Talk to me about laptop computers

[Farmer Kitty]

I'm going to go looking for a laptop computer. To many times I've wanted family tree info and other info when we've been out and about. DH got a different compound bow (he's also replaced both TV's so he didn't have to deal with the converter boxes and got a new tent stand for bow hunting-all within the last year) today and I said that's it! I'm getting a laptop!

I'm wondering what features I should be looking for. As well as info that would be useful to one whose never used a laptop. I don't even know how to put a new program into one so, any info you think would be helpful would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Widget]

Personally I would never have anything other than a Mac. Yes they are more expensive than say a Dell or Lenovo or any other Microsoft based computer. But they are the most user friendly computers. Also very durable. Mine has gone to Iceland and back with me a couple times with no issues. And the dogs have knocked it to the floor more times than I can count and it still has no issues. I do run Microsoft Office for the Mac. Works great and for some reason this Microsoft program actually works and works well. I also have Reunion installed for all my genealogy stuff. Wonderful program made just for Macs.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

I guess the first question would be... what do you want your computer to be able to do?

There are some very inexpensive, small laptops out there (like the eeePC) but you can't put CDs or DVDs into them.

I have a MacBook and it has been worth the price: easy to use and no issues whatsoever.

 

[Dar]

I love my laptop...I never use the desktop anymore...

I like the touch pad ...DH likes the lil toggle in the keyboard instead of a mouse..so thats all an individual thing..you can set the settings on the touch pad to be really sensitive or not so much

I like the web cam in mine...

I found the biggest thing was the keyboard...I tested about 20 different keyboards before I was happy...I wanted one that felt sturdy and not cheap...also the layout of the keyboard... some of them had keys that I had never seen B4...

I have always been a big fan of Dell...but some hate it...so its really a personal thing..

i love the fact that I have the USB ports AND..the lil card port for a memory stick makes things so much easier but I think thats all standard now...

if you want it just for e-mail banking that kind of thing storing pics then you need a basic one...

if you want whammo graphics for online gaming....not so basic...

A laptop is a personal as a car IMHO

(ignore the nasty stuff you will hear about VISTA...microsoft has fixed 90% of the conflicts)

 

[PurpleChicken]

The laptop I use daily is a Compaq(HP). I bought it for $499 on sale at
Best Buy. I'm a poweruser which means I run my computers hard
and I take it with me in my van every day so it gets beat on.

You can get basic laptops which will do all you want for $500 to $600.

Mac laptops are nice. I've had both Mac and PCs and prefered to use
Macs whenever possible. However, the differences between the two
have become less and less. Windows Vista, the operating system on
a PC, is very user friendly compared to older versions. The Mac OS
isn't much better, if any, than Vista.

So, if you want a cool computer for $1200 then buy an IBook (Mac).
If you want a computer with the same processing power and quality
of construction by an HP for $600.

I'd love a $2000 Macbook but I replace my laptops every year, mostly
because I end up trashing them.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I'm wanting it for my family tree stuff, internet, email, and keeping records for my crafts, pictures. Basic things. I don't do gaming so that's not an issue.

The CD and DVD bit I'm assuming would make it easier to input programs? I have used the USB storage sticks and don't find them an issue.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

PC-Our old desktop was a Compaq and I had really liked it-got rid of it due to Windows 98 being obsolute and jumped to an XP (Dell). Don't really want an expensive one just for the name so the HP is kindof where I was leaning.

What about battery time? Is there a difference in them that I should be looking for?

How about the card (or whatever it is) that connects to the internet when you're out and around?

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
All of them come with DVD burners now except the tiny ones which you
don't want anyways.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
Yeah, Win 98 is long gone. Dell is OK. I've done a lot of work with Dell
workstations and servers.

HP, which owns Compaq, has always been a good product to me. The
prices are very good too. I beat the snot out of my laptops and they
always come back for more.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Quote:
All of them come with DVD burners now except the tiny ones which you
don't want anyways.

Looked at some of those tiny things today and I wasn't really crazy for them.