>Hi Everybody,
>
>I want to buy a notebook, but I have no experience in notebooks. Good brands like Compaq, DELL, and Toshiba are expensive. On the other hand, no name notebooks have higher configurations (I can even choose whatever I want on them as well), and they are really cheap. What is your idea about brand?
>
>Since this is my first time, I really appreciate any thoughts and recommendations that you might have.
>
>Thank you,
>Ali

You can get Dell and IBM refurbs for about 15% less than new, and they generally have the same warranty as new ones.

Check e-bay for IBM's that are 'new returns' meaning they were bought from IBM direct and the person returned it withing 30 days. Here is one direct from IBM...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3424473799&category=31554

There are also dealers selling them.

When you come down to it, and extra $500 or so $ is worth it for a solid, maching that performs when you need it.