Laptop Recommendations?

[Slide On The Ice]

Hey Junkies, I lost my job at the university. I've been job hunting and my resume was spotted on careerbuilder.com by a health insurance company. I've had 2 interviews with them and the job is mine if I take it, and I think that I am going to. I am going to need a laptop computer to take with me when I go to see clients. I've never liked using laptops but I have no choice so I need to find a good one anf cheap too. There are plenty of laptops selling on Ebay, some from Ebay stores in unused condition. So once I know which one I want, or have a few choices, I'll try to find it on Ebay.

Do you use, or have any experience with laptops? If so, what do you recommend? What brand and model? Thanks.

[pod]

Hell freezes over. I recommend getting a used MacBook. Terry scored one on eBay for under a grand.

And it does Windows if needed.

[coach]

I love my Toshibas. I wouldn't recommend a Mac unless you already use Mac's. Starting a new job *and* learning a whole new OS at the same time would be tough. Plus, they cost more for the same amount of power. And, you really need something compatible with your company's system. So, that's the determining factor, I guess.

[pod]

You can "learn" OS X in about a day.

And, like I said, the Macbook will do Windows via Boot Camp or Parallels if he needs to. Might as well get the best of both worlds. Plus, with the Macbook you're keeping some of the cashflow at home.

[coach]

Originally Posted by pod

You can "learn" OS X in about a day.

As one who uses both regularly, I can categorically state that is bullshit. Sure, you can use it out of the box at a beginner level. But learning all the ins and outs, modifications, customizations, personalizations, etc takes a lot longer. They hide a lot of that stuff that is easy to find on the PC.

[pod]

I'm stilted I guess, since I tend to adapt to whatever OS you throw in front of me. I'm the type of guy who considers a Linux distro "kinda difficult" at the most.

[Slide On The Ice]

Originally Posted by pod

Hell freezes over. I recommend getting a used MacBook. Terry scored one on eBay for under a grand.

And it does Windows if needed.

I'm low on funds. Can't afford what you posted. There are Dells in unused condition, being sold by sellers with Ebay stores and high reputation marks, for 200 and 300 dollars. I'm sure there are other sellers with other comps as well, so I want to get an idea of what's good to get, and then hopefully find it in that price range

[Slide On The Ice]

Originally Posted by coach

I love my Toshibas. I wouldn't recommend a Mac unless you already use Mac's. Starting a new job *and* learning a whole new OS at the same time would be tough. Plus, they cost more for the same amount of power. And, you really need something compatible with your company's system. So, that's the determining factor, I guess.

I will be taking a 40 hour class to get my insurance license, and then a training class by the company to learn the job, so yes, learning to use a new OS will be a challenge. Especially with my ADD.

[pod]

Well, if you're looking in the used-used market, go for a Thinkpad. Anything made in the last 3 years will do ya just fine.

[Slide On The Ice]

Thinkpad, eh? I'll look into that. ;D