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.

1) What do you use it for?

College (notes, photography, online courses, technology classes) mainly but also games, file sharing, mulitmedia and communication. I'd also use it as personal journal (keep my dreams and what not).

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)

Thats a good tid bit to keep in mind about windows. Basically I need something affordable to a low income college student that would be good for at least 3-5 years. Given the products change so fast anymore I'd be happy if it works around 3 years.

3) Laptop or Desktop? It makes a difference...seeing as you have one of each that you're considering, please go back to question

Personally I'd want the notebook. It is advantageous in that its portable, I could take notes with it in class and reduce the amount of paper I'd have to carry. I could use the wireless internet at coffee shops, kinkos or public libraries and not have to pay for internet at my home. It has the same performance as the desk top so aside from the lack of hard drive space it would do about what I'd need it to do. Considering most games I play have less then 1/2 a single GB, meaing 60 GB is plenty, and run on less than 500 ram the notebook is still my prefferance in this right.

The desktop is cheaper and I could print things at home for free. It would also be harder to steal because its somewhat secure in my house and the 1/3+ of the time I'm home it'd be guarded by a trigger happy Acid09 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shoot2.gif). Really my biggest consern over the note book is it getting ruined or stolen as well as the fact that these days people can intercept some wireless internet feeds and take control of computers, viruses worms etc and steal data.

I don't know though. I've heard some good things and some bad things about building your own computer. Just buying some el cheapo at some second hand store often doesn't have the text support and warrenties are limmited. On the other hand I can see what kinjo is saying about bitting the bullet and buying a good top of the line computer now and just up grading it as needed. Although if I go that route then I have to wait until I have funds.

Good stuff guys thanks for the tips its given me some new stuff to digest.

This post has been edited by Acid09: Jan 24 2007, 03:19 PM