Quick question about laptops...

[Mahonri]

My very first computer I bought in 1995 was an Acer. We LOVED IT! I'd still be using it if it weren't so slow.

Since then we've done mostly Dell's. (my first laptop in 1999 was a Dell... only lasted two years.

I have had two Fujitsu laptops. I've had the current one since 2006. First one was a lemon, this one is OK... don't know what I'll do when this one bites the dust.

 

[Wildsky]

I have an Acer... I don't use it all the time, but we've had it going on 3 years now and no problems. I use it to watch movies on or check emails and upload photos and things from other parts of the house

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

You can get all the accessories later but like others have said is they would be cheaper to get them all together.

The thing I don't like about laptops is they don't last that long. I use mine at work so it gets carried around etc, if I get 2 years out of one I'm suprised. I wouldn't be happy if I had to pay for them.

Steve in NC

 

[Boyd]

I picked up the $200 Acer netbook from walmart when I needed a spare for travel and penetration testing. Mine has built in wireless, built in air card (T-Mobile, but I don't use it) built in webcam, mic and everything else. To it I added office (because I'm also an aspiring writer) and that's what I use..... and for my other purposes, I boot a copy of Linux up from a flash drive and everything runs from that. I don't remember but I think it came with 512mb memory.. not much I know, but for two bills... and the fact I run an OS on it that is lightening fast to begin with..........................

Up to you. Microsoft compatible proggys I can help you find on the cheap though.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Look at the specs of your laptop and see if it already comes with a webcam or built in Wifi. Most laptops now come equipped with both built in. The web camera maybe not if its a cheaper computer, but most all laptops have a wifi card built in.

 

[ranchhand]

I love both of my Dells- I order them straight from Dell, see no point in giving WalMart any money.

 

[twister]

I prefer Dell---customer service and they will stand behind their products if you were to have issues or need assistance

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Quote:
Really? I bought a dell laptop several years ago. It started overheating and freezing up soon after we got it. Dell never did anything to fix it, even after they had a class action suit brought against them that proved the laptops were defective.


If you didnt purchase the laptop already, look at this one http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway...98&skuId=9614836&st=Gateway laptop &cp=1&lp=8

I have a gateway now, and it is wonderful. Never any problems.


ETA: This laptop comes with wifi, and picks it up right away.

 

[PandoraTaylor]

I have two
Dell inspirion
HP Pavilion dv4 Entertainment Notebook Pc

I have had good luck with both.
I did however invest in the laptop stand w/cooling fan,
as I run all kinds of heavy Office programs,
spend hours gaming on the interent ect.

It pays to shop around.

Edited for typos, I can't seem t hit the right keys in the right order today!

 

[NancyDz]

YEa I'd look at that Gateway posted... I just bought a laptop from Best buy after doing tons of research and bugging my IT bf constantly with questions, they have all kinds of price ranges there .. and the staff can be very knowledgable. Tell them what you are using it for most and they will recommend something in your price range.. they dont work on commission. They will try to sell you the maintenance and protection plans though. I would recommend Windows 7 though, I've had it for 2 weeks now.. no problems. Vista is another story.. try not to get vista. The Gateway has Windows 7. I ended up with a Sony and love it. Also if you are willing to stand in line on Friday there are some GREAT Black Friday deals on Laptops at Best buy... Also go online and look up the model you are considering and read the customer reviews.. that can tell you a lot. When you look at the laptops at best buy you can get ratings on the laptop and compare right there in the store... they have a rating system that rates the speed, processing time, etc... it helps if you are comparing a few models and might help you narrow it down if you are torn between two. I was torn between a Toshiba and a Sony.. the Toshiba had a much better warranty but also had things like a fingertip reader that I didnt need or want. The Sony had blue ray but speedwise both were compatible so it came down to reliability, feel of keyboard to me for my choice. Really what you are using it for should tell you the most about what you need .. no matter the price range.


Good luck!

Nancy