RossMAN

Windows laptops still give you more bang for your buck assuming you buy a quality Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude. My fully loaded Dell Latitude D630 for $1,100 including 3 year warranty is faster than the average Apple laptop. Is it better? That's a matter of personal preference. When Apple stops charging a premium for their brand name and "hip" lifestyle I'll definitely buy a MacBook laptop. Until then I'm a Lenovo/Dell kinda guy :)

Compaq Presario without a doubt. Every manufacturer has a small minority of angry customers. Sony VAIO laptops consistently receives poor ratings for reliability and support according to numerous reviews I've read and Consumer Reports. I would never buy a Sony VAIO laptop. Unless you're going to pay more for an Apple MacBook, IBM/Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude you aren't likely to get a perfect problem free PC. It just doesn't work that way. If you do buy a laptop remember to pay for it with a credit card which usually offers free 1 year extended warranty. That will give you a total of 2 years warranty coverage for free :)

Both laptops come with WiFi cards built-in, so a wireless card is not necessary. Sony VAIO: Compaq Presario: 2GB RAM is recommended but not required. You can free up some RAM by decrapifying the laptop or better yet, reformat and re-install Windows Vista without all the extra bloatware, trial software, spyware, and other junk.

I saw the Garmin nuvi 260 on sale for $199 in select cities. What city do you live in?

Agreed. My Dell Latitude D630 runs Windows Vista Bitness just fine with 1.5GB RAM. If I ever get around to removing the keyboard I'll pop out the 512MB and replace it with 1GB.

You're right, the information is very spread out. I would recommend signing up for the Daily Deal Update. Have you considered a Dell Inspiron or Vostro laptop?

BetterCreditCard.com

I think the better brands will cost you around $600-800. Have you considered getting a second hand elliptical? I would search Craigslist (select a local city on the right) and a local sports store. Sears usually offers 10% off if you pay with their credit card, that's a savings of $50 on a $500 purchase.

No phone numbers or e-mail addresses but it usually helps to contact key executives and here are some names: http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/people/people.asp?symbol=WMT http://www.walmartstores.com/GlobalWMStoresWeb/navigate.do?catg=540 http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=WMT

I think Brad is considering this. It won't really be useful until the majority of the ads have been leaked. The phone number is 415-287-3325

Congrats Mods and excellent choices :) Holla

Perfect timing. I know someone who needs a wireless router.

Is getting in line at BB on Halloween too late?

Here's a great deal but it's ONE DAY ONLY http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?t=78861

It's a great deal, fast, no rebate hassles or waiting 12 hours in line! BUY IT!!!

Ruth, That is a great deal and I would keep it. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8413139&st=mt6711&type=product&id=1181347936925 Most budget laptops come with slow Celeron processors, 512MB RAM, no DVD Burner and Vista Basic instead of Vista Home Premium. $499 with no rebates is HOT!

These coupon books are awesome and pay for themselves with one or two uses. There's a lot more than food, such as Radio Shack B&M coupon for $10 off $40.

Dear friends, I have decided to devote my time and energies into other ventures as well as spend more quality time with my family. As such, I am stepping down as co-owner/admin on GottaDeal. Effective immediately Brad is the sole owner of GottaDeal.com I have greatly enjoyed my time here since Brad and I co-founded the site in January 2004. I may be around occasionally and wish you all the best. If you wish to contact me I can be reached on Skype (username: RossyRoss) or via e-mail at [email protected] Sincerely, RossMAN

Without reading a single post (except for Scott's) CostCo is the answer. :)

I totally agree. I saw the HLS-5087W last weekend at CC and it was just beautiful. I still think the Sony SXRD has slightly better PQ but DLP is tried and true.

$519.99 AR http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/productDetail.do?oid=168689

Nope, the Samsung DLP is definitely better although I would upgrade to the Samsung HLS-5087W which is 1080p.

Moved to Deal Discussion forum.

You're welcome and I second USC Becca's recommendation to read the GottaDeal FAQ forum. Thread closed.

I think you'll fit right in