$400 is entry level, just go into somewhere like jb hifi and ask for their best price on the 2 or 3 lappies they have in that price range
you'll probably get a free bag or something

at that end of the market you're best off buying the one you like best, they pretty much all have the same 2gb ram and i3/i5 chipset

Can't really go wrong for $400 they're all good at that price range

Eorl is bad at linking

Eorl is bad at linking

It's the bloody website, hates https links it seems.

it would be a clear cut choice for me, but when i had a look on the MSY website i saw they were selling a older laptop, the MSI x350for $400 that used to retail for around $1k 2 years ago. or going for something newer such as the Asus x54c, which is also retailing on the MSY website at $400.. :/ basically just asking would it be better to go for the older model or a newer model

older laptop - http://au.msi.com/product/nb/X350.html

newer laptop - http://uk.asus.com/Notebooks/Versatile_Performance/X54C/

also having a look at this one, but never been keen on acer - http://www.coolice.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=11784

hey viper, nice one with the mac, iv heard they are pretty sweet,

you probably already know but it really is better to build your own rig :p just do a little bit of research and you will end up saving money in the long run instead of paying for the brand.

also on alienware, always hear that they are way over priced for what you get :/