Request for Assistance, Please

Hi! In theory, my first post on a blog titled “Barstars buy…” should be about something I’ve bought, but instead I’m turning to my fellow Barstars—and blog readers, all two of you—to ask for your recommendations. I want to purchase the following items, and would like to hear the brands, types, versions, etc. that you recommend.

Curling Iron

I own two Revlon curling irons that cost about $9.99 at CVS, and they are inadequate. They are old and leave crimps in my hair that should not be there. I do not want to spend a lot of money on a new curling iron, but I want one that’s probably not going to break easily and will be good to my hair. Any ideas?

Laptop

This is a slightly more difficult purchase, given the price… I currently own a 3 ½ year old Dell Inspiron 5100. It has been good to me, but recently the screen has stopped working randomly. I’d like to start looking for a new computer, but have no idea where to start. My criteria are fairly low price and small size (preferably smaller than 15’). I know, I ask for a lot. But really, all I use a computer for is the internet, so why spend $2,000?

Pants

I’m always on the look out for the perfect pants. They are hard to find given that I’m 6’0” and have hips. Most pants too short and/or don’t fit correctly in the hip/waist area. I’m willing to spend a fair amount on good work pants, but have thus far been able to find a brand that I can count on.

FM Transmitter for my iPod

When I first got my iPod, my parents gave me an iTrip car adapter. It never worked well and now it’s broken. So I can’t use my iPod in my car, which is crappy. Does anyone have an FM transmitter they use that doesn’t get a lot of interference?

Thanks for any suggestions! And, I promise, my next post will be about something I’ve actually purchased. I wanted to go to the mall today, but the snow/ice/’wintry mix’ got in my way.