Buying a Laptop?

Question

I am purchasing a laptop within 2 weeks. I would like to know what are the favorites out there. I am not going to be using it for much just school work, music, and maybe watch a movie here and there. Generally surfing and maybe quicken. I am looking at a Dell E1505 and possible an HP but I've heard bad things about HP and their current issues aren't helping. Also what is the Router and how does that work? Any suggestions. I will greatly appreciate.

About the router, I understand now but that would be if I have like 2 laptops or something? How can I guarantee myself to always have a wireless connection? Do I have to purchase it through a wireless company and is that what Linksys is?

Answer 1

I'm surfing and typing right now on my new Dell E1505. :) It's great - I got 2gb of RAM (1gb should be enough for you, though), a Widescreen display (great for movies), extended warranty (with laptops, this is always a good idea), built-in Wi-Fi (802.11g), Windows XP Home, and a DVD burner/player. If you get the same laptop, you will be perfectly set for everything you mentioned you want to do (including watching movies)! The batter life is great, too! Good luck, and have fun shopping!

A router is what takes your internet connection (from a DSL/cable modem, for example), usually protects it with a firewall, and makes it accessible wired and/or wirelessly to anyone in range. See my link below for more info.

If you're thinking about getting a router for your internet at home, so you can connect your new laptop to, then I might recommend the D-Link 624 router (link is also below). I have it and it works great!

/edit - I just saw your addition...
You need an Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as Comcast or Verizon to give you high-speed, always-on internet. Connect your router to the DSL/cable modem, and you will have always-on internet available. If your router is a wireless router, like the D-Link I mentioned, you will have always-on wireless connectivity. The only company you pay for this is your ISP.

Answer 2

The DELL looks pretty good based on what you've asked. The link is a review if you like...

http://www.epinions.com/content_236322197124

A router is the common point that all computers will connect on a local network either tethered (wired) or wireless. It also acts as the gateway to the internet.

You'll need your own home internet and these days the best bet is some form of broadband (DSL, cable, etc) and it's relatively cheap. Once you have your broadband configured to your home, the router (albeit, Linksys) will be physically plugged into your broadband modem. Your laptop's wireless card (built-in) will simply connect to your router. The router will also be your strongest point for internet safety if it's correctly configured.

Good luck!

Answer 3

We use a lot of Dell and HP computers where I work, the quality of the HP computers is getting better, while Dell quality is starting to slip. For laptops we usually issue Dell's, but my manager prefers IBM so that's what he gave me to use. If I were going to purchase a Windows laptop for myself I'd probably go with the 1505. A router is used to connect multiple computers to the internet (cable or dsl). If you only have the one, then you can go without a router and connect directly via a network cable. If you want to go wireless then you'd have to get a wireless router, the 1505 comes with a wireless card. At cnet.com you can find information on securing your wireless network through encryption, MAC address filtering and turning off broadcast. ISPs provide firewall, spyware, anti-virus software free, take advantage of these.

Linksys makes routers and other networking equipment. As long as you have a strong enough signal you should not lose your wireless connection at home. If you want wireless on the go then you need to find a hotspot where they allow you to use their wireless network usually for a fee. There is also broadband service provided by Verizon, they provide you with a card to plug into your laptop, the range is same as their cell phone coverage, but it's very expensive compared to ISP home service.

Answer 4

I have a Acer Aspire 5000 got everthing,A good warnity Good support,lots of ram 2 -50 gig hard drives When you call Cust. Support you talk to people you can under stand.I own a dell laptop and this acer for my moner this is the best.The dell I got got it for Christmas wanted to do some up grades stayed on phone with Dell for 2 hours.Had problems with the dell after 4 months no warr.Had to fix my self.Dont buy a dell they have no warrenty.Cust.support no good,if you buy a Dell have to go back to dell for up grades,find something else.

Answer 5

HP's current issues? Their current issues have nothing to do with quality, unlike Dell's current issue--exploding Sony batteries. I suspect HP and the rest just got lucky there, though, unlike Dell and Apple. They did, without a doubt, buy Sony/Japan batteries.

Notwithstanding, I have had several HP notebooks and they have been fantastic. I travel alot, and they have withstood tons of abuse. I would buy another without hesitation.

That said--consider a macbook or macbook pro. With the move toX86 you can install XP and you get Apple's known excellent hardware.

Answer 6

I have a 3 year old HP and love it. I'm planning on a new one. I want at least 2GB ram, a 160 GB HDD, and good graphics. That should be your main concern.

Answer 7

get the dell or a toshiba ... look at battery life and pay extra for a good display ... a router is to split ur connection at home to use it on multiple pcs'.

Answer 8

until eventually you'll improve to a extra constructive motherboard and CPU, then i might want to easily flow with the hot one. the reason of this may be that there might want to ok be different subject matters that would want to fee extra money to fix, or there might want to be different subject matters arise quickly after the restore. extra constructive to purchase the hot one and function the warranty. notwithstanding you are able to make this an chance to improve your computer to a miles extra constructive and faster gadget. you are able to make it precisely the way you would possibly want to like it. yet both way, you've gotten to spend some money in this subject you've. solid success to you.

Answer 9

make sure you get lots of RAM in your laptop. I like AMD processors, but that's just me.