I’m starting to college in a fall, as well as my relatives wish to buy me a brand new laptop. we do not know anything about record or computers, though we only wish a laptop which will work for college things similar to assignments, have sufficient mental recall as well as space for cinema as well as videos, a CD burner or something competence be cold too. My relatives wish me to get a Dell. Price is rather important, though I’m not gonna buy something crappy only so a cheap.
Seriously, only seeking during a Dell website pisses me off since there’s as well most things to select from, nothing of which we know anything about. If there have been alternative brands which we unequivocally consider have been improved suggest them as well as we can talkt o my relatives about about which too.
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Don’t rush into making a decision. Do some research. Here are several factors that you may want to consider regarding getting a laptop. It is worth paying more for a better computer because it is vital to doing work. Your parents will need some convincing to pay about double what they expected, but I learned the hard way with computer crashes, virsus, not enough storage, etc.
Read this. Print it and have your parents read it:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1901689,00.asp
For your parents: Costco membership costs $45
Here is HP Laptop page with prices:
http://www.costco.com/CTO/HPLanding.aspx?Prodid=10029570&whse=&topnav=&browse=&s=1
Configure it…..
http://www.costco.com/CTO/HPConfigurator.aspx?Prodid=10029570&whse=&topnav=&browse=&s=1&model=ES184AV
I like the HP better than Toshiba (I have aToshiba now)
1. Notebook vs. tablet. With the tablet you can write in script and draw. I do not like the tablet but I do have an iPAQ PDA for quick notes, addresses, schedules, etc. I can type fast (I used Mavis Beacon software to learn). http://www.smartdownloads.net/download-22355.html
2. My notebook is a Toshiba Satellite and I am going to upgrade it to a faster one with more storage. I will get a Hewlett Packard. I have done the research to answer your question. I absolutely love the customer service from HP. It is prompt and no-hassle. Furthermore, HP offers a student discount. http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/saveAPPCustomer.do
also consider HP refurbished and closeout.
I like HP Pavilion zv6270us Notebook PC, refurbished
Price: $999.99* (As low as $30/mo)
AMD Athlon 64 processor (2.2GHz), Windows XP Home with Service Pack 2, 1024MB DDR SDRAM, 100GB hard drive,
Double-layer DVD±R/RW and CD-RW combo drive
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/generic_subcategory.do?storeName=storefronts&landing=outlet_store&category=refurb_notebooks&subcat1=hp&catLevel=2
HP $50 rebate: http://www.costco.com/images/content/misc/PDF/990012_0604_0829.pdf
I had considered another Toshiba
http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/pr/download/flash/NotebookFinder/notebook_finder_current.html
The Toshiba is customizable. That means everything is optional. There is no way that a 40GB hard drive is enough storage! A 14″ screen? Not for me. http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/cdetland.to?poid=333872&coid=-30602&fgpn=PTA60U-0D7003&seg=HHO
3. Processor. Some people insist on having an Intel processor. I have found that AMD processors are just as reliable. I do not run my computers night and day so they do not overheat. I get the highest speed processor for the lowest price by getting an AMD processor. HP has laptops with either Intel or AMD so you can have your pick.
4. SPEED & STORAGE – My Toshiba Satellite has a nice screen. I can see DVD’s. I can use wireless or hard wired internet connections. BUT it is SLOW and the hard drive capacity 40GB is WAY too small. The access speed of the hard drive as well as the capacity factor into the overall speed of processing for the computer. It is not just a function of the speed of the processor CPU and the RAM memory (be sure to get the OPTIONAL maximum RAM memory) I will look for 1G RAM, a 2.xMHz processor, 80+GB Hard Drive 5,400 rpm,
5. Battery life – compare the time the battery lasts. It usually does not last long. (Better carry an extension cord and know where all the outlets are)
6. I can type on the keyboard easily and use the tiny (just for laptops) Microsoft Laser mouse. (The built-in mouse on the laptop is difficult to use – so I bought the wireless laser mouse separately). I have relatively small hands. My bf has big hands and curses when trying to use the “laptop” mouse. So make sure that the keyboard and mouse are comfortable for your hand size.
7. I thought “laptop/notebook” meant you could use it on your lap. Well a laptop computer is HOT!!!!! Consider getting a cooling pad that plugs into your USB port.
8. USB – Everything plugs into the USB port. I had to get a 7 port USB hub so I could plug in my accessories like my cell, the digital camera (love my Sony) my PDA (love my HP iPAQ) my PC, my laptop cooler.
9. Some notebooks have Bluetooth. Mine doesn’t but my cell and my iPAQ do.
10. I assume you will be using the FREE wireless connection in your school library to connect to the internet??? If not, internet connection can be expensive.
11. Safety and Security. Consider getting a braided-wire type lock to tether your computer to the table or something. (It looks like a bicycle chain) and is a good way to avoid it being stolen.
You will have to use some sort of software virus scanner and firewall. My university computing center provides all students with a FREE version. It works fine.
12. Software. What software do you need??? You can get Microsoft Windows XP and Office 2007 at a student discount though some computers come “bundled” with the software already loaded, you still pay for the software. Whether you purchase Windows XP or it is already installed on your computer you MUST download the Service Pack 2 security update from Microsoft if it is not installed by the manufacturer. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
13. You will need a case to carry your notebook and all the stuff do go with it. Fitted cases do not always fit. I just stuff everything in a huge backpack.
14. How will you backup your data? I connect my notebook to my PC and back it up that way. You can also back up to DVD if you have a DVD burner.
No matter which laptop you get: BACK UP YOUR DATA DAILY!
Remember, Notebook hard drives fail more often than any other computer component. Beyond the usual threats—crashes and destructive viruses—are slippery hands, which can lead to accidental drops. Even when you simply lay your notebook firmly on your desk or on any other hard surface, the impact can shock the hard drive in a way that, over time, can do damage.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1783637,00.asp
This is why people who have had HP products love them. When they are broken, the customer service resolves your problem promptly.
15. How will you print? Do you need your own printer? Will you be connecting via Bluetooth to a printer?
16. You might consider a microphone/headset and webcam so you can talk with your parents (for FREE) via Yahoo Messenger. The money they will save on phone calls can be used to get you a better notebook.
17. Speakers – I need a subwoofer and decent speakers to hook up to my laptop. The laptop speaker is OK for speech but not music.
18. Look at reviews
http://reviews.cnet.com/Notebooks/2001-3121_7-0.html?tag=cnetfd.dir
CNET reviews HP:
http://reviews.cnet.com/HP_Pavilion_dv5000z_Turion_64_2_2GHz/4505-3121_7-31727903.html?tag=pop
I do not care if the notebook is a little heavy.
http://reviews.cnet.com/HP_Pavilion_dv5000z_Turion_64_2_2GHz/4505-3121_7-31727903-2.html?tag=nav
Our loaded Pavilion dv5000z test unit, priced at $1,522, came outfitted with a 2.2GHz Turion 64 ML-40 processor; 1GB of DDR SDRAM (1×1,024MB); an ATI Mobility Radeon Xpress graphics card with 128MB of VRAM; a 120GB hard drive running at 4,200rpm; Windows XP Media Center; a 15.4-inch BrightView wide-screen display; a DVD burner featuring HP’s neat LightScribe technology; an integrated 54g 802.11a/b/g networking card with Bluetooth; and an extended 12-cell battery. It turned in a good score on our MobileMark benchmark–almost the same score as the comparably priced Pentium-equipped dv4000 we tested last year. Equipped with an extended 12-cell battery, however, the dv5000z
PC Mag compares Toshiba models:
http://www.pcmag.com/products/0,,qn=Laptops+Notebooks+Toshiba,00.asp
PC World rates HP
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,126105-page,1-c,notebooks/article.html
Get a Toshiba
When I was in college I got a tosh… I accidentally broke the screen one day, which sucked, So I called Toshiba and asked them if I could buy “JUST” a new back screen for my laptop… About three days later I received a complete new TOSHIBA laptop for FREE… I have always used their stuff since then. Their support is awesome they are the standard that is laptops…
after you get the laptop buy extras separate, like memory if you can afford it max out the memory at least hit the 1 gig mark if not 2 gigs. For extra memory take a look at http://www.crucial.com their memory is generally better priced and works great.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON YOUR PUTER AT COLLEGE MANY GET STOLEN.
ALSO, keep in mind that DELL LIES!!! they claim to offer puters for like $399.00 until you add in BASIC features and components. Suddenly your $399.00 DELL cost as much or more than ANY OTHER laptop out there…
Great answers above. General rules: stay away from 17″ screen, 15.4″ is just as good and a lot less bulky. Get as fast a processor as you can afford. Extended life battery.
Wireless mouse, and locking cable.
The bottom line is your budget and your intended uses of the laptop. You might consider refurbished instead of new.
Think about what features matter the most to you: size, keyboard, battery life, display size, etc.
Most college campuses these days have wireless networks. Older laptops accept wifi cards, which only cost $30. So they are easily upgradeable.
Older laptops often do not have working batteries and even on new ones after a year or two the battery may not work. It usually does not matter, as you will mostly used it plugged into a wall outlet. New batteries often don’t last more than 2-3 hours.
Word processing, e-mail and chat require little in the way of computing resources as they only need about 8MB or RAM and little space on your hard drive. Browsing the web can be done requires only 8MB to open your browser and can be done on a laptop with as little as 64MB of RAM, but I recommend at least 128MB if you do this a lot.
As a minimum you should have an Ethernet card, if you don’t get a wifi card, maybe even have both. The ethernet card or connector (if it is built-in) allows you to hook up to the campus network using a cable.
So, the long and short of it is type “used laptop” or “refurbished laptop” into google and see which site comes and check out the top 2-3. You might be surprised and find a decent refurbished laptops for an amazing $350 to $500.
If you prefer new then I would look at IBM or Toshiba once you have decided what features you want and then compare an IBM and Toshiba laptop with those features.