Laptops

[cookderosa]

I've been thinking about getting a couple of laptops for my family (primarily my older daughter & son) to use as tools to study InstantCert flashcards on, glean information from this site, look up stuff on wickapedia, other flashcard sites, ect. to study for CLEP exams on. Don't really want to shell out $6 - 700.00 or more per laptop but suppose if absolutely necessary I could if one was bought at seperate times. I've looked at the Dell Specials site, Dell refurbushed site, & several other places such as e-bay but not really sure what we need. Doesn't need to be Dell that is just what I've looked at mostly. I've thought of perhaps even what one might call used cheap "throwaway" units that are close to obsolete but still useful but would be replaced every couple of years for a couple of hundred each (is all that wishful thinking??). Basically not needing top of the line big $$ units but sure don't want to get non-functional junk that are so frusteratingly slow these guys can't learn on. Would like to get something nice for their sakes but functionality is most important. Any suggestions?

We have Dell and are pleased for the most part. You can pull up an issue of Consumer Reports for an idea of "minimums" you want in all the various categories (if your not computer savvy- I'm not) and you just click and order what you want. It's priced a la carte, couldn't be easier.