Regarding the original question: Choose a machine based on what you want to do with it. If you want a web browser, Email reader, and music player, go low end with either a super-cheap Dell or an Eee or Cloudbook. If you want to edit video, write music, and bag college girls, get a Mac. If you want to run high-end games, you can't afford that laptop. Don't worry - neither can I. If you want a good all-around laptop, look for a cheap Pentium M or Core Duo from last year on clearance.