I would stay away from the celeron processors if at all possible it is the bottom of the line for intel.

If it is running windows 7 64 bit then it also means it is a 64 bit processor or you would not be able to run that version of windows and yes that version of 7 is fine.

I have to agree, you would want a minimum of some type of Core 2 Duo (dual processor) be it Intel or AMD

Thanks, but I'm trying to get in under $500.

My current Gateway Notebook which has a booting/shut-down problem, is running a Celeron. I think the current problem is HDD related or a virus. That's why I'm looking at a new Notebook. I don't think the old Gateway is worth installing a new HDD an going through all the work of rebuilding my environment... might as well go all the way to a new machine if I have to invest that much re-build effort.

I purchased a Netbook with an Atom processor with W7 Starter (thanks for the help from this forum last February). This must be a reduced capacity CUP, and it seems fine for my wife's mobile needs. So I wonder if a (full) Celeron isn't sufficient for me (much the same as my wife's needs. I must be much more than a Atom in power. Or is it a reliability problem? Yet, I didn't want to be "stuck" with a 32 bit hardware architecture in a new notebook.

It's not reliability.

It's a cheap processor, low end, clunky, slow, can't do arithmetic that fast. Does not have a lot of memory (L1 Cache) so it forgets and has to run to ram all the way around the block to get the next instruction to be executed = slow...

I would not want that for the heart of the computer and it's why we say avoid it if you're able to.

It may meet your needs. What ever you're willing to put up with.

There are shortcuts you can take to reduce price, but the processor is not one I would take. Keep shopping; I'm sure you can find a good laptop and stay under $500.

Ok, I see for $500 at Walmart a Satellite T135 (there seems to me lots of subcategories in this model, I didn't get all the model information yet - it may not even be on the display tag). I believe it has a AMD Turion Neo X2 Dual Core CPU. This sounds like it may be more up to "speed". All help welcome.

Ok, I see for $500 at Walmart a Satellite T135 (there seems to me lots of subcategories in this model, I didn't get all the model information yet - it may not even be on the display tag). I believe it has a AMD Turion Neo X2 Dual Core CPU. This sounds like it may be more up to "speed". All help welcome. I looked on the Walmart Web site, it is a T135D - S1325RD and seems to be superior to the subject Toshiba... I always thought the Satelitte was the low end for Toshiba. The only problem I have with the Walmart machine is it is Red. Are men allowed to own a Red notebook?

Acer - Aspire Laptop with AMD Athlon Single-Core Processor

take a look at that one, it is the one I bought my husband and it is an excellent laptop and has a good AMD processor in it, it is a single core but still a much better processor than a celeron and below your price point.

Thanks, the Netbook we purchased last February is an Acer. they seem to be of a good quality in general.

I looked further at the Toshiba Satellite T135 and see where the "corner" was cut, no DVD/CD drive. But it is an ultra-light with a 13.3" screen, which is something attractive to me. I don't watch movies nor do I often read/write CDs and DVDs. Sill I think I need one and would have to purchase an USB connected DVD.

Is there a reason you are limiting your search to Toshibas? I know they have a good reputation for their laptops, but there are other ones very good and dependable also which should be in your price range. I have a 14" HP, and for my hands the keyboard is OK, but I would think it might seem cramped for a man's hands. It does have a removable DVD drive, which I have yet to use, but I would want that. Take a look at some of their 15.6" Pavilion models. They are coming out in May/June with some new styles, so you might get a good deal on one of the present ones. Just a thought.

Grandms,

I have at least owned one Toshiba a Tecra. I've also owned a number of other laptops (big ones) and notebooks, some small, made by AT&T, Compaq, IBM, HP, Gateway and briefly Acer...now also have an Acer netbook.

When I look for something in a lower price band I usually come up with Acer and Toshiba for some reason. The Acer "ravencajun" suggested looks interesting, and is even less expensive than what I have been eying. I don't think it is 64 bit, however. Seems to me one should get a 64 bit architecture buying at this time, and I'm also told "dual core"... I don't know if that goes with 64 bit, I mean one has to have 64 bit to operate a dual core.

For some reason the Gateway notebook I am currently using is working... but I think it has a problem that will take it out again at some unpleasant moment.

yes it is a 64 bit, I have had it since Christmas and it is an excellent laptop. Has windows 7 64 bit OS
all the specs are listed on the link I provided

# AMD Athlon single-core processor TF-20* with 64-bit platform
667MHz system bus with Cool'n'Quiet and HyperTransport technologies and Enhanced Virus Protection** for Windows.
# AMD64 technology
Provides simultaneous support for 32-bit and 64-bit computing, including today's 32-bit applications and tomorrow's 64-bit software.
Windows 7 Home Premium preloaded
We have not missed not being dual core at all it is extremely fast and has handled everything so far the AMD athlon is a very robust processor.

Jerry; If you are not in an absolute rush, think about buying online from TigerDirect.com or Newegg.com. Both very reputable companies. They each have excellent selections of notebooks/laptops for under $500. Some are refurbished (which could mean it was ordered and returned because someone didnt like something or decided they didnt want it after all)Nothing wrong with them and are still under warranty too. Good selection of dual core both Toshiba, Acer and other brands too. I beleive the shipping is around $15

Thanks all, I have ordered from both TigerDirect (mostly in my days of build your own from motherboard up) and Newegg. They have always delivered on component parts, may have even purchased some systems).

I don't travel much anymore, still I like the idea of downsizing to no more than a 14" screen... the 13.3 looks attractive too. Then when at home, I use a Samsung SyncMaster LCD and full keyboard.

My driving reason for looking continues. I am still using the troubled Gateway - subject of another post that I haven't visited lately - and last night when I shut down I first noticed I couldn't access my "Maxtor USB HDD" to do a data backup, I gave the shut down command anyway. The computer again hung up, but rather than force a manual power down I went to bed. This morning when I got to the Computer it had shut down. I hit the power button and it started what looked like a normal boot then hung with the (light) "blue screen of death". I decided to just ignore and go about some other work, but did put the Gateway recovery CD in the bay. I noticed the CD indicator come of briefly, but nothing more happened. Then, perhaps 3 to 5 minutes later, the computer booted.. and I am now using. Does this behavior suggest other than hardware problems? I had concluded the computer has an intermittent problem with the the internal HDD.

Sorry for changing the direction of this thread, but it all hangs together in my mind.