absolute minimal simplest notbook/laptop for travel needed

Hi
Wats the absolute minimum/cheapest portable computer i can get my hands on for use when travelling abroad?
Would want it just for wireless internet connection, basic msn chat, and occasional web browsing.
Nothing else required.
No fancy graphics, even utube standard, not necesary.
thanks
Answer #1
Well it sounds like you should pick up a netbook. You can get em for around $300 and theyre all fairly similar.
Answer #2
netbook.. ok cool…
so a second hand netbook woudl be even cheaper i guess.
Answer #3
why second hand ?
Grab a new netbook from shop .
Install linux and it work like a charm !
Answer #4
why second hand???
tight budget lol
i need it for travel.. dunno if id need an ‘aircard’ also..
trying to keep the price down
thanks for the linux tip.. i guess its even leaner than xp
Answer #5
You can probably get something with 2-4GB of flash memory that runs WinCE on an ARM processor for less than $100.
Answer #6
not sure what all that means.. but i like the price!
lol
Answer #7
http://www.crispdeals.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=700NB&click=3344%20&gdftrk=gdfV21146_a_7c364_a_7c1155_a_7c700NB
Answer #8
cool… ive only found bad reviews for them thus far tho on the whole..
but definately worth considering.
Answer #9
Might be better of getting an Android tablet. Have a look on ebay, you can pick them up new for under �100. You can get MSN for it, Opera, Firefox now aswell so meets the requirements your after. And they easily connect to WIFI.
Answer #10
do you need it soon? google chrome netbooks are due out before the end of the year, and they would be perfect for what you need. might want to wait…
Answer #11
What about this?
http://www.esaleschina.com/cheap-android-tablet-pc-8-inch-touch-screen-apad-3g-2289.htm
Answer #12
i’ll probably go for a netbook..
they have keyboards.
And i havnt heard enough feedback about androids so im a bit dubious.
Thing is, should i get a new netbook, or a seconmd hand refurbished one…
I’m still looking around.. see what i can come up with.
I need it rel;atively soon yes.
I’m in uk by the way, so any ads in usa are not much help for me.
Thanks
Answer #13
Go with this one:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/186600
�241.98 with free delivery,Amazing battery life!
Just install XP on it and it’ll run pretty smooth.
Better get yourself a usb mini optical mouse too.
Answer #14
wow.. that is a kick ass battery life…
about 100 pounds over my budget tho..
Answer #15
Well you got these for �200:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/193039
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/201171
Your not gonna find it any cheaper (new at least)
The first one has a bigger HDD (250 vs 160)
and a slightly bigger monitor (10.2″ vs 10″)
but it’s made by a semi known company
that doesn’t even provide support for it
on their website so if you may run into
problems if choosing to downgrade to XP.
If i were you I’d find a way to raise some more money
and get that HP one,Surely you could find one for cheap
on ebay,But you might get scammed and even if it all
goes well you wouldn’t have warranty so all-in-all
it’d be best to get a new one.
Answer #16
thanks..
true..
although..regarding the 250 pounds option you first sent, i read on a review that it lacks decent wifi or 3g support or something
what i do knwo is, i need one that reliably connects to the web in some out of the way places.
as is the norm with gadets, its very very hard to find one that has all the features you need built into one model.
i just missed these babies..
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=1500002451&productId=1500866327
out of stock now… now that seems a good price.. shame
Answer #17
Where did you read that review? It certainly wasn’t on ebuyer
as i don’t see any review saying that.
Answer #18
hmm.. not sure now…its said ‘cons: lack of decent wifi and 3g’
but i dont know..just what i read.
If i had the cash, i’d consider it…
I think im going to have to go back to extremem basics..
a netbook running windows ce (i only want if for checking mails, and chating, adn occasional websurfing) …. problem is…. all the reviews if hear say that the wifi on them is very poor…
cant seem to win
I’ll probly just end up using the fone to call people instead lol
much appreciate all ure help guys
Answer #19
Can’t you just sell something of value? Something that you don’t need
or maybe work some extra hours?
Answer #20
hmmm
my budget is tight as it is…
So the windows ce netbooks are notoriously bad?