Buying new Laptop: what should I look for...

A

Ann78

New Member
Hi…

I’m after a laptop… I would have it for 2 years. Mostly would like to use it for in-service studies and teaching (primary teacher) – i.e. typing assignments, lesson planning. Would like to put XP, Microsoft Word and Publisher onto it and also access the Internet for research. But thats about it - everything else I can do on my desktop computer.

What things in general should I be looking for? What would the laptop's minimum requirements be that I should be looking for? I’m not that concerned about graphics etc… probably more so how fast it can surf the Internet. What should I make sure the laptop has – like hidden things – they may sell a cheap laptop because its really poor in one area but I wouldn’t know cause I don’t know much about laptops/computers systems anymore etc!

I don’t need it for watching Dvds etc.

I probably won’t pay more than 1500 US for it.

Also
a) What is Pentium M? Is that more than Pentium 4?
b) Is 1.2 Ghz more than 750 Mhz?
c) What is rpm?
d) Do laptops run as well as desktop computers?
e) Are all laptops radiation free? If not what should I be looking for as I’m sensitive to radiation (thyroid problems).

Thank you for any help and or advice in advance,

Ann.
 
Any laptop would do for your requirements. A basic or budget would be fine. Such as HP, Compaq, and Acer, even a Dell. Acers start off at about $650 and up (you'll get more bang for the buck- excellent screens too). The HP DV4000 is pretty nice too, lots of multimedia features.

Also
a) What is Pentium M? Is that more than Pentium 4?
You'll find better performance, less heat, and more battery life with a Pentium M.
b) Is 1.2 Ghz more than 750 Mhz?
Yes
c) What is rpm?
Rotation Per Minute. Hard drives go faster with higher rpms, but not noticeable with basic tasks. If you were transfering large files, then you may see a difference.
d) Do laptops run as well as desktop computers?
Yes, Some gamers would not agree, but if you matched them up with the same specs, it's basically the same. Besides, when you go for a laptop, you're actually buying freedom or mobility.
e) Are all laptops radiation free? If not what should I be looking for as I’m sensitive to radiation (thyroid problems).
That I can not answer, if you're talking about lead free, there are some manufacturers that make lead free wireless lan cards. Other than that, I would say it'll be ok, BUT you can ask your doctor. :)
 
What ever you do , DO NOT buy an e-machine or a winbook.
The Dells are good. With Dells you have to be carefull of the back part of the LCD display. The plastic is thin and the LCD can be damaged.
 
I just purchased an Acer laptop with a 15.4" screen, 512mb ram, 60 gig HD, CD/RW/DVD with Windows XP home. I paid $599 for it at Circuit City. Works great and does all the things you would need it for. There is a guy in LA named Jeff Levy that has a computer talk show and he thinks that the Acer is the best deal for the bucks. I also have a Dell that was close to $2k and although I suppose it will do a lot more, I find it no better than the Acer for what I do.
 
Ken said:
...Works great and does all the things you would need it for. There is a guy in LA named Jeff Levy that has a computer talk show and he thinks that the Acer is the best deal for the bucks...
Click to expand...
I totally agree. Acers have been very under-rated here in the US. We've been spoon-fed with Dells and other mainstreams over here. I never got one complaint from the Acer's we've sold, but a whole lot of questions before purchasing... it's just that people don't know about them. The whole world knows Acer, except here.
 
Great! Thanks so much guys! :) Thanks Extreme for explaining things – much clearer now!


Thanks Tractorboy about the warning about Dell. I’ve heard rumors that Dell computers (here in Australia anyway) use 2nd hand parts – not sure if that’s true or not lol! But they seem good for the price and some 2nd hand ones can be better than new in some ways – just have to be aware I think! But the screen warning is great to know, thank you. Especially since I was thinking about a Dell but wont now cause the screen is an important thing for me.


Ken and Extreme, will look into Acers over here and see what they are about :) – great! Thankyou :)


THANKYOU GUYS!!!! :)
 
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Im thinking about getting this one....

Though I may look around to see if I can get it cheaper somewhere...

The ACER Travel Pack includes the new ACER Aspire 3503WLMi laptop with a wide 15.4" screen so you can watch your favorite DVDs.

The Aspire is the perfect partner for enhancing your efficiency and success with its combination of robust processing power, graphics capabilities, communications and dependable design.

Features :

Intel Celeron M 1.5Ghz Processor (1MB Cache), 512MB RAM, 80GB Hard Drive, 8 x Dual Layer DVD Burner
15.4" Crystalbrite Widescreen, 56k Modem, Windows XP Home
A laptop carry bag is included in this package.


http://www.virtualcommunities.com.au/products/product_details.php?productId=5592





Is wide screen not as heigh as other screens?



If I wanted to access the internet through broadband do I need something specific on the laptop or can nearly any laptop access broadband?
 
Yes any laptop nowadays can access broadband. This is a good choice and should be about half of your budget. If I were you, I'd try and get a higher model. Something with a Pentium M processor. Shouldn't be that more expensive, but you'll get much more power, better battery life, and future proof yourself just a little bit longer. As for screen hieght, its just about the same but a bit wider. They say with a 15.4 widescreen, you get about the same screen real estate as a 16.5"+ normal ratio. With a 14" widescreen, you'd get as much as a 15" normal.
 
i would go for the new macbook...but i dont really think it fits your needs. may exceed them, in my opinion its the best laptop on the market. but you should really look for something that suites you. try a dell or sony.
 
Thanks guys :)

I will look into the Pent M - thanks Extreme :)

Thanks goan - may have alook at the mac :)

Thanks guys! :)
 
Just one note about a used notebook. Make sure that there is not a bios password set. The majority of notebooks have to be sent to the manufacturer for a reset, and you have to prove ownership before they will do that.
WOW Australia,,,, can we come down and visit ?
 
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