Financial Freedumb and Brownie

My current notebook is over 2 years old now, so I’m thinking of purchasing a new notebook soon.  I made the switch from desktops to notebooks because:

• Notebooks are just so much more convenient.  Especially with the advent of wireless technologies. 
• I’ve also outgrown my “must have the most powerful computer in the world” phase where I would want to upgrade every single component tirelessly trying to keep up with the ridiculous amounts of new technology coming out.
• Takes up less desk space.
• Prices are getting much more comparable to similarly equipped desktop computers.

I’m planning to purchase a new computer sometime around December or January 07.

Here are my recommendations…feel free to share yours:

• Wait until Christmas or when Vista is released.  Just around Christmas, I’d expect manufacturers to start offering free upgrade coupons for Vista.  If you’re not familiar with Microsoft Windows Vista, it is going to be Microsoft next major operating system release.  One good thing about these systems that are ready for Vista is that you know they meet certain requirements for Windows Vista, which are pretty hefty if you want to run Vista with all features enabled.  I probably won’t.  Also, I’d expect a barrage of discounts and deals around Christmas.  Buy MS stock! 
• Get a notebook with 3 year warranty!  Unlike desktop computers, components and repairs for notebooks run much higher.  Plus, if you travel a lot, chances are notebooks have to take much more of a beating than desktops.  You may pay a couple hundred bucks in premium for a notebook with a 3 year warranty, but I guarantee you’ll require a few repairs along the way.
• As far as manufacturers go, keep in mind there are really only a few “notebook” manufacturers, most, if not all, located in China.  You’ve probably heard of Lenovo, which is one of the largest, since purchasing IBM’s PC business.  Quanta makes notebooks for Apple, Dell, and Gateway.  First International Computers makes notebooks for HP.  Inventec makes notebooks for Compaq.  You get the picture.  There are only a handful of notebook manufacturing companies, badging notebooks under their own brands.  My recommendation for notebook badges are:  HP, Compaq, IBM, Dell, and Toshiba.  Sony’s are good too, but you pay a premium for the Sony name.  I’m not so sure it’s worth it.  IBM/Lenovo notebooks also tend to have a premium, but the quality of their notebooks are much greater than HP, Compaq, and Toshiba.  I have Dell on the list because their prices are pretty good, especially when combined with promotions they run quite frequently, however, I haven’t been really impressed with the quality of their machines.  I personally use IBM notebooks.  I love the trackpoint device!
• Minimum specifications:
• 1GB RAM
• 80GB Harddisk
• Processor:  Not so important…depends on what you are planning to do.  AMD or Intel, both good.
• Screen:  Here’s where I would recommend a high resolution screen.  Widescreen is nice, but I would say a notebook should do 1400×1050.
• Video:  Just make sure you get a Vista certified system.  There’s a lot of technicals, but if you get a notebook with an ATI or Nvidia graphics, for the most part, you should be fine.
• DVI output
• Built in wireless B/G
• Again:  3 year warranty!

As a side note, I found Vista is actually listed on Amazon.com already.  Interesting.  Also, if you’re a shareholder in certain companies, you may be entitled to discounts on hardware purchases!  Be sure to look into it.