Laptop-Toshiba or Gateway?

I own 2 Gateway PC's. Perfectly satisfied with both. Now I want a laptop. I don't need a lot of software for it as it will mainly be used for internet, email, watching DVD's when traveling.
I have been skimming this board and haven't seen too much on Gateway.
I am looking at the Toshiba Satellite Notebook PC with Intel Centrino Mobile Tech Pentium M Processer 1.6 GHz (M35-XS329. At Circuit City it is 1299.00 - 300 in rebates. If I want the 4 year protection, that's 359.00 more......plus tax.

The Gateway I was looking at is thin and lightweight M320. $699 after rebates and one yr. protection. Plus shipping and tax.

Both have 512 RAM.

I've never even handled a laptop so I prefer a user friendly one with good battery power, which both of these boast.

Any thoughts or suggestions please??
Thanks,
Brenda

 

I hate to completely ignore your original two options and throw a wrench in your monkey, but have you considered a Dell?

m19

 

just 1 suggestion, Centrino technology is great, its the best! :d

 

I had the WORST customer service experience with Dell last March when I bought a new computer. I was satisfied with my older Gateway but decided to try Dell. I won't even bore you with the details but I get angry when I still see their catalogs in my mailbox. It was a really bad experience. So, even though I do see Dell is a preferred product, I just can't seem to bring myself to go with them.

 

I would go Toshiba, personally as they are more durable and have had great experience with their laptops. Both mine and my sister's laptops are Toshiba and they handle amazingly well.

 

Have you considered a Sony. A friend has had one for about 3 yrs and loves it. Larger display than others, I understand. As for the Dell, I would heartily recommend them, but..................not since their support has been outsourced overseas to india (Bob, Steve, roger, and John) I hesitate suggesting them. I have 2 PC's and haven't needed Dell support so I have been ok, but the horror stories are still out there.

Jack

 

I went to Circuit City, Office Depot and Best Buy. I weighed all the options like the extended warranty, etc.....

CC had the best customer service so I purchased the Toshiba from them. They were very patient with me and explained a lot of stuff to me since I have never even touched a laptop. I did talk to a very knowledgeable customer at the store and he is on his 4th laptop. He bought a Sony for the size and weight mostly........4#. He looked at the Toshiba, read all the specs, etc....and said he wouldn't hesitate to go with that model at all. He said to compare warranties and take it from there.
So, I have it. I haven't opened it yet. Just too tired. I also bought a router. Hope I can figure out how to install that.