Questions on buying a Laptop Computer?

Question

I have basic computer knowledge, but, when it comes to the maintence of one... I'm clueless.

I wanting to buy a laptop for my husband & myself for Christmas, we'll use it for the internet, shopping, looking up information, office word, downloading pictures from camera, just simple stuff....

My question is, does it matter what kind I get?

Are laptops something you have to up grade, like cars, take 'em in for service & up to date?

In a couple of years, do I need to buy all this extra stuff to make it faster & better?

Are laptops like cars, loses value, the newer the better?

Help!!!

Answer 1

Laptops are the same as desktop PC's.. when you buy one, it's probably already borderline obsolete. What I would do, if all you're using it for is word, pictures, and internet browsing, is to buy something that runs what you need it to, and not worry about the extra's. You don't need lots of RAM & a good videocard in it because, from what you said, you will never utilize it. The minimun system requirement for word, pictures, and the internet havn't changes much over the past few years, the only advancements in computers have mostly been for gaming. The faster your computer, the smoother it usually runs, but it's hard to justify paying top dollar for high end parts, or paying more down the road to upgrade it just to be able to run programs & games that you never play.

Answer 2

Lap tops are just like desktops. I'm guessing you're familiar with a desktop since you're on the Internet posting this question. Lap tops are just portable. My first computer was a desktop and I spent months researching which one I should buy. This was back in 1997. My most recent computer purchase was a lap top back in 2004 of which I use today. This last time I just went into best buy and bought the middle priced model. I wanted a computer to do just the things you suggested, the basics. I got a hp pavilion zv6000. All of the mid priced computers out here will do everything you will want to do. Computers are so cheap now that you won't want to upgrade them after a couple of years, you'll just buy another one. You won't take it in for service or upgrades. All computers loose value like a car. I wouldn't worry about it too much. Unless you are into the latest games just get an affordable mid range lap top from a recognizable company.

Answer 3

If you're looking for a simple laptop, I'd just go to like Walmart or Best Buy and get one off their shelves. Talk to an associate that knows about laptops and they'll tell u what kind to get. U dont usually have to upgrade unless you always want the best of the best and have to have it super duper fast. I have an laptop from 2001 and it's slower compared to the brand new ones out there, but it's not like I need a super fast one to surf the web and view pics. THe only things that need updating are your software, like Windows XP, which can be downloaded online anyways. Talk to someone at the store and they'll be able to answer your questions.

Answer 4

Hey Amanda!

Computer's are very much like cars, they do lose their value over the years and they might need checks every once in a while. But this all depends on what computer you get. I have been using my MacBook and my brand-new iMac from Apple for the past few months now and I have had some minor problems that were easy to solve. My suggestion to you, by looking at your criteria of what you're going to be doing on that computer, is to buy a low-end MacBook. They will perform all of those tasks and more with ease. I suggest you purchase one from the online Apple store or from and authorized Apple retailer.

Hope I helped,

Michael

Answer 5

You won't have to upgrade any laptop or PC unless you are running very heavy programs on it or playing the latest 3D games.

For using office or any of the things you mentioned, there will be no need for you to ever upgrade your laptop. However, at least you should buy one that will run Windows Vista finely, so that in the future, if you want, you can install Windows Vista on it.

You won't have to take a laptop for servicing unless it breaks down, like it stops switching on, else, you can run it forever.

Maybe, in about 4 years you will have to add some memory to it, that's all

Answer 6

Hi, It's far from a dumb question. It's not necessary for have wireless to connect up the laptop, far from it, you can connect up with cable, it however detracts from the flexibility of the having the laptop. The print question is again, no it's not necessary for wireless, it's however an added benefit that in the more mobile world we live nowadays, is becoming more popular with wireless printers now available for less that £50, where several years ago they were several hundred pounds.

Answer 7

ok this is a simple break down list of what you need it for etc?

1. internet, yes, any laptop is internet ready,
2. pics, I suggest a laptop with NVIDIA graphics running on it,
3. at least 1 gig or ram aka memory,
4. pics need lots of harddrive space so get a laptop with at least 160 gigs or larger,
5. those pics need to be backed up to cd not jsut the system hhd aka hardrive so get a laptop with a dvd multi drive (this means the drive will burn all formats of DVD and even cdrw disk).

the rest is enjoy the laptop,

6. and final thing is, get an extended warnty and a cool zone fan that goes under the laptop if you are using it for extended periods of time, this fan keeps it cool and prevents it form over heating, HEAT is a computers worse enemy.

hope this answers the basic 6 check list of any pc or laptop, thanks.

Answer 8

First of all you want a laptop that has decent speed a good hard drive to store all your files on and stuff that fits what you're going to do on it. i would suggest an Acer computer. Mine has 1GB RAM 320Gb hard drive, Windows Vista home premium . The thing You should look for in a computer is a low price good memory a big hard drive and most of all what you are going to look for. Also do not just look at one computer Think its the best and then buy it. look around compare prices and quality and what you're lookin for, then finally choose one out of them all. even if it takes time its worth it trust me. I hope this helps

Answer 9

Yes, it matters. The better brands (Dell especially) have fewer problems and better warranties. You rbest bet is to buy the best, most advanced one you can afford, because they do become obsolete quickly, and thebetter one you get, the longer it will last. It's really important to get a subscription to an anti-virus software with the PC, and update it regularly. You can do this when you buy a Dell online or by phone. That would be my advice. Good luck

Answer 10

Start with the basic questions:
What do you want to do with the laptop? Just surf and email?
Major game player? Go wireless?
How much are you willing to spend?

Laptops are, feature for feature, more expensive than desktops, are NOT easily upgradable, so can become obsolete more quickly.

If you need help deciding, go to CNET.COM. They are great for helping you through the decision process.