What do you look for in a laptop?

Question

I know how to operate computers and programs but when buying one I am clueless. I need to get hubby a simple laptop, he is even less tech saavy than myself. He needs something simple that he can use word and acess email nothing really fancy...maybe put a DVD in that is it. So I searched on Ebay and it breaks down into

Processor Speed
Memory (RAM)
Hard Drive Capacity

what is the minium I should look for? Is getting used a good idea? I really appreciate any help and laymans terms are what works best for this blondie!!

He is a Chef and needs it for basic functions to create menus etc. As for the dvd function just maybe to put music or something in. I am meaning really really simple!! Thanks for all the answers it really helps!

Answer 1

processor 2Gh, memory 512 or 256, harddrive 60gb.

any laptop with those specs should do fine for what you want. oviously you need a dvd drive too. normal one that dont burn dvd would be fine.

for that laptop i would pay no more than £400 from somewhere like PCWorld, cheaper in other places.

Answer 2

f you want a mac, I would not reccommend getting an ibook because they do not have intel processors and they are considerabely slower than the average computer and are alot less compatible to windows programs. (example: Microsoft Office, MSN Messenger) If you want a mac, I would reccommend buying the Mac Book, Intel Core Duo, 1.83 Ghz. It comes standard with 512 mb of ram which shows how many programs your computer could run without it slowing down. (about 3) If you only need it for basic needs, 512 is plently. Macs are also in tendency used for more advanced needs such as graphics and video making.. Microsoft Office (word, powerpoint, excel and e-mail) works better on windows than on macs from personal experience. You can get a Dell with Wireless Technology, and plents of hard drive memory for a price that fits.
Advice on what to get:
At least 512 mb of ram
At least 60 GB hard drive
Centrino Technology if you have wirelss in your residence
DVD drive (comes standard with most pcs)

The price should be about without warranty ($800 USD)
You can order this at either
www.dell.com and click on store for American residents
www.dell.ca and click on store for Canadian residents.

If you live somewhere else simply go to google.com and type in dell (your country)

Answer 3

Budget/Price - will pretty much dictate what you can get
Processor speed - 2G plus
RAM - As much as you can get-- but 1G oughta work for you
Hard Drive capacity - most anything these days should be fine
Battery Life
Physical Size and Weight - how important is that- Really small ones may require external, cable attached DVD etc.
Screen size/resolution - What are you doing with it? Do you need cinema aspect ratio
Ethernet adapters - LAN Wired + Wireless onboard
PCMCIA slots -- would be useful - most have these though
USB ports - would be useful - most have these too
CD/DVD - reader, writer or both
Port Replicator or Docking station - availability, ports, etc.
On board pointer - Do you prefer a Pad or a Pencil Head type (e.g. like Thinkpads/Dells)
Warranty

Answer 4

attempt a Dell laptop like an Inspiron or a Mini, you additionally can leaf for the time of the reflects at a good purchase. i understand you stated no to the MacBook, yet this is the superb finding one in my view, so in simple terms in case you alter your suggestions!

Answer 5

All I look for is the Apple logo. Then I know I made a good choice.

Answer 6

Also make sure it has built in wireless g. The latest WiFi standard (802.11g).