2650 Dell

The 2650 Dell Inspiron computer is an ideal midrange laptop that will appeal to home users as well as to part-time gamers. The 2650 Dell Inspiron comes with 30 GB of hard drive space--pretty good for a standard laptop. You can choose from a number of optical drives or just get a regular CD ROM. The machine also comes with a V.92 fax modem, which can come in handy if you need to use the Inspiron 2650 for online business.

The 2650 is structured well. The notebook can sustain general use and abuse, but it doesn't hold a handle to IBM's tank-like notebooks in the same class. You get Intel Pentium IV processing power and an onboard DDR memory component, both of which contribute to fast loading. The included Windows Office XP Home operating system functions just fine, particularly for Word and internet applications.

The laptop is protected by plastic. (Ideally, such a small sized computer should be protected by some kind of titanium or magnesium alloy, but the 2650 has stood up well under field tests.) If you need a high-resolution computer, make sure to specify the 14.1 inch XGA panel--the 15 inch SXGA panel, which provides 1400 by 1050 pixels, costs a lot more and doesn't offer that much more workspace.

The 2650 Dell Inspiron laptop comes standard with a one year warranty. You can make toll-free service calls and get responsive customer help during the period of the warranty. Upgrading to three-year coverage costs about $250 more. Given that the 2650 laptop is pretty cheap as is, you might want to take your chances and pay for expensive technical support if/when you need it.