Technologocially challenged: How do I shop for a laptop???

College Life
1

<p>Hello all,</p>

<p>I hope that some of you are computer wizards because I absolutely have no idea what to look for. I am graduating this spring and my mother has promised to buy me a laptop: I don’t think anything over about eight hundred dollars would even be on the option list.</p>

<p>Prices aside, I have NO IDEA WHAT TO LOOK FOR.</p>

<li><p>We have a Dell computer at home that I love to pieces. It is so easy to use for technologically-dumb people like me and I really like it. (That being said, I know a teacher who just bought a Dell laptop and hates it, like, really hates it and told me not to buy one.)</p></li>
<li><p>I know that I don’t want a Mac.</p></li>
<li><p>My friends in college recommend HPs but I don’t know the pros or cons of the brand.</p></li>
<li><p>I want a computer with an easy graphics system – ports for memory sticks, an easy-to-use photo storage/manip feature, and lots of memory space.</p></li>
<li><p>I don’t know what features to look for while shopping. I don’t even know what a good amount of memory space is.</p></li>
<li><p>Screen size doesn’t matter to me, honestly.</p></li>
<li><p>Talk to me in little words! I’m so lost and I really, really want this to be a good investment!</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks for all of your help in advance :)</p>

<p>Edit: oh noes, spelled a word in the title wrong. I bet this makes me look like the blondest blonde ever. I promise that I’m a fairly intelligent person in fields that don’t pertain to gigs or ports or jpgs or whatever! <em>headdesks</em></p>

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<p>One of the things about laptops is that you learn a lot about what you like or don’t like after your first purchase. Most laptops come with Vista so you really don’t have a lot of choice in the graphics system (I’m translating that to Operating System).</p>

<p>Hewlett-Packard makes nice systems. So does Dell. Many other companies make nice laptops too.</p>

<p>If you have some time, visit a local BestBuy and try out the machines that they have in the store that are in your price range. Consider the size, shape, weight, ports, screen, etc.</p>

<p>Consider what you want to do with your laptop. If you’re going to be doing email, web surfing and writing papers, then a basic model should do. If you’re going to be doing gaming, then it gets a lot more complicated (and expensive).</p>

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<p>I think a dell inspiron 13. its $599 and can handle the tasks you describe. probably add a service plan.</p>

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<p>it has a built in camera too.</p>

5

<p>Read this thread before buying a Dell Laptop. It has to do with their power supply/battery. If cost is an issue, then you also need to consider the long-term cost.</p>

<p>[“AC</a> Power Adapter Not Determined” , and Power Adapter Won’t Work](<a href=“http://getsatisfaction.com/dell/topics/_ac_power_adapter_not_determined_and_power_adapter_wont_work?utm_content=topic_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=reply_notification]"AC”>http://getsatisfaction.com/dell/topics/_ac_power_adapter_not_determined_and_power_adapter_wont_work?utm_content=topic_link&utm_medium=email&utm_source=reply_notification)</p>

<p>My daughter’s school had a Dell as one of their recommended configurations. I bought it because the school could then support the entire configuration (hardware, software, etc.). They also arranged a deal with Dell on the recommended configuration. That deal included a 3 year warranty, so at least for 3 years I don’t have to worry about any hardware problems.</p>

<p>**So, you might want to wait to see which school you go to before picking a computer, and seeing what deals they have for students. They also may have student prices on software like: word, excel, powerpoint, etc. ** Also, computer prices are constantly dropping, so I recommend waiting until June/July before you buy. Enough time ahead of school to get comfortable with the computer. It might take a month to mail-order the computer.</p>

<p>Regarding #4: Graphics - Games, watching TV/videos, or surfing? Make sure the graphics card meets your needs.</p>

<p>Ports for Memory sticks: All new laptops should have you covered. All you need is a USB port, and they have lots of them now.</p>

<p>photo storage: Ok, make sure your laptop has a memory card reader, and that is works with your type of memory card for your camera. You will also want large internal hard disk. I would get 300 GB. You can add an external Hard disk later, but nothing like being able to keep it on the computer. expensive/hard to upgrade internal HD later.</p>

<p>You want at least 2gb main memory (RAM), and go for 4gb if you can afford it. May or may not be hard/expensive to upgrade later.</p>

<p>Screen size: I recommend at least a 15". It will make a difference when you are writing those papers. Having multiple windows open. etc. You can buy an external monitor later for added screen space when at your desk.</p>

<p>Operating System: I prefer Windows XP, but I’m not sure how well it will last for 4 years of college. So, Windows Vista is the choice. Make sure you get the “Home Premium Edition”, and not the “Home Basic Edition”. Vista also comes in 32 bit and 64 bit versions. Stick with the 32 bit version. Don’t let them talk you into the 64 bit version. 64 bit is only needed for certain applications, college not being one of them. Exception: if your school has some reason to prefer the 64 bit version (running high end engineering or video editing programs). But then, you probably wouldn’t be asking about computers on this thread.</p>

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<p>Thanks for all the advice, especially OperaDad. :slight_smile: Anyone else?</p>