Laptops

I have seen netbooks, an laptops. If I'm looking, what's a good laptop to get. An one that's cheap. What should I look for? With all the options out there. It makes my head spin...

 

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What are you going to use it for, that will help you decide which one is the better one to buy.

 

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Your question is equivalent to this: I want to buy a new car, can somebody help me?

Without specifics, just go to the store, close your eyes, and buy the first laptop you touch. Simple as it is...

 

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I would like at least 7 hours worth of battery life. Internet, dvd an cd player, cd burner.
I have never owned a laptop. Don't know what features to look for that I may need in the future. Like what is a good amount of memorie. Or a good brand.

 

How good are netbooks anybody know what they are like

 

Netbooks by definition don't have an optical drive.

 

Optical drive? What's that? An what are they used for..

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scan your retina..

 

Make sure it has three USB slots. You'll need to buy an externally powered multi-format DVD writer to plug into it. If you were only concerned about reliability, then an ASPIRE netbook of Acer that a family member bought four years or so ago is still going without having had any problems (quite a feat considering the level of mistreatment). Six-hour battery life.

 

Ok, you're missing the 2 most important things for us to help you with with issue.

1. What are going to use the computer for, be specific (software you intend to operate, gaming, emails, writing, ext)?

2. Your price range.

 

Go to Walmart or Best Buy and ask the same question there. It looks like you don't have any super-duper special need, so any laptop under $400 would do it for you, no need to overspend.
Since you want DVD, CD writing (both getting to be obsolete) you can't use a notebook. You might also want to think about if you want to use it outside. (reflection is a bitch) I have a MSI U100 notebook that is non-reflective, thus can be used in the sunshine. It is small too, so perfect for the beach, outdoors. I just got a bigger battery in it, so now it lasts a good 4+ hours. With a 9 cell battery it can last 6+ hours, but I found it bulky and I don't need that much time, so I am happy with the 6 cell battery. Again, depends on the needs...

So just go to the store and look. Feel them and see how you like them. You can always return it if you want a bigger/better/shinier one.

About the 6 hours battery life. You can always update the battery and buy a bigger one if you are unstatisfied with it. Bigger battery also means heavier laptop.

Also, for security features, you might want one with a fingerprint reader (costs more).

Size is also an issue, but for average usage 12-15 inches (screen)should be the range. Notebooks are 10-11 inches only...

I have just looked and this one would/should do it, almost 6 hours battery life, decent size, burns anything and dirt cheap for $350:


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Toshiba-B...Processor-and-Windows-7-Home-Premium/20531625

 

Thank you for the comments.
I actually am using a freaking phone for my internet
I want a computer. Just not sure what I need never had a laptop.. Thought it would be a wiser buy compared to a desktop. So I need a optical drive, 3 usb ports, an a screen that don't reflect..
The Toshiba looks nice
Again thank you for any comments they are appreciated...

 

That's another thing, do you really need a laptop or desktop? If you are on the go all of the time you'll need a laptop BUT if you are going to be staying in one place for most of the time then a desktop would be much better to buy. The only thing, to me, that a laptop has is mobility and if mobility is what you really need then that's the way to go. I used a cell phone for Emailing, internet and texting far easier than a laptop could ever do because of its size, cost and services plus I can take pictures , call others and it fits neatly in my pants pocket. A cell phone is the best way to go if your only needing Email, internet and pictures and compact ability.

Either one you decide you will need to buy a server and that will cost you over 50.00 US a month in most cases just to be able to use the laptop or cell phone so remember that when you buy anything that you use when on the go. A desktop won't be as much but still you'll need at least 30.00 US a month to run it to get internet services. But if you like games a desktop is really the best way to go.

 

Being a "new dad" I think I need the mobility. But I need speed. Cell phone works good, but its not fast enough. I like some games the computers can do. But I needed to slack off those an reading because of my lil' one.

 

So if you can find a better server or provider that gives a better speed for your cell phone that would work out the best. I'd suggest finding another provider, I used Verizon, that gives you better speed and better coverage, You might have to pay more for that speed however so be prepared for that. Also check with your provider that you have with your cell phone now and see what they might recommend for faster service from them perhaps they can help you.

 

Desktops are really getting obsolete these days. The cheapest laptops today are better than the real pricey desktop 5 years ago. Technology has been improving and prices are dropping.

About the reflectivity. Most laptops are reflective, I would say 90%, so you really have to search for a non-reflective one, if that is important. They sell screen covers that helps with the outdoor usage, but that is usually an extra $40, and tends to get bubbles over time.

Even reliability isn't an issue anymore with laptops, according to surveys, there is less complaint about them than about desktops.

Another important thing is the touchpad's sensitivity. That is something you really have to try at the store. Not very sensitive and you have to hammer it, very sensitive and the cursor is jumping all over the place. Personally, I still like to use a mouse with my laptops, but I make sure there is a USB port on the right side, since I am right handed, and my preferred mouse's cord is rather short.

So all in all, different laptops for different usage. My little notebook is very comfortable to read while lying down, because of the small weight on my stomach and it is easy to carry around on trips. Our biggest, 17" laptop is good for displaying movies at the weekend house, where there is no TV. It is also freaking loud, which is good. Once you know the needs, you can decide easier.

But again, if you buy locally, it is much easier to return it after 2-3 weeks if not happy, and Walmart always takes back anything, so does Best Buy.

 

You might look into a tablet.

 

I thought about saying that, but he really wants to burn discs... Also since he is a new dad, there is a higher chance of spilling something on it, so I would look at the type of keyboard. I like those that is not too easy to mess up, kids and pets also can easily break of keys....

Forgot to mention the outputs. You might want an HDMI output for displaying movies/pictures or even games on a bigger TV screen.

 

I didn't even consider the new dad aspect. (Congratulations BTW) Maybe he needs one of those Panasonic "tough books" with the poo and puke resistant keyboard.

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probably so, but I do not think I would at this time, my wee one can't even crawl yet. BTW thanks, my first, and hopefully my last. I am looking around an the tosheba mentioned earlier looks to be within the budget..

 

Toshiba is a good brand...I used to own one. The only reason it died is because I would regularly set it on my bed, where it couldn't get good air flow, and over time, the extra heat killed the vid card. Other than that, it gave no problems.