Buying a notebook computer for my parents?

Question

I am buying a notebook computer for my parents because I will be off to college soon and they will be without a computer. I am looking to go to BestBuy to buy the computer. Is there anything else I should know besides the memory, Megabytes, hard drive and virus protection softwere? Anything I should else I should ask about?

Does the GeekSquad at BestBuy actually help you set up your computer?

Answer 1

If you plan to go to Best Buy to buy a notebook, the only thing you need to look for is the hardware - don't worry about the bundled software because most of it is useless and should be removed anyway. This is true for any OEM system, not just those from Best Buy.

If you decide to get Geek Squad to help you set it up, there's a good chance that they will con you into spending more money than you need. The setup process - especially for a notebook computer - is fairly straightforward. Turn it on, enter some info, wait for it to boot initially, and done.

As far as specs to look for, it depends on what your parents plan to do with the computer. I highly doubt it will be anything TOO intensive because if so, you'd be getting them a desktop anyway.

If available, budget processors like a Celeron D or Sempron should be fine. For web surfing, word processing and whatnot, 512MB of RAM normally would be fine as long as the OS is Vista Basic. There are not going to be any XP notebook systems available. If the OS is Home Premium or Ultimate (I doubt they'd have Business) - then make sure it has at LEAST 1GB of RAM - which is ridiculous, but necessary.

Hard drive capacity is an issue if your parents have a large amount of files - or even a mediocre amount of very large files. As long as their data storage needs aren't extremely large, then a small to medium size hard drive (80 to 120GB) should be fine. Smaller if available.

For the time being, bundled virus protection is not of extreme importance. Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, and User Account Control all come with Vista versions and adequately keep the computer secure until a decent compatible AV program can be acquired. Many people will disagree with me on this, but I have yet to install an AV on my version of Vista (Business - upgrading to Ultimate as soon as my anytime upgrade disc arrives) - and I have yet to be infected by so much as a tracking cookie.

But, rather than any of the commercial bundles (Norton or McAfee) that come with the system - I'd suggest removing them as soon as possible and using a free, yet still better alternative such as Avast! or AVG Free.

That's all I have. Good luck.

Answer 2

Warranty would be something else to ask about. Who will fix this computer if it breaks? Will it cost money or is there a plan? Will they go to their house to fix it or do you have to take it to them?

Is there technical support available (if you're not it) :-)

Get the best monitor you can afford. Some are easy to read and others claim that some glare for them when viewed.

Get a lot of memory, or if you want to wait a while for more money you can upgrade it later. Make sure there is room to upgrade in the memory banks.

You may not find speed (Mhz) all that important if your parents are basically going to use it to surf the net. You may want to reduce your demands of speed to get a better screen of more memory.

I wouldn't go with anything smaller than an 60-80 Gb drive. 80 Gb is the current recommendations for most things now.

Pick out something that your parents like. Something that isn't intimidating. Something they can have fun with and expand (upgrade) if/when necessary.

Good luck!

Answer 3

We got my mom's notebook at Wal-Mart. It works fine it's a acer and I think the geek squard is there too. They helped with everything. You need wireless interent my mom's is bulit in anyone with like 100 feet distance or more she can get there wireless interent. I would try Wal-Mart or Best Buy.

Answer 4

First of all check pricing, Best Buy isn't the best for that.
Check http://www.pricewatch.com
Also, depending on how much money you want to spend versus how good a computer you want to get, check eBay.

Answer 5

what type of net connections you'll have, how many usb ports, dvd writer, cd writer, how large the screen is, adware programs, whether it has video out to another monitor, and whether it can hook up to a regular tv with an s-video out cable.
Oh, and I suggest 1gb of ram