Landscape Startup

I’ve been shopping for a laptop to use for web browsing (Firefox), Open Office, Dreamweaver and watching the occasional DVD. After reading an article in the Wall Street Journal (11/02/2006) about how Vista’s delays are forcing pc makers to cut prices to move product during the holiday season I figured I could get a great deal by waiting a few more weeks. Then I looked closer at the specs for the all these supposedly great deals being offered.

Here is what you have to look out for:

1. Processors on the lowest end models start with Celeron or Sempron generation chips. Upgrading to the current generation of dual copre processors adds on at least $100 dollars.
2. Memory usually starts with 512mb. There is one offender in the WSJ article that starts with 256mb. If anyone is planning on upgrading to Vista in 2007 they will have to invest additional money in buying more RAM. Most advertise being capable of expanding to 2GB. They don’t tell you that the 512mb it comes with takes up all the available space. You’ll have to throw them out to get up to 2GB. Better off starting with one 1GB chip.
3. Displays: I have no clue about them. This is being written on a 17″ CRT bought back in the summer of 1999. Please advise me on displays in the comment section.
4. Most budget laptops come with 4 or 6 cell lithium ion batteries. It seems they last for 1-1.5 hours before crashing. Upgrading to a 9 or 12 cell battery usually adds on another $99. With plugs available in every Starbucks in the world is a larger battery obsolete? That extra battery is good for at least 50 cups of coffee assuming you leave a generous tip.
5. Shipping and sales tax. Some companies offer free shipping others are charging about $50 extra. Tiger Direct doesn’t charge sales tax in my state and shipping is only $20. I could walk into a store and save on the shipping, but are the prices best in a store?

I’m leaning towards something with at AMD Turion, 1GB RAM, 15.4″ display, the smaller battery, 8xCD/DVD burner, XP home (free upgrade to Vista included) and no extra software. It all comes out to about $650 plus sales tax.

Do I buy it today or not?