OK guys and gals, I need a new small laptop or netbook. My old and trusty IBM Thinkpad P4 needs to retire. I hate looking for a new one and I was hoping for some learned input from the forum members. I travel internationally and need something light and reliable to keep up with my store. Of course, I don't want to spend a fortune so don't suggest a Mac. The Thinkpad has never failed me on at least 4 continents but, it's got parts that are epoxied on and it doesn't have internal wifi.

So, what do you think?

We always buy from the dell outlet, most of the stuff is refurbished or scratch and dent but we've never actually seen a scratch or dent on the products, they reload everything so it's basically NEW when you get it without the NEW price tag. Here's the link
http://www.dell.com/us/en/dfh/notebooks/ct...s=dfh&cs=22

I find COSTCO and SAMS Club offer better deals.

Well I'd mention Alienware since mine is capable of everything I need but it's likely over your budget. I did buy my mother a Dell from Staples and it seems to work well for her but I can't remember the specs on it to know if it would work for running a webstore, but they are fairly cheap.

Troll the major stores - then search for a deal online on the specs you like. Aside from Apple's stuff - much of the guts of most laptops (within the same class) are normally interchangable, or even the same stuff (rebranded). There are so many options that are inexpensive.

You can even print the online prices and get the deal locally - many retailers will match the price if the specs are very close.

You can't beat a Thinkpad - I've had one since they first came out with color screens (had a B&W one at work).

I picked up one from the lenovo outlet (online), Core2 Duo 2.2GHz, 1G RAM, 160HD, BT, yada, yada, yada for $650 (T61) just last year. I don't think I'd buy anything other than a Thinkpad T series (I know how to use a computer, I don't need a Mac - LOL).

They usually have refurbs (what I bought - came with a 3yr warranty) and "new never shipped":

http://outlet.lenovo.com/laptops.html

When you say "Small" do you mean a lightweight Notebook 15" or better with full computing capabilities, CD/DVD drive all the programs you would ever want installed (MS Office, QB's, Photo Editing, Go to my PC software etc) or a real simple Netbook (MiniPC) to get you access to the net while traveling?

Mini PC's (Under 10" screens) are great for commuting and traveling but they do have limitations. Make sure that the WiFi cards installed in the Netbook are compatible with foreign WiFi technology to where you are traveling. Also, memory is limited and you won't have a CD/DVD drive so you need to work from a "Thumb Drive" or Memory stick. You may need to upgrade your eyeglass prescription for long viewing periods and you really can't put all your favorite programs on it unless you like working at load speeds of the Commodore 64.

But, if all you need is to slip something into a backpack while traveling and keep connected when you need to and send email then you might consider a Mini PC. Some or most come with WiFi built in, Windows XP or above, Skype etc. The average Memory is 1GB and Hard drives in the 160 GB or better ranges are normal. Webcams are a nice feature and they usually come with outlook express installed.

You'll also want a 10/100 Ethernet outlet and 802.11b.g wireless (not sure about foreign technology although I would assume that the tech is standard).

Mini PC's average about $275-350. Make sure that the one you get has good battery capacity. 6 Cell is standard for longer running times.

Thanks for all the info. I'm leaning toward an Acer 4810 with it's 8hr battery. Now the problem is which OS. I love XP pro and hate Vista. What's Win 7 going to be like?

Sounds like you did your research on the Acer. I too, like XP and wonder why they tried to fix something that wasn't broke.
The biggest mistake I ever made besides getting a computer with Vista was selling my 1969 Corvette Convertible for the downstroke on my first house. Sold the house for $1500 more than what I paid for it and by time the deal closed I was in the hole for a few grand.

Should have slept in the car.... Vista will be known as MS's folly. Time will tell on 7

All signs point to 7 being stable and smooth. Many of the Windows critics are saying great things about 7. My copy just arrived today - will install tomorrow.

Ran the release candidate for a while and really liked it.

I too like XP and only ran Vista for about 4 minutes before reinstalling XP.

I didn't think I'd like Vista but I've used Vista Ultimate on my notebook and my PC and both run very well. I've only had minor issues which were easily fixed except for one - I can't get Windows Live Messenger to connect on my notebook but oh well.