I'm looking for a desktop replacement and I don't care for portability since I have a HP-Mini. How do I get details about build/hinge quality? I've read some reviews on Amazon and haven't seen anyone complain about build quality or screen resolution.
If you don't care about portability then get a desktop. Desktops are cheaper & easier to build, you can customize the system much more and get precisely what you need far more easily. There's absolutely no reason to get a laptop unless you're wanting portability/mobility. Get a desktop and you can probably drop your monetary requirements by a third, at least. For the full $800, you can easily get a very respectable system.
Here's an example:
MoBo: Asus M5A78L-M LX Plus
CPU: AMD FX-4100 AM3+ 3.6 GHz Quad Core
RAM: 8 GB 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3 (w/ copper heatspreader)
HDD: 1 TB Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM SATA 3GB/s
OPT: Blue-Ray Reader/DVD+-RW Writer Combo
MON: Acer X183HBB 18.5" widescreen monitor
basic Windows PS/2 keyboard & mouse (PS/2 connection is better in this case)
standard stereo speakers
subtotal: ~$540 USD ($538.85)
Note how everything in it is better than the laptop you'd mentioned. If you want a wireless card, throw one in for $15-30. Under budget and still a decent system. Laptops are ALWAYS more expensive than comparable desktops. The ONLY reason to get a laptop is portability/mobility.
A good place to start: http://www.pricewatch.com/ (http://www.pricewatch.com/)
If you don't care about portability then get a desktop. Desktops are cheaper & easier to build, you can customize the system much more and get precisely what you need far more easily. There's absolutely no reason to get a laptop unless you're wanting portability/mobility. Get a desktop and you can probably drop your monetary requirements by a third, at least. For the full $800, you can easily get a very respectable system.
Here's an example:
MoBo: Asus M5A78L-M LX Plus
CPU: AMD FX-4100 AM3+ 3.6 GHz Quad Core
RAM: 8 GB 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3 (w/ copper heatspreader)
HDD: 1 TB Seagate Barracuda 7200 RPM SATA 3GB/s
OPT: Blue-Ray Reader/DVD+-RW Writer Combo
MON: Acer X183HBB 18.5" widescreen monitor
basic Windows PS/2 keyboard & mouse (PS/2 connection is better in this case)
standard stereo speakers
subtotal: ~$540 USD ($538.85)
Wow with this I get to save a little over $200. I think I'm gonna ditch the laptop and go for this. Since I've never assembled a PC before so this might take a while.