im a first year college student and i need a notebook. im probably going to use it for things like the internet, microsoft word, pictures, downloading music...just regular college things. but the only thing is im not computer literate at all. i want to be able to do those tasks maybe all together but still want the notebook to be pretty fast.
i have a budget of 1000 (if i can buy something under 1000 that would be great) so i want to be able to buy the best notebook for my money. i'm probably going to use this for a while (until i finish college?) so i want it to be really good.
any suggestions would be much appreciated.
2006-10-09 08:04:13 · 7 answers · asked by kim83r1y 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
i'm no more convinced of Dell (i was 6 years ago, but in the mean time a lot has changed). like you i'm on the search of a new laptop and investigated some time to compare different models. at the moment i think HP will win the race with it's pretty new dv6000t series. it starts at $600
go there and configure it yourself
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_series.do?series_name=dv6000t_series&catLevel=3&category=notebooks/hp_pavilion/dv6000_series&storeName=computer_store
click on "Customize" on the left just below the highlighted dv6000t series
some upgrading suggestions
- OS: XP Media Center Edition 2005
- CPU: T2250 (better would be a T5500, but extra $75)
- Display: Free upgrade Brightview
- Graphics: GeForce Go 7400
- Personalisation: IMPRINT Finish + Microphone (required)
- Memory: 1GB
- Hard Drive: Free upgrade to 80GB
- CD/DVD: Free upgrade Lightscribe
- Networking: Intel Pro Wireless (without Bluetooth) (required)
- Battery: 12 Cell Li-Ion battery (very good for a longer On time)
- OS and recovery media: XP Media Center
huh! $1047, i missed the target :(
but i think it's worth the money and you will have much joy thereby
don't forget the Anti Virus Software (AVG or Avast! both are free) and Anti Spyware (Spybot search & destroy or Adaware, also both free).
2006-10-09 09:07:08 · answer #1 · answered by frime 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I bought a dell inspiron 8600 when i was a freshman in college and now I am a senior and it is still running great. I have never had to use the three yr warranty that I got with it and it is still just awesome. But if you go to dells website it is pretty easy to purchase and custumize your computer and since you are a student you are probably eligible for a student discount of like 10% or 20%. If I was you I would get the Inspiron E1505 and since it is less then $1000 I would use some of the extra money to add some more memory to it so that it runs really fast. Have fun in school.
2006-10-09 08:17:43 · answer #2 · answered by bartathalon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If support and uptime are the most important to you, buy a Lenovo and get the max warranty you can with the money you have.
If price and speed are the most important, any Tier 1 one manufacturer will do.
HP, Sony, Toshiba
Get it from a major retailer, Best Buy or Circuit City are good.
Or, if want to order of the web, Dell and Gateway are good.
Get at least 512 MB RAM, 1GB is better.
For a laptop, get a harddrive that is at least 5400 RPMs, 7200 is better.
2006-10-09 08:12:31 · answer #3 · answered by George 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest a Dell for all of the reasons that you mentioned. Call them. They will help you select a computer that will fit your needs. I understand that they will also help you find any applicable discounts that you may qualify for to get you a better deal. They will also be able to discuss "refurbished" computer options with you. I was just looking at a new Dell laptop for my *ahem* work needs and it was going to cost me around $1100! Plus, Dell will be upgradeable for you as your needs, income, usage changes. (I am working on a 5 year old Dell Latitude right now and with a few internal upgrades and a lot of peripherals... I've got a super set-up that's been easy to bring with me as my use, needs and income have changed). Good luck!
2006-10-09 08:11:53 · answer #4 · answered by Shibi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Compaq Presario is a very nice laptop and can be had starting at right around $600 brand new. It has wireless internet, a 40 Gig hard drive, CD burner, etc. You can get them at BestBuy, Circuit City, etc.
2006-10-09 08:12:55 · answer #5 · answered by Kelley S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get a Apple Macbook. They cost about 1000. They have built in Wireless, Camera, and all the other things you would expect, It's made of bulletproof plastic so it's tough, and can even run windows if you want it to. www.apple.com/macbook
2006-10-09 09:29:45 · answer #6 · answered by patrickool93 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out Consumer Reports, they have lots of good info on computers, and which are best to buy......... And if you have any geeky computer friends ask them what they recommend. Its hard to get decent info at a computer store- they work on commision, research before you go to the store!
2006-10-09 08:14:41 · answer #7 · answered by Heathertogo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋