What would be the best laptop for a 13 year old?

Question

I want to get a laptop, all I'll be doing is research, school work and english papers. I need something affordable.

Answer 1

I would get a ubuntu dell laptop.
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/linux_3x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

Answer 2

There are lots of good laptops out there. I buy Lenovo/IBM Thinkpads as they are reliable. But more importantly, they come with a service contract (up to 3 years) that is supported by English-speaking engineers out of Atlanta. That can make a world of difference when you need help.

Used laptops are a crapshoot. You never know what kind of silliness the former owner was doing. They might have overclocked (run the processor faster than it should), worn out the LCD screen or poured diet coke on the keyboard.

Many systems come with Office (Word, Excel, Access) bundles--just make sure it's not a "trial" version that expires just before mid-term exams. These are often a cheap way to get the software unless you know someone that has access to the Microsoft company store...

hth

Answer 3

A 13 year old?
the best one you can afford not to have in 8 months....

In all seriousness you might consider shopping the refurbs at tigerdirect.com you can get a warrantied laptop for $400. It won;t play mind-blowing video games, but you can afford to be wrong. You can protect any computer against viruses as long as you do it BEFORE it goes on the internet. My package is
AVG antivirus (free)
Lavasaoft adaware 2007 (free)
Spybot Search-and destroy (free)
If you you install and update these things before you put it online it will last for a long time. (provided it isn;t crushed, lost, vandalized, dropped, stolen, or other otherwise disposed of.)

Answer 4

Ebay
Writng papers does not use alot of computing power so an old one is good enough. I have an IBM 600 Mhz computer and it does ok for web browsing.

New computers are 5 times faster and 5 times more expensive.

Hard drives from that time frame were slightly small, so I can store all my papers, but pictures and music fill it up quickly so I have to limit myself.

Answer 5

well,Ebay is a start,depending on You're circumstances maybe one on credit? but most laptops with credit are quite modern and override you're needs.Apart from these reputable outlets it hangs in the balance of second hand and can you trust it for reliability?Anything with wireless (for net research) a min of 256mb Memory 10gb hard drive should be adequate.the balance between new with minimum specifications and second hand are close,So maybe it's in youre interest to buy a new one with a guarantee therefore saving hardware faults and uneccesary bills.Failing all this you may be lucky and buy a great 2nd hand one,So you're question is all about luck and what you're willing to spend

Answer 6

Dells do not easily get viruses if you have protection like mcafee. Get a dell. they have a nice working internet and usually some come with "Microsoft Word" or anyother typing programs. Dells are what u should get. I have a dell and it works really well.

Answer 7

if u want cheap and gd..then u shd go for acer and dell..they are cheap and they r rather gd..nt bad ..but if u want to hv something more expensive and more robust,then u shd go for Hp and lenovo.but of coz hp and lenovo coz more ..

Answer 8

dells are cheap, but easily get viruses

macs are very fast and reliable, but expensive. however, they will last a good 3 years or more.

take your pick.

Answer 9

Hahaha get one with your mother (or father) looking over your shoulder. Stay away from Dell, they're crap.

Answer 10

Run to Circuit city early friday for this black friday buy;
http://bfads.net/Compaq-1GB-Presario-Laptop-at-Circuit-City