Computers

I think we have decided that we like having two computers next to each other in our upstairs office. We are now talking about getting the cheapest possible laptop computer to use downstairs, on the patio, bathroom, kitchen, etc. just for web browsing. It doesn't have to have a fast processor or huge amounts of memory, because we are not going to use it for anything else other than browsing the internet. So far the cheapest new one I can find is about $800 for a Compaq Presario. I will check out used prices, but I feel a little nervous about a used laptop. They are much more delicate than a desktop, and the parts for a laptop are all proprietary, which means if something breaks I can't go to the local Best Buy to get a replacement part. Most of the parts are custom made for that laptop. We will probably make it a Christmas present for us. We still might experiment with the $200 Linux computer from Wal-Mart though. I have an old monitor, but I don't have a cable for it. Every monitor I have ever seen has the cable permanently attached to it. I have the one monitor in the world with a detachable cable, and I can't find it. I don't even know if it is a standard part I can buy, or if it was proprietary. Once I get a cable for it and confirm that it works, I will snatch up the $200 PC in a heartbeat.