Computer Shopping, need help Options

Buying new computers is like buying new cars, I suck at both. I'm looking for assistance in finding some good deals for *new* or referbished computers, desk tops or lap tops. My price range is 500 or lower.

Currently I got my eyes set on a Toshiba satellite note book. It sports an Intel Celeron M Processor 420, 512mb DDR (wtf? direct drive?) memory, 60 GB, reads/writes CDs/DVDs and has integrated 802.11 b/g wireless LAN, and a 17'' screen. Basically while reading this ad I see 420 and the thing cost 499.99 after rebates. I understand it has 60 GB, can burn CDs/dvds and has wireless internet capability. - all things that are attractive.

Next thing I'm looking at is a COMPAQ featuring an AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3500+, 512 DDR, 200 GB, DVD+R/dual layer/DVD+/-RWdrive w/ Lightscribe technology (huh?), Windows xp media edition 2005, 16'' flat screen. So I read this ad as being about the same thing except its 449.99 and a desk top as a pose to a notebook.

Of these two which is the better deal? And do any of you know of any better deals. Keep in mind I'm not interested in buying from individuals. I am only looking to buy through some company.

Neither one is particularly bad. They're not top of the line, but then again, you may not NEED top o'the line.

My questions are:
1) What do you use it for?
2) How long do you plan on keeping it? (Windows Vista comes out soon, its sysreqs are MASSIVE and will probably not run well on either one of your selected machines)
3) Laptop or Desktop? It makes a difference...seeing as you have one of each that you're considering, please go back to question 1).

I have a Toshiba Satellite. Mine's about five years old, running Win XP, 1.8GHz Celeron, 512M RAM, 30G hard drive. I have a DVD reader in it, but it only burns CDs. As I mainly use the CD drive for backing up files andp laying Samurai Shodown II and Bladerunner, and only very rarely taking DVD screencaps, it fits my needs just fine. It doesn't have a prayer in hell of running Vista, though, so I'll probably have to replace it in a year or so. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Offhand, I'd venture the Toshiba, because I'm familiar w/the brand and mine has been through hell and back. My mother's laptop is a Compaq and she loves it. So...

You can also go someplace like PC Club, tell them what you need and how much you're willing to spend, and they can suggest models for you.

Hope it helps.