Need some laptop recommendations

Hey guys,
I've been looking to buying a nice laptop/netbook but I don't really know what would be a pretty good one.

What I'm pretty much looking for is a laptop that has/is:
Windows 7 - I guess home/starter? Don't really know much about that.
Great wireless activity, don't want something that will have problems connecting with my netgear router.
Can run Maple and I guess other games, though just maple is fine.
Good for homework as well as internet browsing
Is under about $400 (Preferably under $350)
And can be found at Bestbuy or Walmart, etc. (Do not want to order, unless it can really be safe being delivered here.

Obviously it would be nice to hear some personal experiences.
Thank you.

400 bucks, out thats pretty low to work with.

And dont buy from places like Walmart. You will be laughed at. Ill get some links up in a bit.

So I probably can't find a Win. 7 laptop for under 400? :X
And I guess just restrict it to Best buy.

Not any other stores nearby.

So I probably can't find a Win. 7 laptop for under 400? :X
And I guess just restrict it to Best buy.

Not any other stores nearby.

Dell has a good line of Inspiron Notebook Laptops starting at $450 IIRC.

Link

I bought that at Best Buy last year, and it still runs perfectly. I haven't had any overheating problems, runs fast, gets things done. Maplestory isn't a problem and most games aren't. The only issue that might result is it has an integrated graphics card, but I've lived with it.

You can do with $400. It's just not going to be worth it. Push it to $500 at least. You can touch dual cores with $500. With $400, even a really good single core can't compare to an average dual core. Also, stay away from netbooks. Their CPUs focus more on power saving than performance so you lose out on performance. Every laptops comes with the standard 802.11b/g/n wifi so you don't need to worry about that. Walmarts carry cheap laptops but in exchange, most of their laptops suck. Hardware problems.

Yea, the main problem is you want to buy in store, where most laptops arent gonna be 1, in the price range, and 2, might not be able to do what ya need.

I do, however, suggest buying from Newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006740%204019&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

right there are your best options from newegg.com to fit the ~350-400 dollar range.

And i suggest going for the second one going down. Toshibas are OK, but im wary of compaq...

Yea, the main problem is you want to buy in store, where most laptops arent gonna be 1, in the price range, and 2, might not be able to do what ya need.

I do, however, suggest buying from Newegg.com

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...ageSize=20

right there are your best options from newegg.com to fit the ~350-400 dollar range.

And i suggest going for the second one going down. Toshibas are OK, but im wary of compaq...

I guess I can try opening the price range.
And whats so bad about compaq?

<~ has compaq with windows vista (no weird modifications on it at all)

Zero graphical issues. No DCing at zak issues.

The BIG issue is that this little bugger will overheat just a bit. This is an issue with most HP/Compaq laptops in general it seems.

A few computer magazines I read gave overall better reviews to dell. Toshiba's reviews were lower than HPs.

If you want some reviews on specific laptops you have in mind, go here:

http://www.notebookreview.com/

Compaqs are just kinda....iffy. They are basically eMachines iirc.

Lemme know if you do open the price range, the ~600 mark is a nice step up from those.