Help finding a good laptop <$600

Anyone know of any good deals right now? Any brand to stay away from?

I just want something that's fast, has good wireless range, a nice high res bright screen. This will not be used for gaming...that's what my desktop is for. Just internet, watching movies occasionally.

Are refurbished ones ok to trust?

How's this?
http://www.buy.com/retail/product. [...] 70#cRevSec

or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6834115472

Should I look for an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD x2?

I'm thinking 2gig RAM minimum?

TIA

The Intel Core2's are faster, but for general purpose stuff, either will do fine. The Turion X2's will tend to be cheaper. 2gb of RAM seems to be the sweet spot, especially with Vista.

As far as refurbs go, I've used refurb desktops from Dell and they've been ok, but not sure if I would trust the more fragile laptops.

Cool. I'll take note. Thanks

i also want a laptop under $600 with the following specs

1) What is your budget?
$600

2) What size notebook would you prefer?

b. Thin and Light; 13" - 14" screen
c. Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen

any of above

3) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in.
Pakistan

4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
1.HP
2.Dell
3.Any

5) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
1.Multimedia
2.Internet
3. Microsoft Office

6) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Leave on Desk mostly
But it can move occasionally

7) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
No Games

8) How many hours of battery life do you need?
3+

9) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Online

10) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Visa, Any


11) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
Widescreen

12) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?


Widescreen

d. WXGA or WXGA+ - 1280x768/800 or 1440x900; Wider viewing version of XGA, good for movie viewing or spreadsheets.


13) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Non Glossy

Build Quality and Design

14) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
NO

15) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
2 yrs

Notebook Components

16) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 500GB?
at least 160gb
250 gb would be great

17) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a CDRW/DVD-ROM, DVD Burner or Blu-Ray drive?
DVD-Burner

I am leaning towards AMD Turion 64 x2 processor powered laptops because they tend to be cheaper and i have a tight budget.
I have a relative in New York who can buy it from there and send me as there aren't all the range of laptops available in Pakistan
Thnx