Laptop Advice??HELP HELP

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LandfillLumber

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Hello, I'm going to finally pull the trigger on a laptop and need advice on what to get.I only need a simple one that will surf the web and let me work on my web site.So I have been looking at the $300 jobs I see all over,and think that it will more then fill my needs.Any advice on witch one to buy in the $300 range??Don't want to pend more then that really so what should I get.Thank,Victor
 
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I guess a mac is out of the question :)

Actually - at that price point, there won't be much difference between them. If you are comparing specific models - that would help.. they change practically weekly and if you can point to the ones you see, that would help. However - the big hint is to go for more ram - much more important than processor speed.
 
I agree with Alphageek. Anything in that price range would probably be just fine for anything basic you need to do. Go to the nearest computer store and look for the lowest priced model with the most ram and you should be good to go. Unless you are doing high end graphic work or gaming anything out there is suitable for most if not all needs.
 
For $300 you won't get much difference from one to the next. If you're only going to be online and doing basic functions I would just get the one with the fastest processor, most memory, biggest hard drive, etc. Try to get the best possible machine for your $300.
 
One very important thing is laptops can overheat easily get a laptop cooler pad and it will save alot of issues DAMHIKT and research the one you want before you buy and reviews from normal users not just big name magazines.
 
My choice would be a Dell certified refurbished... I just bought one for my wife's sister with the following specs:

Vostro 1015
Windows 7 Home
Core 2 Duo 2.1Ghz
4 gigs ram
320 GB hard drive
DVD-RW
15.6" display

$349

Not a bad machine for the price, and shipping was quick and free. Even though it is refurbished, the majority of these are cancelled orders. The laptop arrived in new condition.

Here's the website:

http://www.dell.com/outlet
 
I seem to buy computers and computer equipment for my business, and have had some good success with Tiger Direct. They have refirbs and other discounted machines.

All the software we have is huge money and some doe not have upgrades to Windows 7 so I always buy XP refirbs, but I have bought a couple laptops, a couple dual core desk tops and never paid over 359.00.

The problem with the "net books" is they do not have a CD drive, so if you want to load something it either has to be on a thumb drive or you have to have a stand alone CD reader, and even discounted they are 40.00.
 
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moke said:
I seem to buy computers and computer equipment for my business, and have had some good success with Tiger Direct. They have refirbs and other discounted machines.

All the software we have is huge money and some doe not have upgrades to Windows 7 so I always buy XP refirbs, but I have bought a couple laptops, a couple dual core desk tops and never paid over 359.00.

The problem with the "net books" is they do not have a CD drive, so if you want to load something it either has to be on a thumb drive or you have to have a stand alone CD reader, and even discounted they are 40.00.
Click to expand...

I agree! TigerDirect.com has been really good to me as well. The Refurb Dells and HPs work better than many of the new machines I have bought from others. Ditto on buying machines with XP COA, as I HATE to keep buying the same software that I don't use.

I LOVE the net books and I am looking for a very small 7". The CD drive is not an issue for me, as I always keep a stand alone USB CD and stand alone Hard Drive.

I use the computer to run the credit card machine at shows. The smaller the machine, the better my back feels after load in and load out. By carrying an ACTUAL Verifone ISO compliant credit card machine to shows, I have actually saved enough (my swipe rate is HALF the "type in" rate") in discount fees and "compliance" fees to pay for the computer.
 
DO NOT get a netbook. You want a full 15" screen. Anything less and you will be sorry. There are plenty out there to choose from with full screens in the price rance you mentioned. Processors are tough to compare...AMD vs Intel....in that price range I don't think you will see much difference in processors.
 
Just a few from experience.

Dell's are good machines. I've abused my Latitude D630 and it's still kicking.
Mac? Can only dream.
If it says Acer, it's crap.
 
Grim Spirit said:
Just a few from experience.

If it says Acer, it's crap.
Click to expand...

Can't agree. I'm a computer consultant, and I have several dozen Acer's on customer sites, and haven't had trouble with any of them. The ones I DO have trouble with are HP/Compaq and Tosihba. Both used to be good names but have fallen on evil days. Dell is always good, as is Sony.

In your price range, I would go with Acer or Gateway (owned by Acer) or Fry's Electronics house brand GQ. You will get more features for less money. If you buy from Frys Electronics, get their extended warranty. It is about the best on the market. I had two Toshibas before these Acers, and they spent more time in the shop than at home. But with the Frys extended warranty, I had free loaners, and the repairs didn't cost me anything.

I'm writing this on a 4 year old Acer laptop that is in use about 10 hours a day and has never had a moment of downtime.

Sharon...had my own computer consulting business since 1980.
 
Dell is good
HP is pricey
Tiger Direct has good prices.
Any referb is good as long as it has the orginal warranty.
Might want to upgrade to Windows 7 Professional. The 'home' edition seems to get less fixes than professional. yes they are basiclly the same, but for some reason, Microsoft invest more time and $$ in the professional version than the home versions. I bought my daughter an acer at wal-mart for about $300 and it works well for her. Lots of Ram (4 GB) a 320 Hard Drive and Windows 7 Professional.
go for at least a 15" monitor
Yes, a cooling pad for a laptop is almost required.
hope this helps some.
 
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That looks like a very capable configuration for what you want to do. I would look at things that are at least comarable to it.

turbowagon said:
My choice would be a Dell certified refurbished... I just bought one for my wife's sister with the following specs:

Vostro 1015
Windows 7 Home
Core 2 Duo 2.1Ghz
4 gigs ram
320 GB hard drive
DVD-RW
15.6" display

$349

Not a bad machine for the price, and shipping was quick and free. Even though it is refurbished, the majority of these are cancelled orders. The laptop arrived in new condition.

Here's the website:

http://www.dell.com/outlet
Click to expand...
 
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