So, I'm buying a Laptop.. What kind do I get?

B

Bex

New Member
I'm about to head off to college and my father is giving me a laptop. He is a computer illiterate and just said to tell him what kind to get, and to make it not too expensive (We're on a rather tight budget!).
I know a bit about computers, but when it comes to megabites and processers I get totally lost. I was hoping if I just said what I was interested in that someone could point out a few models?
I'd like it to have plenty of memory, because I write A LOT! I currently have 125MB from one folder of writing alone. So lots of space would be a good thing. Also any kind of word document, for writing, but I figure that's standard. I don't want any excessive programs. Internet would be awesome, but I heard you need to pay monthly for that on a laptop? Could anyone tell me prices/good companies? I'd probably, if I got internet with it, be surfing all the time.. So add on more space, I guess. So I need a laptop with loads of space, but not the mega ammount like you need for game playing. I'll leave my Sims to my home PC. Any suggestions?
 
Personally I recommend HP. *I'm also a college student.* They are by far the best laptop manufacturer. I just bought a HP laptop and like it a lot. It has a lot of extra stuff like a built in web cam, remote, etc. I'm impressed with HP's quality of a product considering they mass produce it. Compared to like Dell, Dell buys the dirt cheapest parts and sells them well....dirt cheap. Dell Sucks in my opinion. I bought a Dell Desktop and regret getting it. I work at a Community College (Computer Support) and we have both dells and HP's. The dell laptops aren't as reliable as the HP's. The also think that the performance with the HP's is outstanding. Most of the pre-built computers you would see in stores are really good. (Spec wise). Most laptops today have a dual core processor; allows for multitasking easier. I would say for a laptop get at least a Dual core 1.8 GHz. Get at least 1 Gig (Gigabyte) of RAM. The smallest hard drives they put in laptops anymore is about 60 Gigabytes, which is plenty for what you're doing.
 
I admit tat HP is a good comp but the HP comp with those latest item will be a big cost for you......according to bullzeye2005.....he suggest you get a dual core 1.8 GHz and 1 gb ram.....those comp will cost you around 3000 for atleast for other branded.....if for HP wont be so cheap....it's need atleast 4000-5000....so if you juz wan for typing and doing own stuff but not using for extreme stuff such like watch movie,gaming,listening or else......you should get a cheap laptop as well......the HP comp will not function you wells.....it much for those who need to do more good things.....so around 1000-2000 you can get more suitable laptop for you.......and the most less is not 60gb for now.....so other is 40gb and even 20gb.....for old comp it will goes to 1gb or 5gb as well.....so you need to think carefully wat type of function you are using......if you juz need for blogging and suft internet....256 or 516 is enough......but sure got a bit lag.....because of low ram and the processor juz get for 1-2GHz and no need dual core......for dual core will extremely make your cost gone higher.......if you are a man who will take care things good.....you can have acer......acer parts was easy spoil but easy to get those part with a low cost......
 
lionheart5059 said:
I admit tat HP is a good comp but the HP comp with those latest item will be a big cost for you......according to bullzeye2005.....he suggest you get a dual core 1.8 GHz and 1 gb ram.....those comp will cost you around 3000 for atleast for other branded.....if for HP wont be so cheap....it's need atleast 4000-5000....so if you juz wan for typing and doing own stuff but not using for extreme stuff such like watch movie,gaming,listening or else......you should get a cheap laptop as well......the HP comp will not function you wells.....it much for those who need to do more good things.....so around 1000-2000 you can get more suitable laptop for you.......and the most less is not 60gb for now.....so other is 40gb and even 20gb.....for old comp it will goes to 1gb or 5gb as well.....so you need to think carefully wat type of function you are using......if you juz need for blogging and suft internet....256 or 516 is enough......but sure got a bit lag.....because of low ram and the processor juz get for 1-2GHz and no need dual core......for dual core will extremely make your cost gone higher.......if you are a man who will take care things good.....you can have acer......acer parts was easy spoil but easy to get those part with a low cost......
Click to expand...

There is no way it'll cost $3000. I bought a prebuilt HP laptop with a 1.73 dual core processor w/ 1 GB RAM for $1100. I don't know what your talking about but you need to get your info correct lionheart. You need to look at the laptops that are in the market right now. Majority of them are dual core. with at least 512 if not 1 GB of RAM. Where are you getting this info? I up to date with technology knowledge wise and what your talking about sounds like laptops like 3 years ago. Vista needs at least 512MB of RAM, and XP needs at least 256 but you always find those machines w/ more than that. Most hard drives in laptops are as low as 40 gig and up to 200 gig depending on the model of the machine. But the average size hard drive is about 60.
 
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...-category-id=83C6BB3C3335400EB7DF1011B7015A00


Look into any of these, upgrade the memory to 1 gigabyte.
Basically for college you want a computer that will last you as far as durability and battery life. You do not want to go into the second semester with your laptop already becoming beat up, and without the battery holding a charge. That being said many colleges offer purchase programs for laptops which would DEFINATELY be the best route. The laptops that colleges offer are frequently covered by a warranty that is very well suited for a college student, and they have very good tech support, frequently on campus.
 
if you are going to buy HP, buy business class. Same price range better quality machine. I have a HP nc4200 and it is a little work horse.

HP business class laptops are much better than the consumer ones, and they are just built better and easier to work on.
 
i am currently using a dell inspiron 9400 it is great. i have 8 dell notebooks in my business and all have been hastle free. However on the rare occasion that a fault does occur, they will send an engineer out next day and the part will be replaced. 3 year warranty highly recommended, and is free atm.
 
3 Year at home warrenty costs alot of money. And I personaly have had alot of troubles with the 9400. (wireless crashing BSOD's...)
 
Bex said:
I'm about to head off to college and my father is giving me a laptop. He is a computer illiterate and just said to tell him what kind to get, and to make it not too expensive (We're on a rather tight budget!).
I know a bit about computers, but when it comes to megabites and processers I get totally lost. I was hoping if I just said what I was interested in that someone could point out a few models?
I'd like it to have plenty of memory, because I write A LOT! I currently have 125MB from one folder of writing alone. So lots of space would be a good thing. Also any kind of word document, for writing, but I figure that's standard. I don't want any excessive programs. Internet would be awesome, but I heard you need to pay monthly for that on a laptop? Could anyone tell me prices/good companies? I'd probably, if I got internet with it, be surfing all the time.. So add on more space, I guess. So I need a laptop with loads of space, but not the mega ammount like you need for game playing. I'll leave my Sims to my home PC. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Some the best notebook manufactorer in my book is Asus, they design their own notebooks, use their own parts and the notebook itself is built by them so its 100& in house. This is unlike any other notebook builder that I know of on the market now. Plenty of space isnt hard to find if thats all you want. Also, are you gearing more toward the ultra portable or a bigger screen,

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3590&review=Asus+V2Je for teh 14 inch screen. Comes with a 120gb hard drive, but only 1gb of RAM

Or for 15.4 inch, theres the G1 which is in my sig if you wanted to check that out.

Asus has a very good track record with their notebooks, and now with the upcoming release (or has it been release) of Santa Rosa, now would be a great time to buy a notebook, no matter what brand you buy. Oh and regaurds to the internet having to pay if you are on a laptop, that is false.
 
Seriously look into lenovo, they keep the quality keybaords of IBM and slowly improve the laptops. They would be some of the best keyboards on a laptop and for your purposes that seems important.
 
i say go with HP. they are good and ima bout to get one for college in a couple of months also. tight budget as in.... 900-1000? u can get that easily on sale at stores like circuitcity because they got rebates, or even better deals on newegg.
 
I have had no problem with the 9400 now running vista and its sound!

The warranty is free at the moment from dell. 3 Years COL or if that is not conveniant they will come to your house.

Wherever you buy from don't buy off the internet, phone up and haggle. Dell can give 3 discounts per order.

Hope this helps :P
 
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