I want to buy a laptop for my mom who is a first time user. What should i buy and what should I look for?

Answer 1

Get her a nice base macbook. As for what you should look for, it really depends on what she's going to do with it. I'll assume that she's just the normal user.

For a macbook or macbook pro, look for:
-At least 1GB of RAM
-At least an 80GB hard drive
-Macs only come in intel core 2 duos, so any processor speed will do fine. Cheapest one is 1.83GHz.

For a windows-based laptop, look for:
-At least 512MB RAM
-At least an 80GB hard drive
-At least 2.0GHz Intel core duo.

I really recommend macs for people who aren't too familiar with computers. They generally are really good with hiding stuff that beginners shouldn't touch, security, and Apple customer service is top notch. I really recommend you stay away from Hell (oops, Dell) and HP. For Apples go take your mom to your local Apple Store and try it out. You have to make sure SHE'S comfortable with whatever you're getting her. Also at the Apple Store, ask about OS X workshops and stuff. Most Apple Stores offer that. So basically they'll take care of you especially if you're a new mac customer.

Since she's a first time user, that's even MORE of a reason to get her a higher end premium laptop. You want something that's dependable and won't break down on her. I really think the macbook fits the bill. OS X is very easy to learn, and plus you don't have to worry about stuff like defragging, service packs, or whatever else. That stuff is just going to confuse her. Get her a book on how to use OS X along with the macbook. And don't forget AppleCare! It's expensive but worth it. Should your mom have any problem whatsoever with her Apple, she can go to the local Apple Store or call Apple, they'll fix it within a couple of days.

The Missing Manual: Mac OS X Tiger is a good book, but wait a couple months and get the macbooks that have Leopard installed.

Answer 2

First time user? Her first computer? Go easy. No sense wasting a lump of cash on a top notch machine. If she has no 'puter savvy, go with a low end Dell or Gateway notebook running XP Home and around 20 gig drive and 256meg mem. Don't waste money on a beginner with fancy DVD drives or Wireless internet cards. A simple, off the shelf system that can be expanded will suffice. Watch out for "Bundled packages" that require signing up with an ISP you don't want or "exclusive" software that is nothing more than adware you can't get rid of. Once she learns how much fun it is to be on-line and "with it" she will no doubt remember you next Christmas and you can get her a real computer and be the person she always hoped you'd be!

Answer 3

Many are good. I like HP, Dell, Gateway or Lenovo (IBM). HP is a good all around computer and have always been dependable for me. Only thing I not like is HP use a Disk Partition for Backup and usually not give you Disks for Backup. So, lose your hard drive you lose your backup. Check On-Line for some good prices.
I know you want a Laptop. I just give this for Trivia. I have an old HP 486DX running Windows 3.1
I have Windows Space Simulator on it that I installed back in 1994. After I got another computer, the HP 486 has been running Space Simulator since 1999. I mean it running 24/7. Ha! I have the Space Ship on Auto Pilot headed for Saturn. ;-)
Below a few links to Newegg and Tiger Direct, remember, they not the only ones out there. The links should take you to the Laptops.

Answer 4

1. Start by focusing on what your mother wants to do with a computer. No model is correct if she can not accomplish what she wants.

2. Consider her skills. Easy of use for what will be her primary use. Also if she has special needs (vision) or needs a specialized application that requires training.

3. Who will provide support when she has questions? If that will be you then maybe what you are happy supporting will be important.

My mother has been using a Mac for a long time. She found it easy to use (email, the web). She handles her own upgrades when she feels it is time to get a new machines or similar. She is over 70.

I have a computer science degree so could support just about anything. I think a Mac is the right choice for her.

Answer 5

here's a link to new laptops on ebay. they have the best prices

Answer 6

HP all the way.

And make sure it is WINDOWS VISTA capable.

Good Luck

Answer 7

get the cheap one for her to learn,

Answer 8

i like hp computers (hp.com)