buying a laptop?

Question

i need help in purchasing a laptop, i will be using it mainly for downloading music, storing pictures, internet, watching movies and basic entertainment. I don't really know what kind of memory or specs to look for i also don't know what brands? I would like a keyboard that lights up if possible and i would like one that i can buy a device for so that i can access the internet from anywhere. Does anyone have any info that would help me? Thanks

Answer 1

if u r in the uk, i would suggest u go for the link below. i have gone thru various websites and that would be the best bargain. it should be more than enough for u and has wireless internet possibility, bearing in mind that u will be able to access internet only in wi-fi enabled areas.
if u r in us well u have plenty more choice there.

Answer 2

The things you're looking for in a laptop will be processor speed, screen size, harddrive size, optical drive configuration, and physical memory. You'll want at least 512 megs of RAM, you'll want at least 80 gigs of harddrive space, you'll want at least a CD+/-RW / DVD combo drive, and you'll want at least a 1 ghz processor. The things I described add up to a very basic system. If you want to run Windows Vista, forget it. You'll be stuck with XP unless you buy a better system (or at the very least, better off using XP).

For myself, I've been looking for 1024 megs of RAM (1 gig), 120 gig 5400 rpm harddrive, a DVD +/- RW drive, and a 2.0 ghz processor. I'd prefer a dual core, either an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Turon 64 X2, though I've seen some incredibly good deals on Intel Core Duo (last generation) processors.

To connect wirelessly to the Internet, you'll need a laptop that has 802.11g built-in.

You'll also want to make sure you have plenty of USB ports for things like memory sticks, game controllers, external drives, mp3 players.

As for brands, probably the most popular right now would be Dell, HP, Sony, Toshiba, and Levono. I think Acer makes a fairly good product as well. I've seen quite a few people with Averatec laptops too, and they seem to be happy with them.

You'll probably want a laptop with either Windows XP or Windows Vista built-in. Some cheaper laptops come with various version of Linux. I would avoid those, personally, because usually the Linux laptops have inferior hardware, since Linux doesn't require as powerful a machine as Windows. However, it all really depends on the hardware specs.

The only laptop I'm aware of with a light-up keyboard is Apple's MacBookPro (and the previous generation PowerBook). That's a pricey unit, even if you buy a used one. However, the MacBookPro comes with a built-in camera, wireless, widescreen, remote control, iTunes, DVD player, etc. Of course, it's a Mac, so it comes with OSX, which means you can't run to Wal Mart and buy software for it, and most of the free applications you can download online won't work with it. However, there's software for the Mac that will let you do most of the stuff you described. It's also got a metal case instead of plastic. It also has a DVD burner standard.

There's another Mac laptop called the MacBook, it's a cheapter but slightly less-powerful laptop but still has a camera and a remote, though no light-up keyboard.

If you go the Mac route, I'd still recommend at least 512 megs of RAM (preferably 1 gig), as well as a DVD burner.

If you get an Intel-based Mac, it is possible to dual-boot with Windows XP, but I wouldn't recommend that if you're looking to make Windows your primary operating system.

Another thing about laptops, don't plan on using the battery for very long. The battery life usually lasts for a few hours, rarely more than four, and the more stuff you do on your laptop, the faster the battery goes dead. Most of the time, you'll be using a power adapter.

Answer 3

First thing to look is for the processor if you are prepared for spending a little more, look for a Core 2 Duo processor or Core Duo, now I would recommend you to take in consideration the brand, you get what you pay so I recommend you to buy an HP, Sony, or Toshiba (there's other good brands but these ones almost never let you down) I personally like HP is always a good value-price option. Take a look of system's memory or RAM memory 512MB is OK 1Gig or more is ideal. Hard Drive capacity is important, and if your'e saying you want it for video or pictures a 100gig or above is OK.
Other secondary things to consider are the built-in features (webcam, microphone, bluetooth, light up keyboard, etc.)

Here are this week best buy and CompUSA ad good laptops (to help you get an idea)

Toshiba T5500

HP Pavilion dv6150

HP Pavilion dv5220

Answer 4

Personally being a new laptop owner i looked at a variety of options and specs.

Processor (Being one of the two most important) I considered either the Intel Duo Core or the Athlon X2 for notebooks. And today you may want to get at least 2.0 GHz or more for longevity of your system.

Graphics Card (The second on the most important list.) If your graphics are crap your computer will lack as well.. I looked at either ATI or NVIDIA. The integrated Intel GMA are worthless. Today an ATI X1400 , X1600 will due (Being able to play Half-Life2, Doom and Crytec perfectly) NVIDIA = 6800, 7200, 7400 (7800+ is over the top)

RAM - at least 1 GB by today's standards. DDR2 and running at 600MHz is your best bet...anything less and you'll regret it.

Screen Size - 14.1, 15.4, 17 inch screens its your preference.
14.1 Inch being on the lighter end (4.5 lb) , 15.4 (5.5 - 6.0lb) and 17 (6.6 + lb) Also resolution and brightness play a major factor.

HardDrive - At least 80 GB SATA 7200 RPM..

Wireless Card (Look for A / B/ G/ N connectivity) Dual Hexa Band are amazing.

And lastly the overall look of the system decides or in this case seals the deal.. It its powerful but looks like ****.. than you probably wont like it for long..

So to sum it all up good companies include Acer, LG, HP and Apple

Apples have the feature of light up keyboards and the overall style.. but can get a little pricy

Answer 5

Your needs don't sound too advanced, so any budget laptop at about $600 will do. beware of very low prices, since they are usually refurbished or use very slow, old parts and will not satisfy you at all. This link from PC Magazine is "The Essential Buying Guide for Cheap Laptops":

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1901705,00.asp

If you are in the US and you really need the internet "anywhere", the PC Cards from Verizon, Sprint and Cingular provide internet access on their cellular networks, but at a high monthly cost. A Wi-Fi adaptor will allow you to access the internet at any wireless router, at your home or in the airport.

Answer 6

hey stylist, im doing the same thing right now. Dell has some great specials right now.

as for system specs, if you dont care about Windows Vista, or heavy duty gaming, I would recommend a system with a minimum of 512mb RAM, 60-80GB harddrive, and 802.11b/g wireless card (this will cover airports, Panera bread, etc, although Starbucks and Borders require a 20/month account with TMobile to use their wireless network.

Almost all laptops come with a standard CD/DVD drive, but if you want to burn DVDs you need to pony up about $50 more for a DVD/CD rewrite drive.

I would check out Dell, Toshiba, HP, and Compaq for low cost units.

Answer 7

Laptops suck buy a desktop! You will definatly get more for your money! Desktops last a lot longer and they are upgradable! Laptops last a year or two and what you buy is what you get forever and ever! Why spend $1000 on a laptop when you can probably buy a desktop that has the exact same specs for $500. My opinion states get a desktop!

Answer 8

the divice might be built-in