what is the best way to get a cheap but performent lap-top?.?

Answer 1

The tigerdirect answer was good, but I got incredibly lucky on EBay and bid a lowball number on a Compaq... The high bidder turned out to be a scam artist and I got a 2nd chance and won it for my bid!
Of course on EBay stick with people with large numbers of positive feedback if you do try that route. Also, depending on what kind of performance you want, hit the sales flyers for computer places like circuit city and get there when they first open and you can get some great deals from time to time.

Answer 2

Tigerdirect.com