They both use a VIA C3 processor. Walmart's model run at 1.0GHz - hopefully, it does run at 1GHz because VIA caused some confusion some times back by naming its processor, Gigapro. Don't expect it to burn some rubber on virtual tarmac though. It should barely top a Pentium III 600MHz. But this is enough for the mundane tasks but absolutely no gaming allowed. One of the advantages of using this processor is that it dissipates very little heat and therefore requires nothing more than a mere heat sink.

You can expect the chipset used to be either a SIS630ST or one variant of VIA's PLE133. In both cases, you would get integrated graphics in the form of the SIS305 128-bit graphics engine clocked at 125MHz or S3. The CN4949 comes with a 14.1-inch LCD panel which will probably allow you to work at XGA fairly easily.

It has 128MB memory, a 30GB hard disk drive and a CDROM. It is unclrear whether the system memory is shared or whether the laptop come with onboard memory as ECS's A907 with which the CN4949 shares some similarities. The four-cell battery supplied has a 3.5 hour charge time to 100% capacity if the laptop is turned off and five hours if in usage. The average autonomy of the battery is about 90 minutes or so.

You get four USB 2.0 ports and uses a touchpad for input. You will also notice that the laptop as a very small spacebar, as short as three keyboard keys. Also, there is no floppy disk drive. But who would really care nowadays as USB drives offer more bang for the buck. Overall, the CN4949 proves to be worth its money, especailly if you're cash strapped.

It's a pity though that Walmart does not sell it in UK though Asda. But perhaps the most important aspect is that it comes with Linspire OS 4.5 rather than the usual Windows, which will introduce shedloads of people to Linux the easy way plus you get a free 3-month CNR Service for 1-click install of over 1,900 software titles and automatic updates and last but not least, Openoffice. Accessories include AC adaptor, removable battery, power cord.

However a quick jump to Ebay showed how better some deals are on the largest auction market. At the time of my search this morning - yes, you always get fresh hardware buys .... - there were 54 laptops on sale on ebay USA which would easily beat the Walmart model for the same price or less. They are second hand of course, but come with larger screens, more powerful CPU, more memory, CD burners are brand names and include Windows OS.

I've chosen this Gateway Solo 1450 laptop at $499.99. It is powered by a mobile Intel Celeron processor running at 1.33GHz. It should be roughly two times faster than the C3 processor - it runs on a 133MHz FSB and carries 256KB cache.

It comes with a huge 512MB system memory. You get a large 15-inch TFT panel as well as a 20GB hard disk, which should be sufficient except for P2Pers. Also in the bundle is a CDRW/DVD combo which comes handy if you want to watch some films on your laptop. The video module is integrated in the Intel chipset and allows up to 48MB to be used - in most cases 8MB should be more than enough.

It ships with Microsoft Windows XP home installed. The Solo 1450 uses an ESS 1988 sound module as well as two smallish speakers. There are some jacks but no internal microphone. You also get an Ethernet LAN module as well as an integrated modem. Other specs include two USB ports, one PCMCIA one, a floppy disk drive as well as a powerful Lithium Ion AC pack. The notebook has been restored to its original factory settings and comes with the original setup card, owner's manual, AC adapter and all software and system installation's CD.

The seller is also including a four port USB hub - as the laptop has only two - as well as a 12V mobile automobile cigarette lighter charger. Only grip is that a few letters are showing some wear. That laptop was bough by its only owner back in early 2003. Software included are MS Word, Encarta, Money and Picture It.

France
And a last one... Internity is selling the cheapest 17-inch TFT screen in France. The IIsonic M17F costs just €229, which is more expensive than UK's equivalen though - £154 vs £132. The specs are pretty basic: 17-inch diagonal, 400:1 constrast ratio, 0.264 dot pitch, SXGA optimal resolution, 16ms access time and two stereo speakers. You also get a DVI port, Audio In, D Sub and Headphone inputs. it comes with one year warranty. The screen is surrounded by a thin bezel and comes with a solid stand. It can be wall mounted without the need to buy an additional arm. µ