Need a new laptop. Is this a good deal?

[Gold Metal Flake]

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5433169

It's selling for $499.99. I fear Vista, though.

Processor type
Intel® Pentium® dual core processor T2310
• 1.46 GHz, Level 2 cache 1 MB

Operating system installed
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium 32-bit

Standard memory 1G
Internal drive 80 GB

Optical drive type
Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support

Modem
High speed 56K modem

Network interface
Ethernet 10/100BT integrated network interface

Wireless technologies
802.11b/g WLAN

External I/O ports
3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA port, 1 RJ11 modem connector, 1 RJ45 ethernet connector, S-video TV out, 1 headphones-out, 1 mic-in

Display size
15.4” WXGA High Definition BrightView Widescreen

Display resolution
1280 x 800

Video adapter
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

Video RAM
C742EM: Up to 251 MB total available graphics memory

Internal audio
3D Sound Blaster Pro compatible sound 16 bit integrated

Speakers and microphone
Altec Lansing® speakers

[Gold Metal Flake]

1. I'm not joking! Also, any real good deals on Apple?

I'm Apple-curious.

Actually, I have lots of experience with Apple, but I am a CAD drafter so I always have PCs. Just trying to find a good deal as my old Presario 1200 is really falling apart and with all my change into rebuilding the engine and interior in the vintage Cougar and Xmas coming up I need to find the best bang for the buck.

[Mr. Blonde]

11. Apple Laptops are not going to be that cheap

even with good deals, but you can get refurbished ones with warranty from the apple web site here http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=44BD9AA1&nclm=CertifiedMac

And of course they have the advantage of being able to run any operating system.

[flvegan]

2. Get the warranty. My work laptop is a Compaq.

I'm on my third one in 18 months. Two went within 6 months. This ones been good (knock wood) for around a year.

[Shakespeare]

5. I'm far warier of it being a Compaq than I would be over Vista.

Every Compaq I've had the displeasure of working with--home and work--has been an unmitigated piece of shit.

I'm on a Toshiba laptop now, and looooooove it.

[Gold Metal Flake]

8. My 700mhz Presario has been pretty good, considering I got it used.

Other than the usual Windows headaches. I'm pretty good with fixing PCs so I deal with it. But, you and Shakespeare have me concerned. Duly warned.

[Shakespeare]

3. Do NOT fear Vista, especiallly if it's coming pre-loaded on a new machine.

I bought a laptop in February that has Vista, and it hasn't given me a moment's trouble. I think a lot of the complaints about Vista are very, very overblown.

Sounds like a great deal, btw.

[flvegan]

4. My roomie just bought a Vaio with Vista. No problems thus far.

[Gold Metal Flake]

9. I wonder if my Word2K will work with it.

Moving from ME to XP on my main machine caused me to lose the use of my old scanner. I hate having to discard good equipment or software.

[LeftyMom]

6. HD is a little small for my taste.

I'd wait a week or three, there should be some good deals on loss leaders once the black friday numbers come in and are ugly.

[Gold Metal Flake]

10. I thought of that.

The Presario is having ever increasing problems recognizing the USB wireless, and the PCMCIA slot does not work.

Maybe I'll try some contact cleaner and personal restraint and follow your advice.

[Blue-Jay]

7. Looks like a good deal to me. Don't be afraid of Vista.

If you don't like Vista, you can always delete the OS and install what you'd prefer to use instead.

[Deja Q]

12. Up it to 2GB or put Linux on it, otherwise not a bad deal. My laptop was $700...

Okay, Vista Home on 1GB is passable too...