I would like to buy a laptop but am on a strict budget. There are refurbished laptops at Tiger Direct for less than $500. If I am buying one at a price like that, what is considered decent in terms of memory, capacity, speed, etc. Even though I need to get a cheap one, I still want one that runs nicely. Is this possible? Please give me some specific numbers (i.e. amount of gigabytes). Also, is a refurbished laptop even reliable? Thanks.
2006-10-27 14:51:37 · 10 answers · asked by kid_at_heart 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
You can get a good deal on a refurbished laptop for $500, maybe less. First figure out your intended use for the laptop. Many applications don't need much in the way of computing resources. If you are only going to use the laptop a couple hours a day once in a while and always leave it plugged in then those are factors in what you purchase.
As an example: word processing can be done on an old Pentium 90. Browsing the web only needs 64MB of RAM, but 128MB is better. Wifi and ethernet cards can be installed on old laptops and the communications link is often more important than the speed of the CPU to having a decent computing experience.
So, go to google and search for "used laptops" or "refurbished laptops" and check out the top two or three suppliers that come up. You might also go to my laptop blog ... Buying a Refurbished Laptop Computer ... http://www.cheap-refurbished-used-laptops.com/refurbished-laptops/what-kind-of-laptop-is-right-for-me/
2006-10-27 15:45:30 · answer #1 · answered by oldlaptops 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A decent laptop should be both reliable and powerful. It hould also be trust worthy and not made to crash when youre handing in a paper, DVD, slideshow or something important. All of the power, trust and reliability fits into JUST one computer, the Mac. Macs don't get viruses, nor freeze up. They can run both windows and OS X. They are incredibly fast too. They have front row where you can access DVD's, movies, photos and music from a remote.If you want a Windows then thats ok too. But remember, Macs come with all of these and you may never need to upgrade a computer again.
2006-10-27 17:30:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is your first time to buy a laptop. I suggest you don't get a refurbished one. Chances are it's out of the manufacturer's warranty and the parts are difficult to find. Older computers has a more expensive replacements parts and remember it has been used. We call it burn time. Yes the longer you used your electromechanical devices, the integrity of its circuitry deminishes with time. Just add a little more with your budget and get a DELL. You won't regret it. Among the computer vendor/manufacturer I have high respect for DELL because all of my DELL's customers does not have any problem. But for other brands like HP, Acer, Lenovo, etc. Good grief, the complaints, nightmares are returns gave me white hair. DELL got their act together.
2006-10-27 15:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by George S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me the minumum requirements that are acceptable for a cheaply priced computer is 512mb memory, pentium four, 1.5 ghz or more, 30gb hard drive or better. Make sure you research battery life because many brands or poor in the batterly life department. Refurbished shouldn't be a problem because that means they restored computer to original factory condition. Make sure they have a warrenty or return policy just in case.
2006-10-27 15:12:40 · answer #4 · answered by Bellas Mama 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have not seen a decent laptop at all you have $500 ur be better off with a desktop. look at all the problems a laptop has over heating high price to be fixed high price for more parts to be put in. deaks top ur have more better for your cash . and will last for years a laptop if its a dell if you ever need a new motherboard dell ask for $599 . 99 now so in 1 or 2 years they will ask for $699
2006-10-27 15:01:14 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i purchase all my computers from the Dell Outlet internet site. they incorporate warranties and that i've got not at all had a issue with a private pc or pc (touch wood!) and their shopper service is spectacular. one component to contemplate is that internet books are coming down the pike almost as good strategies to laptops. they're smaller and don't have the bells & whistles of finished blown laptops (regardless of their length), that have adequate oomph to be very own pc replacements. i might examine internet books and take a seem on the Dell outlet internet site (no i do no longer artwork for Dell, I do merely a super form of examine).
2016-11-26 00:09:24 · answer #6 · answered by bocklund 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHY???
Unless you HAVE to have a laptop, I would forget it.
You can get more than twice the computer for about 1/2 the money with a desktop.
ALSO, desktops have more room for upgrades, making them last MUCH longer before they are too "old." They are also easier to work on and therefore cheaper to repair, if needed.
2006-10-27 15:25:30 · answer #7 · answered by f100_supersabre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kid at heart: I would reccomend Del because they are good
lap top for school use, or normal projects while at home
you can get internet service plus an messenger free
after issued yes go to http:// yahoo.delproducts.com
ask them about it !
Good Luck
2006-10-27 15:07:05 · answer #8 · answered by toddk57@sbcglobal.net 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it comes to brands, Toshiba is your best bet.
Stay far, far away from Compaq or HP (bleck, bleck, bleck).
This is my first hand experience.
2006-10-27 15:01:21 · answer #9 · answered by CarolynJayne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dell is fine, but if you plan to run vista, make sure it meets the requirements
2006-10-27 15:04:11 · answer #10 · answered by acid tongue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋