HDMI, but no Blue Ray.

What's the benefit of a solid state drive?

Faster access and boot times (some say your system will boot in as little as 15 seconds), improved battery life and lighter.

[ScottieBaseball]

Faster access and boot times (some say your system will boot in as little as 15 seconds), improved battery life and lighter.

Wow...15 seconds?!?! That's FAST! It should come with a helmet! :D

[weams]

I bought this:

http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/286602/HP-g7-1070us-Laptop-Computer-With/

Seems like a real good deal.