Now that windows 7 is out, I am looking for a new laptop. Looking for under $700 with smallest screen size but must have rom (prefer dvdrw).

Suggestions please.

Dell Vostro 1220 line

http://www.dell.com/us/en/business/noteboo...IR&lid=frag

12.1" LCD with DVDRW. Starting price for a C2D is $739. So when theres a sale, it should definitely be under $700

If you are willing to chance a refurb, I was browsing the Dell Small Business outlet a little while ago and they had a Vostro 1220 for $629.00 with Vista Home Premium/4GB memory/250GB, 7200 RPM HD.

1220 looks good. Would like to try out Win7. Anything lower $$ that is recommended?

Most any of the dual-core processor machines on sale at between $300 and $400 will do just fine with Win7 -- if it is advertised with Vista Home Premium or above, it should handle Win7 with no problem (and will likely qualify for a manufacturer upgrade program).

At that price point, though, you are probably going to have to deal with a 15" screen to get the cheaper system.

BTW, I do know that Inspiron 14s in the Dell outlet within the last hour were $449.00 today with dual core T4200, 500GB hard drive (5400rpm), 4GB of memory, wireless card, and DVD-RW drive (and their Outlet systems do qualify for the Win7 upgrade program -- just make sure it doesn't have Vista Basic).