From $500 desktops to $500 laptops

Summary: How much does a reasonably powerful laptop cost these days?

The first sub-$500 PCs, which came to the U.S. market just a few years ago, were pretty basic desktop systems with low-end processors, little RAM, small hard drives, and bulky CRT monitors. Look how times have changed.

This week (June 29-July 5, 2008), for about $500 (after the $125 mail-in rebate) you can get this laptop from Office Depot (free delivery is available):

• Model: Acer Extensa EX5620-6419
  
• 15.4" WXGA (1280x800) CrystalBright™ LCD screen
• Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile processor T5550 (1.83 GHz)
• 3GB DDR2 memory (RAM)
• 160 GB hard drive
• CD/DVD drive (reads/writes CDs and DVDs, supports double layer)
• Intel 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN
• 4 USB ports
• 1 FireWire (IEEE 1394) port
• 1 S-video port
• Integrated webcam and microphone
• 5-in-1 memory card reader (supports SD, MMC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, xD)
• Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 358MB shared memory
• High Definition Audio with 2 built-in speakers
• 6-cell lithium-ion battery; 65W AC adapter
• Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

I have been buying cheap (sub-$400) laptops for friends and family for a while, but this is the first time I see a Core 2 Duo-powered notebook computer with 3 GB of RAM priced below $500. Although I don't need a laptop now, I'm really tempted to get this one.

UPDATE: According to some SlickDeals posters, you may be able to get this laptop for around $500 -- or even less -- without a mail-in rebate hassle. The price should be valid until July 19, 2008.