Centrino means that the major components (CPU, networking) have very good power management, and can slow themselves down when not being heavily used to save power.  This extends battery life significantly if you're doing things like browsing the web, where you may spend 30-60 seconds reading a page you downloaded before clicking something again.  The downside is that Centrino machines aren't quite as fast compared to the standard Mobile Pentium systems, which have much shorter battery life due to higher power draw.

The truth is, though, for general office use, any new laptop will have a fast enough CPU.  The things that cost money are:

- Larger and higher-quality screens (#1 factor in laptop cost).
- Video performance.  3D performance lags quite a bit behind desktops, and still costs a lot.
- Memory and Hard Drive size.

Last, no matter what, pay for at least a 3-year warranty FROM THE MANUFACTURER (no 3rd-Party warranties).  A laptop should only be expected to last 3 years before it is effectively obsolete, but it is VERY common to have hardware failures of various types between 1 and 3 years.  Laptops are EXPENSIVE to fix, but are subject to a lot of abuse because of their mobile nature.  This is one of the few times that an extended warranty is worth the money.  Just remember that it won't cover end-user damage.  I explain to everyone that their laptop is a $200 computer attached to a thin, fragile $2000 piece of glass, and they should treat it as such.

-Troy

Put your hands on the one you want to buy as the fit of the keyboard and mouse device is very personal and unlike a desktop you can't get a different keyboard for $19 but you can add an external.

OK, I need to know:  What is the least expensive decent laptop?

I'm thinking about getting an E-Machines laptop just to do email and surf a little bit while overseas.  I don't know if US Army overseas facilities do WiFi or not.  Or, if I can get packages at an APO address?

considering you are in AUS i would look into which company in your area has the best service. Some areas in your country may not have service or very limited depending on the brand. Some have 48hrs turn around for mail in service others next day onsite repair. Do a little research and find out what their ACTUAL repair time is vs what they sell you.

I work for IBM and while i am a little biased Their laptops are top notch and some of the best out there.

I will say this once... DO NOT BUY A DELL. we will leave it at that as most here know my feelings about them from the service side.

Whatever you buy GET THE FACTORY EXTENDED WARRANTY!! read this part twice!!
laptops are prone to abuse and most are NOT designed to take it. Get a warranty length equal to the legth you intend to own the laptop. 3 years is a good length. by then most are so obsolete as to be paperweights, or completely worn out. keep in mind the exteded warranties do not cover damage and abuse in most circumstances.

Shop around. But consider your hardware service provider to be one of your TOP issues. Eventually you WILL use them with a laptop.

mike

Quoted: OK, I need to know:  What is the least expensive decent laptop? I'm thinking about getting an E-Machines laptop just to do email and surf a little bit while overseas.  I don't know if US Army overseas facilities do WiFi or not.  Or, if I can get packages at an APO address?

before you buy a laptop call me. im me for my number