I am looking for a cheap Laptop.

Here are my two choices and the specs of each one. Tell me what you think is a better deal, and what you know of each computer (I have done a lot of research and cannot make a final decision).

HP Compaq v4000
1.3ghz intel celeron M
80gb
512ram
CD/dvd-rw (dual layer)
Intel graphics media accelerator 900
Wireless
$700

OR

Dell Inspiron 6000
1.73ghz intel pent. M
60gb
512ram
cd/dvd-rw (dual layer)
Media Center
$740


My laptop uses will be: Watching and burning DVD/VCD, Internet, Chat, listening to music, occasional computer game. Normal college use.

My question is: Is spending 40 dollars more and getting 400mhz more and losing 20gb of HD space worth it for my needs?

I have done a lot of research, but i'm not used to the PC intel M speed and have no idea what the difference will be. Thanks for helping out this PC newbie.

If it's just for normal college use, why not stick with a Mac?

Either way the Dell is the better of the two choices.

I have a desktop Mac (love my iMac G5), but i want something portable that i can take to class, library, etc. I would go w/ a Ibook or Macpro but they are out of my price range.

Thanks for the advice. i'm sure upgrading the HD to 80 or 100gb wouldn't be too costly for the Dell.

I agree on the dell, the Pentium M is MUCH better than the celeron

A base model iBook is only a little more money if you get it on Amazon—which generally offers 100 dollar discounts—or with the educational discount through the Apple store—but you have to pay tax and shipping.

go with the dell pms kick the celerons ass

Def check out ASUS... I know you Apple users love the quality of their products. ASUS quality is def up there with Apple. I recommend looking into the W3V for a 14" notebook or if you wanna wait a bit, the W3J is coming out with the ATi x1600.. this will be perfect for you, since you mentioned you wanted something portable to carry around yet can game... plus the W3V/J is very stylish and light. This notebook weighs ~5lbs.

You should get a smaller laptop for college. It makes taking your notebook to class a lot easier. I would look at 14 inches or less. You could also go on ebay and find an older ibook too.

If your college has tiny desks like mine does, I would actually recommend going down to a 12 inch screen. Wait for Dell to have a really nice coupon and pick up a 710m for about 750-800.