What type of laptop would you recommend for my needs?

Question

I will mainly use it for internet, photos and music (and I already own an external hard drive for storage). I do not think I would purchase a Mac, but I have been looking at HPs and Dells online. People have said a lot of negative things about Dell computers, but it seems that HPs don't come with very many options. I'm trying not to be suckered into purchasing a laptop because it comes in a cute color , but I want something that appeals to me. This will become my only computer..... (I would like to stay between $800 and $2000 dollars.)

Answer 1

Sony Viao is my favorite, but they're usually pretty expensive. My personal laptop, the laptop that my employer issues to management and IT staff, and the laptop that I feel most comfortable with are all Dell units. The 620 is really nice if you use a docking station. For a very simple effective unit that will do just what you described above, you can't go wrong with an Inspirion B120. Dell also seems to have a better resell value. Our guard supervisors, tech support, and laborers usually share IBMs and Toshibas, also which seem to be very quality machines. I like Dell because it's an Austin product and I'm originally a Texan.

HP's are like Wal-Mart furniture. They may seem prettier and less expensive, but they don't last long or work exactly the way you want them to. Even with dual processors being the standard this year, they don't have enough muscle to effectively run Vista.

Answer 2

Dell computers are not the greatest, HPs, as you said have no features or extras but macs on the other hand do. I ran windows pc(several dells, a couple of toshibas) and they come with very basic programs that won't fit needs esspecially if you're into pictures. With pcs if you want something for your pictures its going to be an additional $100+. Macs come loaded with programs(some great photo ones). Itunes I know comes both Mac and PC but the Mac version is so much smoother and has many more features. Macs also generally cost less. My dells each costed around $1800 where the Mac I have now was only $1200. I will give you a garentee that a Mac will never get a virus, freeze or just flat out die like my PCs have. Oh, and the only cooler looking thing than the outside of a mac is the screen of it. Hope this helped.

Answer 3

I am not trying to hate on mac users, I love their notebooks, but I have to dispel a myth, i.e. macs are immune to virus'. This is simply false. Any determined hacker can find and exploit a loophole in any OS. The whole "mac are immune to viruses" is a marketing ploy used by apple to sell more products. The fact of the matter is, there is no such thing as an invulnerable OS. In fact a few months ago websites reported that vista is a more secure OS http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/04/30/daizovi/index.php.

buying into apples marketing ploy leads to complacency and is the type of attitude that leads many users to contracting computer viruses. You should always be vigilant on what email attachments you are opening up, what sites you visit, files you download, etc. Don't think that just because you own a mac you do anything with impunity.

malware are more prevalent on PC's because they are used in over 95% of the worlds computers, making it a much more ideal target. However, you can count on it that as apple gains more market share you can expect the number of malware to increase.

That being said, if you need a computer for internet photos and music, I would definitely go with a macbook pro, their computers are very high quality, they look good, and come bundled with software the fits your needs exactly. Just remember to always practice safe computing.

Answer 4

I have a Dell laptop, and the battery life has dropped off considerably. I've never owned an HP, so I can't speak as to them.

I would stay away from Macs at all costs. They are overpriced and lock up all the time. They try to get you to buy them because they're "pretty".

Answer 5

If your going to use the Internet. I would recommend a Mac cause there virtually less susceptible to viruses. Dells you would have to purchase and anti-virus program for it. I have a friend that uses the internet pretty much most of the day and has a mac and has not had one virus on his computer

Answer 6

Honestly I would go with a Mac if I were you. Thats what i'm typing this answer on. I have one of the black macbooks, i got it in feb, and i use it for the exact same things you described. everyone says theyre harder to use, but its not true, once you get the hang of the few differences its incredibly easy, plus they are almost immune to viruses. they're lightweight and slim. Also you can get AIM for mac, windows messager, all the Microsoft programs, etc.
You can get a nice one for the amt of money you hope to spend. Definitely take it into consideration.


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Answer 7

I like HP laptops. My wife has one, never turns it off and it keeps going and going. After about 4 years, I replaced a fan. Been cranking ever since.

Lenovo is a good brand, the place I work my day job uses them. I haul a lenovo thinkpad around in a knapsack every day, and it still works fine.

Answer 8

Dell Inspiron

i have it

never fails

Answer 9

I would get a Lenovo (IBM) Thinkpad T61.

It's compact, lightweight, and most importantly, durable. I can't say the same for HPs and Dells.

You can expect it to be $1100, or more.

Answer 10

get a gateway there inexpensive,durible, and can do virtually everthing on your list. I have one and its great. The support service is good too. unlike hp and dell. but just make sure it has atleast 1gig of ram.