Copperhead here...
I looked around for prices on those new, and they are nearly twice my pricerange for a new one, and they seem to be a pain in the ass to get.
Also, Kyle, what's so bad about HP/Compaq? I know that Compaq has had a not so great history, but from my experiance, HP has always been rock solid. Compaq's are now basically the same thing.
I appreciate the info on the EMachines. I'll keep it in mind if that's all that I can afford.
I've looked at the HP's, and so far I like them. Alienware's are far too expensive, otherwise I would be going for that. I can't stand anything made by sony, so no Vaio's for me. A Dell would be acceptable, but comparable notebooks cost more than the HP's. Gateway doesn't seem to offer much at all. I can't think of any other worthwhile brands to look at.
thanks for the help.
Oh, and Smurf, I'm sorry, but I'm looking for something new with a warrenty. Thanks anyways.