Looking for a laptop.

Works is a crappy, dumbed down version of Microsoft Word. If you can afford it, get Microsoft Office. You won't regret it. If you can't afford it, check out OpenOffice.org. It's a free alternative to Microsoft Office.

btw, is Open Office compatible with Microsoft Office? Cos I believe most people would be using Microsoft Office and I wouldn't want to have a problem when opening these files with different softwares.

[Moderator]

Yes.
Completely compatible...

okay, then that's one part where I can save my money and maybe spend it on hardwares. So are there anyone else with any other recommendation for a laptop?

 Refer to the first post for some descriptions on what I'm looking for.

Flazzard, what kind of budget are you working with? 

Flazzard, what kind of budget are you working with? 

Uhmm..About $800. I'm not looking for a super gaming computer or stuff like that. I just want it for my mainly for my assignments, listening to music, and maybe watching videos. For the gaming part, I'm not aiming to get a laptop which can support high end games, cos those are definitely out of my budget. I just want the laptop to at least be able to produce decent graphics for gaming.

I would recommend a Dell, they have good service and support.  They also put together a fairly reliable laptop.

I've seen Dell and I think if I'm going for Dell, I'll be taking the Studio 15. Just that I know there are many other brands in USA, compared to my country Malaysia. So I was wondering if there are other brands which many also find quite good.

I have absolutely no idea what brands may be available in your locale.  Or for that matter what the duties on imported items may be.  I would suggest checking locally to determine that.

nono..I'm planning to buy the laptop in USA, not Malaysia.

For $800 ?
If  you can wait until after the first of next year.
Buy almost anything and have money left over.
Prices are falling like hailstones.

well, I think I would be able to as I am only flying to USA after the first week of January. Why? Is there some sort of computer fair going on there then?

No, it's just that after all the christmas spending the manufacturers usually reduce the prices to encourage people to spend more money.

ah..i see. Then this is one good news for me. If just say a laptop which costs around $724 now, roughly, around how much would it be after christmas?

I really couldn't say.  My crystal ball seems to be defective today.   

haha..should I help polish your crystal ball to make it clearer for you? lol

Anyway, Quantos, thanks for the info about the after Christmas pricing.