Need to help the parental units find a good laptop!

[yajaboat]

I'm having enough trouble with my own computer and now they're asking for my advice on what kind of laptop to get ... ha ! That's where you all come in ... what's the good word on these critters?
I know they'll need these minimum requirements:
128mg RAM
CD-rom drive
(or would a dvd drive be better?) you can run CDroms on a dvd drive can't
you?
3 1/2 floppy drive
decent Sound & graphics cards
56k data/fax/voice modem
Decent size screen (they're in their 60's ya know)
Hmm, what else .. oh yea, I'd like to get the old man into playing some games, so a game port would be helpful as well as usb ports too
and oh, Win98SE
I think that's about it(?)
In advance, I appreciate any and all recommendations!

[bassvax]

I hear a lot of good things about IBM Thinkpads, Dell Inspirons and even some Toshibas. Take into consideration battery options, warranty, service and support as well. Heard that sometimes homeowners insurance is a better deal than paying for additional warranty. Display is prob the most critical though...stay away from HPA and stick to Active matrix. Upgrade capabilities may be a consideration as well. On the topic...it doesn't seem like we get too many laptop tech-types in this forum...maybe you could become our resident expert Ciao!

------------------
Jerry

[BigBlue66]

Hey yeah, what Bassvax said. Considering what my company usually buys, and the fact that I never hear any complaints, my first choice would be the IBM Thinkpad followed by Toshiba. I have no personal or otherwise experience with Dell's laptops or notebooks, but they are a good company and should be, IMHO, up there in the top three to five choices.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66

[BigBlue66]

Hey, I just ran across a little blurb from Consumer Reports that recommends either of these laptops as rated excellent overall.

IBM ThinkPad i1480 ($2,099)

Sony Vaio PCG-F360 ($2,399)

Happy shopping!

Cheers,

BB 66