Buying a notebook.?

Question

My mom is wanting to get a notebook. It's been a while since I've researched them and had some quick questions. My mom knows nothing about computers so it's all up to me.

I'm looking into Dell. I've had wonderful experience with them even when had computer problems so customer service isn't a concern there. Mac won't work cause I'm not as familiar with them and I will be my mom's go-to person.

The computer will mostly be used for internet so high graphic cards etc aren't needed.

Now here are my questions:

Is an AMD Turion processor ok or should we stick with Intel? Is the Intel Core ok? I've not heard much on them.

Is Vista ok? I know Quickbooks won't work on it but are there still any other major issues?

Anything else I need to be aware of?

Thanks for your help!


* I know it's all integrated so we'll be getting that extra warranty!

Also, I asked a question about companies and got lotsa great info back. I'm still looking at other companies but am starting the search with Dell. If you think there's another basic laptop that's good then please let me know. Thanks :)

Harrison: Why will prices drop in July?

Answer 1

Turions are the high end AMD's they are just fine. IF you go intel, Don't get a core, get a core duo or core 2 duo. these are multi core and will uture proof your computer. Vista is getting better and better each week, because of updates and because the hardwareand software mfgrs are catching up to it. Get a good name brand for warranty and tech support. Get accidental damage if she is clumsy. Avoid emachines /acer/gateway. Prics will drop in July if you can wait.

Answer 2

Hi there..

To answer your question.. There's not too much you really need to worry about when purchacing your laptop.

In 99.95% of the cases.. Laptops come with 512 meg of Ram. 60-100 gig of Hard drive space. Maybe more. Preloaded with Windows Vista.

Dells are pretty much ok. However.. My roommate has a Dell laptop and has had nothing but problems as of late with the blue screen of death and their Customer service hasn't been able to help her out. If they do for you. Thats a plus on your side.

My laptop is a Toshiba Satelite. With a Gig of Ram, 110 Gig of Hard drive space, with Vista. Yes, Vista does have some compatibility issues. But for what I need the computer for.. I've only come across 1 issue since getting it. So you should be golden.

Basically you just have to look and see what you're going to be using your laptop for. And go from there. Hope this helps. :)

Answer 3

Don't get vista for about another year or so. Its a great new operating system but it still might have some bugs in it. I recommend a Apple Notebook cause they're fast, great battery life, dual processor which makes your computer go FAST, and resistant to spills. Its a bit expensive....around $1200-2000 dollars. Make sure you get a warranty too. Also, your probably use to the Windows XP style screen and all but its easy to adjust to Apple laptops. Make sure you download Mozilla Firerfox, faster and safer than Internet Explorer. Sorry Bill Gates

Answer 4

it seems that the way your mom uses the notebook doesnt require too much power. AMD is good but i would suggest you get a notebook with celeron, i know there are bad reviews about celeron but its about the old celeron, the new celeron yonah core is very good, cheap and reliable. get the cheapest bargain notebook with celeron CPU, at least 512 mb RAM and 80GB hard drive. that will be enough for your moms requirement. save the rest of the money so that you can enjoy other things, like a good dinner or a nice gift for your mom. your mom dont need a power notebook.

and by the way, dont waste your money on intel core, your mmom is not going to optimise its use. whats the point of buying a ferrari when you only drive 30mph around the neighborhood?

Answer 5

Turion works fine for me.. but really Intel or AMD is your own opinion.. just don't get an Intel celeron or an amd semperon
i would recommend 1 gig RAM at least but everything else is really up to you and what your willing to spend and how fast you want it to be.. screen size etc.. remember the higher the processor the faster the laptop.
also yes xp is more stable then vista ATM.. but which you get is up to you because vista will constantly get better.
and for a basic laptop i think dell is the best.. but I'm not choosy for laptops as long as i don't get an off brand

also if you want more information as to why i say these things please message me at Sdwknight on YIM

Answer 6

Low end processors are fine. I have a AMD sempron mobile processor in a laptop and its excellent.

Buy plenty of ram if you are going to use vista - (but Vista at this point is to be avoided).
Buy it next year..

I bought a brilliant acer aspire (7003WSMi)17 inch media centre laptop (vista compatable) brand new -for 400 pounds last week and i am delighted with it..

Answer 7

If your mom is looking for a notebook don't get the kind were you can easily rip the pages

Answer 8

best u use Xp still and stick ith INTEL and i prefer u Sony VAIO