Lap Top Computer advise

Cindy Barnes · Post by **Cindy Barnes** » Fri Feb 27, 2004 4:29 pm

Ok, so Im making th plunge into the lap top computer world, and realy hate buying things as they become outdated. Any tips out there on what is the newest greatest /most reliable type ? My main concern is wireless internet ..*go figure* and cd burn ability. For those that dont know me, I have a saying,, the blonde is fake ,,,, but the dumb is real :-))) so any tips would be appreciated
Cindy

Alexandra · Post by **Alexandra** » Fri Feb 27, 2004 4:44 pm

www.cnet.com is a great place to start . . .

consumers report is also a good place for beginners to get educated.

if you're asking about wi-fi I can't help you, BUT if there IS someone on this board who wi-fies daily, I'd be happy to hear the pros and cons!

notebook primer: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7602_7-101 ... ml?tag=nbg

Beauty · Post by **Beauty** » Fri Feb 27, 2004 7:17 pm

Hi there Cindy,

You're in good hands with Alexandra.

Beauty

Cindy Barnes · Post by **Cindy Barnes** » Fri Feb 27, 2004 8:07 pm

Thanks !
Looks like I need to do some homework :-)
Cindy

Jadeanne · Post by **Jadeanne** » Fri Feb 27, 2004 11:32 pm

Cindy,

I personally prefer desktop computers that I build or upgrade myself (I have worked as a mainframe computer programmer and PC tech for over 28 years). My laptop is an ancient orphan that I rescued from the discard pile.

I looked at the notebook primer website that Alexandra suggested and I second it as a starting point.

Here are my suggestions for things to consider while you read the primer:

Think of ALL the things you want to do with the computer and make sure that it has the capability you want WHEN YOU BUY IT - trying to buy model specific add ons afterward can be VERY difficult as models change rapidly and accessories get discontinued soon after model changes;

Your computer can NEVER have too much hard disk drive storage capacity - pictures/music/software take up more space faster than you think;

Your computer can ALMOST NEVER have too much RAM (Random Access Memory) - trying to add more later can be at best difficult and at worst mission impossible;

Get the best warranty you possibly can, with the most complete coverage for the longest time - ask what would be covered it it's dropped, damaged by beverage spills (no, computers do not get thirsty ).

I don't want to scare you off from getting a laptop, just some things to be aware of so you will get what you want/need when spending your hard earned money.

I hope this helps you find your ideal laptop.

Jadeanne

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:59 pm

I concur. Research is the best start.
My motto for computers is get the most stuff for the best price. But that fits me, cause i do most of my own upgrades and stuff. If you're not that handy with computer stuff, name brands with service plans are not a bad option.
FYI - my laptop is a toshiba, 3 yrs old now. At home I used non-brand discount computer parts to build my network. At work we use Dell exclusively. I have to admit, that the Dell support team has helped me in the past. I was impressed.
So there's my two bits.

Happy hunting.

Hugs,
Kyra

Lorna · Post by **Lorna** » Sat Feb 28, 2004 4:17 pm

I agree with Jadeanne as well. Desktop computers will give you more for your money, but if you're dead set on a notebook, Dell and Gateway are very good brands to go with. On average you might spend around $600-$800 more for a notebook computer than for a desktop computer with the same features.

At work I use a Dell Latitude notebook and I love it! But like Jadeanne said, you can NEVER have too much RAM or hard drive space.

~ Lorna

Jessie · Post by **Jessie** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:51 pm

NOt to go of the topic of laptops or not but I to have been considering a new computer device. I am looking at getting a hand held device. Something running the MS OP system. I am looking at this as device that I can EASILY carry around with a fould out keyboard as what I would the most for is writting. does any one have an opinion on these hand held devices. I have been looking at the new Dell axium 3x with a built in Wi-Fi.

Jessie

Kyra · Post by **Kyra** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:55 pm

Palms are so cool. I'd love to have one, but I just can't justify the expense right now. Oh well, there's always Christmas

Sorry Jessie, I don't have an opinion on hand helds other than I want one too!

Hugs,
Kyra

Stephanie Higgins · Post by **Stephanie Higgins** » Sun Feb 29, 2004 10:12 pm

Okay number I have everything under the sun. :opps: Iguess that I am abit spoiled :opps:
but I just got an HP pavilion zd7000
it is AWESOME it has a HUGE 17" screen
40GB HD
wireless network card
2.66GHz P4 prosessor

A FULL NUMBER PAD

but it was 2399 CND (canadian dollars)
my old one was a Sony VIAO PCX-752 I think
and it was good for the time it lasted me 2 years...but I bought it when it was already outdated...stupid me
Palms are good too though the internet for them isnt nearly as good.
i have a Sony
very good realible great little things but I like the laptop ALOT better

Happy Choosing
Steph

Alexandra · Post by **Alexandra** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 12:45 am

jessie, speaking of handhelds . . .

have you checked this out? Fits in your shirt pocket -- I kid you not!

Its also a video camera LOL!!!! Very cool, only $600 LOL!

more info: http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSH ... UX50/UKIT1

Cindy Barnes · Post by **Cindy Barnes** » Mon Mar 01, 2004 4:22 pm

Steph,, I just looked at a similar HP here also. I like the 17" screen too, and may end up getting it. Thats a lot of $$$ tho, I hope it would last more than 2 years :-)))
Cindy

Jadeanne · Post by **Jadeanne** » Sun Mar 21, 2004 8:54 pm

Cindy,

Would you mind giving a laptop computer progress report to a curious bleached blonde and the other members of this forum?

When it comes to major purchases/decisions you are probably like me in this way - "paralysis by analysis" until all possibilities are considered.

Jadeanne

Alexandra · Post by **Alexandra** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 2:34 am

I ordered this thing about 2 weeks ago . . . should be here one of these days . . .

http://webshop.fujitsupc.com/fpc/Ecomme ... ?series=P1

Its the smallest Windows XP (sorry beauty!

) running laptop you can buy -- in other words you can run nearly ANY software program with it -- you also get a decent sized screen for surfing the net. Anything smaller than this will have a different OS (like windows CE, unix, and palm-type OSs.)

It has built in WiFi and I plan to add an air card so I can surf away from WiFi hotspots as well.

Its 6 inch times 8 inches and weighs 2.3 lbs.

There is no Mac laptop anywhere near this size.

PS: One 486-based IBM think pad in perfect condition for sale!

Cindy Barnes · Post by **Cindy Barnes** » Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:15 am

Jadeanne,
Well for once Im taking my time on this purchase ! But Im leaning towards the HP model similar to what Stephanie has just bought.
I like the idea of the large screen, but may end up with a little smaller one. I dont travel that much so size is not a big issue.
We have a no-tax holiday here in Ga. a couple times a year which excludes sales tax on computers and school stuff, that will save over 100.00 on what Im looking at, which will help offset the extended warranty that everyone suggests to get on a laptop.
So for now Im just watching the sales and still absorbing info :-)

Alexandra,, the small hand held looks great but Im not good with small things *S* I loose or break them LOL

Cindy