I'd like to buy a laptop computer...need advice.?

Question

Can anyone with knowledge of computers please suggest a good model/brand. I don't want a flimsy computer that will only last a year or 2. I know little about them, so any useful info you have is appreciated!! I want also one that has good memory so how much memory should I be looking for? I'll be the only one using it. I just plan on using it to check my email, install & send home photos to others, and view online tv shows.


Thanks.

Answer 1

Depends on your budget. For the least amount of grief, get a MacBook. The original MacBook has a very small screen, if you want a larger screen (15.4" or 17") you need a MacBook Pro. You will pay roughly 2x the price for a MacBook than you would for a comparable Windows configuration though. In the long run the Mac will give you less grief though.

For a Windows based laptop I would recommend either a Dell or HP. Memory, you shouldn't get less than 2Gb to run Vista. Get the fastest Intel Duo 2 you can afford. If your using it for photos get as big a disk drive as you can afford - probably at least 160Gb.

Don't need it immediately, but you should also get an external USB hard drive. 300Gb will cost about $100, this can be used to store photos and do backups.

edit - I ordered my wife an Inspiron, 17" screen, 2gb memory, DVD RW drive, 160Gb HD, with MS Office Small Business for $1460 as a gift this year. hopefully she won't see this;) The MS Office Small Business was $200+ of this price, however it's cheaper to buy it this way than to get it someplace else. I wanted this edition of MS Office. So you can get this computer for around $1200 w/o MS Office.

I also priced out a 15.4" screen, the difference in price was less than $100 - so I went for the 17" screen. Comparable MacBook Pro was $2800 - hence the 2x comment. The MacBook Pro didn't include MS Office either.

PS - there is no such thing as a good cheap laptop. With technology, you get what you pay for.

Answer 2

Based on your intended usage, you will not need a high end laptop. The brands that I find good and of good value for the price are Dell, Gateway (with reservations), IBM and Compaq. The reservations with Gateway are more to do with past experience. Their quality seems to go up and down as a model gets more sales it's quality seems to suffer then when the complaints go up, quality seems to improve. That said, I have a Gateway and am extremely happy with it. Dual core, 2 GB Ram, 250 MB Video, all memory sticks for cameras are supported (may be something to add to your list, no extra hardware required), USB 2.0, Wide screen etc... nice unit for only $950 at Best Buy, last year. My wife has a Dell. Slightly higher CPU less memory, same hard Drive, no memory stick support and cost twice as much as the Gateway. But also very happy with it.

Answer 3

First thing I would do is look at some reviews from a place like CNET. Try and find a laptop that is going to meet your needs. If you are just using it for email, internet and office software you won't need the same kind of hardware a gamer or developer might need. I have had a Dell Inspiron 8100 for over 6 years. Slow by todays top of the line models, but still runs just fine for home use.

Answer 4

2nd of the 2 will be better 4 gaming since it has dedicated graphics when ur buying a lappy u gotta focus on getting the best CPU an graphics card as these are typically the components that are impossible to upgrade. RAM is easy to upgrade provided u have extra slots and/or aren't using high capacity DIMM's already. an Hard drives lol as long as u have the drivers 4 ur system an the intall disk for ur OS that's a simple matter of unplug the old plug in the new.

Answer 5

I'm currently using a Dell, it's nice, affordable, and it's got pretty good tech support.

I've heard pretty stellar comments about IBM Thinkpads, so I'd take a look at them too. Concerning memory, you'll probably want at least a gig of RAM is you intend to use Vista. If you're just using it for photos and the like, a 60-100 gig hard drive will probably be more than enough for a few years. It might be worthwhile to invest in making your house/apartment wireless if you're getting a notebook, unless you've already got wireless internet.

For reference, my notebook's a Dell Latitude D820, and it cost about $1500.

Answer 6

For the applications that you've listed (i.e., not games), take a look at Apple's laptops. They're a bit more expensive than some of the cheaper PC brands. But they're very easy to use, relatively trouble-free, and use excellent components, so that they last a long time. Just being able to do without anti-virus software is almost worth the extra money you'll pay.

Answer 7

Computers last as long of a time that you treat it well. I like HP and Dell. For a fast computer go with a HP computer with AMD processor, at least 120 GB hard drive and make sure the ram is 1-4 gb and 1.5 ghrz.

Answer 8

If you want, durability, and you don't mind spending a bit extra, then in my experience, and as confirmed by PC magazine (by far and away!) and Consumer Reports, the way to go is IBM/Lenovo. My ol' A31 Thinkpad is 4 years old now, has taken several drops, and is a real workhorse, still going strong. IBM still is THE most comfortable keypad (surprisingly important over the long haul!) and no gripes!

Answer 9

i really like toshibas,hps,dell
if you dont waunt to deal with the dang store pep try ebay i love ebay alot my mom dose also but i would watch out for scams but got to the stores and see what they say and pricez then go look on ebay if ya waunt
i hope this helps

Answer 10

I have had very good experience with Dell laptops. You can configure your own laptop on their website and they have good prices. www.dell.com