My current HP laptop is on the fritz, so I need to start researching computers for my next one.* I am a grad student, so I mostly use my computer for word processing, powerpoint presentations, email, internet research, and online shopping (while procrastinating, of course!). I need either a good laptop that I can use all the time and isn't too heavy to carry around, or I am considering getting a cheap desktop and a netbook, since I find regular laptops so cumbersome to carry around that I basically use my current laptop as a desktop.

I am hoping to spend under $1000. If I go with just a laptop, I am thinking about a Dell. Thoughts? And as for netbooks, are they any good? Does anyone have recommendations for me?

* I am specifically asking for PC recommendations. I am comfortable using Macs at work and school, but I have no interest in buying one for my personal use. Please refrain from any "just get a Mac" posts, as I am not interested and that is not helpful. Thank you!

Don't go with a netbook. If you're looking for super portable, look at Ultrabooks. They're much more robust, yet about the same weight and size.
If you do go with Dell, I'd recommend a Vostro. Typically, their offerings for business are better built than their consumer offerings (ie the Inspiron)
I got my son a Acer, Intel i5 proc, 17" screen...pretty solid machine for $400 (after $50 rebate) from Compusa.
I really don't think you need to spend 1K to get a solid laptop...unless you're doing heavy graphics/gaming. Doesn't seem like you're doing either.

I have a Toshiba Protege R835. Though not super light, it's light enough for me to carry back and forth to my volunteer work and has enough connection ports so I can hook up to an overhead projector, which was vital for me.

Plus it has a DVD drive, which I know for some is not important but I find very handy to have.

It seems like my model is already outdated the but next generation has the same if not better features. Looks like a solid set of specs will still configure one for under $1000:

http://us.toshiba.com/computers/laptops/portege/R930

Thank you both for the advice. I actually hadn't heard of ultrabooks so I'm looking into those options first.

favoritethings, I'm glad your Toshiba is working out for you, but I have been scared off from that brand for laptops. My mom, sister, and DH all had Toshiba laptops that burned out within 1 1/2 years of buying them.

Originally Posted by renza

Thank you both for the advice. I actually hadn't heard of ultrabooks so I'm looking into those options first. favoritethings, I'm glad your Toshiba is working out for you, but I have been scared off from that brand for laptops. My mom, sister, and DH all had Toshiba laptops that burned out within 1 1/2 years of buying them.

Ack! I hope that won't happen to me...purchased in October 2011.

i too would stay away from netbooks. go with toshiba or asus if you can afford alienware thats my third choice. asus can go pretty cheap and are good quality machines choose the premium/premier designed ones to give you a more robust feel. you may consider also amd processors instead of intel you could save a couple hundreds with amd just study processor equivalents for whats current with intel-i7, a core 2 duo will serve you just fine. dells are good but for servicing and if it breaks they can be a pain to recover or fix and some of their machines can be heavy still, but maybe they've addressed that part with all the new designs they've been coming out with.

for desktops check out aopen and if you know someone who can assemble one for you or a technician willing to help even for a small premium, assembling can go quite cheap.