So I'm looking to buy a used laptop, need help

[LeftyMom]

We're getting a new desktop and giving the old one to a family member, since we really don't have room for two in the living room. We're thinking about getting a laptop, so that LeftyKid can use it for his games (LD has decided that the new computer is off limits to rugrats, as is my work computer) and we'll have a mobile option so I can take notes at meetings and we can still use the internet if we need to while traveling. Above all it needs to be sturdy, and we don't want to spend more than $500, closer to three would be ideal.

So here's where I need advice- I'm thinking about an older iBook but LD would prefer to stick with windows. What do you think would be best for this situation?

Users:
1. LeftyKid, almost four, plays educational and third person strategy games. He knows to be gentle with the computer and uses it better than most kids twice his age.
2. LeftyMom, might use the computer for word processing and internet access from time to time.
3. LeftyDad, might use the computer for internet access or older computer games while traveling. Use would be minimal to nonexistant.

I didn't post to the computer group because I figured I'd get more responses here. Mods, feel free to move this to the computer group if you like. :)

[autorank]

1. IBM Series R.

If you're going into the secondary market, IBM is about it. Dell and the others have bad reps for new machines. Can't imagine what they're like used. I'm a former iBook user/Mac user since 1984. I switched to IBM laptop two years ago (X.31, light weight, no internal CD drive.). They are great. My LeftyKid has an R series with a 15" screen and built in CD, about 6lbs altogether). It's great. I'm never going back to Apple and won't look at anything else. Good luck.

[4morewars]

2. look at this:

http://www.store.yahoo.com/glob2000/ibmthr31no1p.html

More here:

http://www.pricewatch.com/

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. I got a great deal

on a laptop on ebay. I think it's worth checking out.

[LeftyMom]

4. any advice from the late shift?

[secular_warrior]

5. My advice: do NOT buy a used laptop.

Desktops are easy to fix and replace parts. They are not proprietary - the parts from one are usually compatible with others. You can walk into CompUSA and get parts.

Laptops are the opposite. If a part goes, you usually have to get it from the manufacturer, it's expensive, and expensive to have it fixed (because it's not really impossible to fix it yourself). If a major component like the screen dies on you, you'd wind up with a paperweight.

This is why with laptops it's better to buy NEW only. These days you can snag a brand new budget PC laptop for about $700. I've seen them advertised for less, in fact - saw a Compaq for $599 at Circuit City (after rebates). Buy brand name - remember, you are relying on the manufacturer's warranty in case something goes wrong.

And along the same lines, I would go with a PC laptop (as opposed to Mac based) because it is cheaper and more common, and operates with much more software. The Mac might work better, but for a budget laptop, a PC makes more economic sense.