Watch for refurbs from Micro Center. I got a Toshiba Satellite L305-S5937 with Intel T3400 dual-CPU, 4 Gb RAM, 300 Gb HD and Vista Home Premium (okay) 64-bit (definite issues per Mac's description) for less than $450. I think that was about half the price of the new machine. Most other machines in that range had a max 3 Gb; it was a major factor in selecting that machine. XP machines can be had from $300-350 up.

One sales-related issue: MC WILL NOT ship refurbs as they insist on seeing your physical plastic (credit/debit card). Read: You have to go to the store, or know someone who can. But they give plenty of information online, so it is easy to make an informed decision. I get 90 days of support for the machine and Windows through Toshiba.

R.

P.S.: Yes, they have AMD-fueled machines, too.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."