i am going to start my freshmen year in college so i need a laptop but there are so many options of brands i dont know which one to choose i need something that i could use for school and stuff like listening to music and pictures so any one who has a good knowledge of computers HELP ME!
2007-03-17 15:56:15 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
The brand names do not matter. The components of the computer are much more important. Much like car manufacturers who can put out high-end cars such as a Jaguar and their lowest end car be an Escort. Computer manufacturers are much the same way and every brand name has high-end and p.o.s. computers. What you should do instead is get the computer requirements list from your college. Just about every college has one posted on their website or sends it out to incoming students. This will give you a list of the minimum requirements for a computer for your school. (usually Processor Speed, Hard Drive, RAM, etc.) Then shop for computers with these specifications, and wherever you can get all of these specs or above for the lowest price is the computer that you should go with. Brand of a computer is more a matter of preference than a scientific actuality so anyone who tells you to buy or not buy a certain brand is just giving their personal preference or opinion.
2007-03-17 18:31:35 · answer #1 · answered by lapyramid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I got a Dell laptop about four years ago that still works very well. However, what they didn't bother to tell me is that Windows XP needs at least 256 MB of RAM to run properly, so I had to fork out an extra sixty-five bucks to get a RAM upgrade not too long ago so, be wary of that when you're buying.
Also, I own a HP desktop that works incredibly well, and I'd imagine their laptops are probably pretty high-grade as well, although I have no proper testimonial for that conclusion.
Also, I've heard a lot of rumors about Windows Vista having a lot of conflicting problems with some types of software/hardware, so take that into consideration when you're thinking about which running system you want to buy. I think it would probably need more RAM than XP as well, but again, I have no real testimonial for that. I've seen a lot of computers that are running something like 512 RAM, so that's what I'm basing the comparison on.
2007-03-17 16:10:04 · answer #2 · answered by bloodline_down 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know that I am going to be in the minority, but I would highly suggest looking at a MacBook.
IPhoto is very easy to use and is excellent for organizing and uploading your Pictures from either camrea or memory sources.
ITunes also is a synch to use on the Macintosh platform. I find it much easier and cleaner to use vs. Windows Media Player or iTunes on a Windows Platform.
The Operating System is also very stable and doesn't have the virus/spyware/malware problems Windows machines do.
The only downside is that you are paying a premium for a Mac machine. They start at $1099.
I hope that helps.
2007-03-17 16:08:58 · answer #3 · answered by Jesse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brand name do not equal good investment or performance.
The issues are:
CPU - Dual Core-Intel is the fastest for now, AMD is a good price for performance.
Hard Drive; SATA is better than IDE, size must be more than 75GB. 16MB Cache is better than 8MB
DVD/CD burner. Writer only is a no no!
Graphic Card is better than On Board Graphics (graphic chip)
Wireless and Ethernet installed and ready
External USB and IEE ports
RAM: At least 2GB, forget 1GB and trash it if it is 512MB.
You want the Actual software for what ever is installed on the computer. A recovery disk is an out and out loser. You cannot use it to do re installation, they do not have registration numbers. Save the seller big bucks but sticks it to the buyer!
VISTA is best, HP pro is OK, forget HP Home.
2007-03-17 16:08:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dell the have good laptops like The XPS 2010. Since you say that you would probably use the laptop for entertainment, lake sure you get the windows vista home premium edition, it is the thing you can have.
2007-03-17 16:06:53 · answer #5 · answered by Maria del Carmen M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wait to see if you have to buy a laptop from school because i for example study a program that requires me to have a laptop and even though i already have a laptop before i went to school i was still required to buy a laptop from school for security reason so you may want to wait and save your money! For some reason they may not allow you to use your own laptop unless you bought it from school!!!
2007-03-17 16:04:56 · answer #6 · answered by dabedatiludlisi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋