If she isn't going to be using it for anything remotely graphic intensive, IE high-end PC games or "video editing", etc, then you don't need to worry about upgrading to anything better than that. In fact, you could even go lower than that and still find a nice laptop that will do everything she needs to do. I'm using a 5 year old laptop right now for internet browsing and basic use, and it works great still. Basic computing tasks do not require power-house hardware, so save your money.

I am in the market for a new laptop, which I will use mostly for gaming and internet browsing. I want one that has some staying power that will be able to play games, not at ultra settings mind you, but at modest settings, for the next couple years. I have been looking at the Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q885, which I have found for $1050.This seems to be the best laptop I have found for under $1200, having a GeForce 360M and Intel i5 processor, and also a huge 18.4" display. I want a minimum 17" display, and so far I haven't come across any other laptop that seems to be a better total package. If anyone has any opinions as to a better complete laptop for under $1200, please HELP!

DHB

I've been out of computer gaming for a few years now, but with the recent release of Starcraft 2 and several other games, and also with my desktop computer extremely outdated at approaching 5 years old now, I am in the market for a desktop-replacement gaming computer. I have been browsing laptops from Gateway, HP, Dell, Asus, and Toshiba, and it seems to me like the Qosmio X505 series offers the best total package for thebest value. I see the X505 with the i5 processer runs around 11-1200, but the i7 series start around 1350-1400$. My question is, do you think the i7 series X505 laptop is worth paying the extra few hundred dollars, or will the i5 be able to handle gaming for the near future before both series become obsolete? Or also, if you think there is another laptop from another brand for around the same 1200$ price range that would out-perform the X505, with a similar very large display size? I am looking for a laptop that will have some staying-power for the next couple years, but hoping to stay under around $1300. Help anyone?

DHB