Lap Top future purchase

1. 61

   delmer47posted 13 years ago

   I need an opinion about the best type of lap top to buy. I just want basic stuff, speedy internet access, the ability to play DVD's and videos.

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   1. 74

      IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Your internet access speed is defined by your provider, not the laptop itself, but try and choose a laptop with a wifi card, that'll let you use hotspots if you're out and about.
      
      If you'll be taking the laptop out a lot, look for one that is lightweight. Trust me that makes a difference when you have to lug it around with you.
      
      I've got a 17" screen Samsung R780 and it is superfast, superlight and has loads of disk space and memory, as well as several USB ports - that is another thing you want to look at - how many USB ports to plug peripherals in, mind you, you can always use an adaptor to use more.
      
      Does it have an HDMI port to plug into your TV? Does your TV have an HDMI port?
      
      You don't need a super fast graphics card unless you are gaming, but it you want to watch high definition videos, a better graphic card will give you a better picture.
      
      I didn't bother as the picture is good enough, but my screen is like night and day compared to my Dad'd older Samsung laptop as his has a better graphics card and the picture is WOW!
      
      DVD RWs seem to be more or less standard on all new laptops now which will play and record both DVDs and CDs.
      
      Oh, and avoid a laptop pre-loaded with Windows Vista because it is crap - get one with Windows 7 or even XP.
      
      Or buy a MAC.

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      1. 34

         Julesterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Completely agree about the HDMI port. I didn't get one with my lap top - and that's something I've regretted, as i can't plug the lap top into the TV (and watch BBC iPlayer [I'm a Brit])

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   2. 67

      KBEvolveposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The truth of the matter is that nowadays the specs on almost all laptops will more than satisfy your desire for basic stuff. So you should just go through a simple process of elimination.
      
      First narrow it down to laptops in your price range, then research those for known issues. Once you have a few that don't have any major technical problems that you can find, it is a matter of preference.
      
      I would advise you though to consider the warranty policies of the manufacturer and their customer service. In fact, I would say tbat customer service matters far more than specs on a laptop.

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      1. 0

         icountthetimesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I think KBEvole is right. Almost all laptops now will have no trouble meeting the requirements you listed. If anything there is more of a risk buying a laptop that's too high spec. I, myself bought a laptop with a really good graphics card, but I don't actually play games on it. I'm going to spend less next time around and just buy what I need to do basic tasks and watch videos.

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         1. 74

            IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            The difference between watching videos on a 'standard' graphics card and a 'good' graphics card, is like night and day, IMO.
            As I watch a lot of videos on my laptop, I wish I'd bought a top spec graphics card.
            What I've got is good enough, all the same same.

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   3. 65

      Craig Woodmanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      If you are buying a new laptop, it may be the time to think about going to a Mac.  I did it over one year ago, and have never looked back. 
      
      I needed to replace my old HP, as the keyboard was driving me nuts, and it was just time.  I went looking, and found that the keyboards on most of the ones I was checking out were not up to my standards.  The Windows machine that was closest to something that I liked was a Sony Vaio, which at the time was almost $1,000.
      
      I had thought about a Mac before, and I figured if I am going to spend that much for a Windows-based machine, I might as well make the jump, and I bought a basic Macbook Pro for around $1,200.
      
      I took it home, opened the box, took out the computer and turned it on, and it just worked… No free trial of anti-virus software bugging me, no free trial of some shopping service, no extra icons on my desktop… you get the picture.
      
      I have never looked back.
      
      Just something to think about.

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2. 59

   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   Here's a start.
   
   http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/ysho … p-falling/

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   1. 48

      kathie123posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      i will start my shopping from https://penta.com.au/ & http://shopprice.com.au/

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3. 71

   Shawn Scarboroughposted 13 years ago

   I think HP makes the best laptop for the money right now.  Check out their DV series which comes with either a 15.6 or 17 inch screen depending on your preference.

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4. 60

   ictguyposted 13 years ago

   Well of course that you can go directly to the online shop and buy one in your price tag...
   
   Anyway, I have just finished one hub about best laptops. Apart from what is written in my hub, first few things to determine is what is your budget, what screen size you want, and for what you really need it.
   
   On the market you may find very descent 17 inch laptops for $500-$600 that will suit all your needs.
   
   Really take a look at my website and you will see that apart from HP you may find really nice ASUS, Acer and Tochiba models that are great value for the money!
   
   P.S. my goal is not to advertize my site here, I really want to provide some help...

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5. 60

   LindaSmith1posted 13 years ago

   In my opinion, Dell has gone to the dogs. I have had people tell me Apple is the best choice these days.

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6. 59

   mattyfazposted 13 years ago

   I would suggest taking a look at the HP Pavillion series.
   I am using a HP Pavillion DV6 and I love it, 100x better than any previous laptop I have used, it runs smoothly, can handle pretty much everything and its design is very nice as well!

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7. 60

   Richard Craigposted 13 years ago

   I'd highly recommend a SONY VAIO.  I bought mine 4 years ago and it's still working perfectly.  I've never had any trouble with it and I use it all the time for writing, designing etc. so it's been worn in well.
   
   Since I've had this my brother's Toshiba broke down in just 1 year, my mom started  with a Samsung (over heated), then Toshiba (broke down), then she replaced that with another Toshiba which lasted about 6 months when the screen broke.  My advise.. don't go Toshiba, go SONY!!

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8. 53

   johncimbleposted 13 years ago

   Check out chrome book! Looks cool

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9. 60

   RadAdMusicposted 13 years ago

   the nice thing about a mac is thier prices are the same everywhere, dealers aren't allowed to add a mark up, although the base price of apple products tend to be higher.
   
   I would get a laptop that is light, has a decent battery (9-cell), comes with a premium version of an operating system, any graphics card (the integrated graphics will struggle with things like streaming High Definition or even watching regular video online or on your laptop)
   
   things like HDMI (that LizzyM touched on) are really good to have. Also some laptops come with remotes for triggering media remotely.
   
   Last but not least, multi-core (pretty much standard these days), at least 2gb of ram, and I would say at least 500gb harddrive.
   
   I've had a Dell Inspiron for many years and it has been great for me.

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