What specs do I need to look for in a basic but usable laptop?

Question

I need it to run xp, be compatible with comcast high speed cable internet, be wireless compatible...

I will be using it to write papers for school and do work online...I can't afford anything fancy...please let me know what to look for.

Answer 1

All these requirements are basic right out of the box. My wife's 10 year old laptop (Dell 4600 with 512MB RAM) can run Windows XP, plus connect to our Wireless router that connects to AT&T for Internet access.

1. If you want to connect directly to the Comcast cable, you will need an Ethernet port or adapter in the laptop. Otherwise a external wireless adapter, or internal wireless (802.11b/g/n) adapter and wireless router at home. You can pickup an USB adapter at the office supply store for around $40-50 later.

2. 512 MB of RAM minimum for Windows XP, more makes it run faster, but you can often upgrade later on. I added a single 512 chip when I realized it was running too slow for word processing.

3. Largest hard drive you can afford. Laptop hard drives are virtually impossible to upgrade. If you are planning on using a digital camera or downloading large files (MP3s, movies, etc.) I'd recommend at least 40GB, but larger if possible. (Also #5, cd burner).

4. Centrino for wireless is great because you don't have an external antanea hanging off the computer.

5. CD or DVD burner. This will allow for a local backup of your files. Hate to lose that term paper because the only copy was on your laptop, which just crashed down the stairs in the library. Backup regularly. You can get an external CD burner later on, but it is cheap to get one now.

6. Carry case. Get something to protect your laptop. Otherwise the incident with the library stairs might come true.

Lastly think of weight. A large 17" laptop screen is going to mean additional weight. 5lbs is still 5lbs at the end of the day, now it's with your books, notebooks and everything else.. ugh.

I'd suggest Dell's Refurbished machines as they often come ready to go and a warantee to boot.

Answer 2

Just go with what you can afford. Basically you want the most for the least and that often results in someone else's problem being bought by unsuspecting buyers.

You want a large hard drive if possible, anything larger than 10g will do you for writing and a minimum of 512 megs of ram. Often you'll find that some of these great "used computer" buys are not so great when you can find a new machine at a better price. Definitely shop around.

as the old saying goes ...buyer beware.

Answer 3

I currently use a Toshiba Satellite A105-S1014..It came with 512mb ram, 60gb hard drive, 15.4 widescreen, dvd/cd rw, wireless, and modem, as well as ethernet; pcmcia slot, and 4 usb ports. I've upped it to 1gb, but, as the base unit, it was 799 USD, last year, with a 200 rebate..
They're lower now, and you should check with your local computer shop, and then the major electronics dealers.