Laptops

[Paul]

I've been thinking about getting a couple of laptops for my family (primarily my older daughter & son) to use as tools to study InstantCert flashcards on, glean information from this site, look up stuff on wickapedia, other flashcard sites, ect. to study for CLEP exams on. Don't really want to shell out $6 - 700.00 or more per laptop but suppose if absolutely necessary I could if one was bought at seperate times. I've looked at the Dell Specials site, Dell refurbushed site, & several other places such as e-bay but not really sure what we need. Doesn't need to be Dell that is just what I've looked at mostly. I've thought of perhaps even what one might call used cheap "throwaway" units that are close to obsolete but still useful but would be replaced every couple of years for a couple of hundred each (is all that wishful thinking??). Basically not needing top of the line big $$ units but sure don't want to get non-functional junk that are so frusteratingly slow these guys can't learn on. Would like to get something nice for their sakes but functionality is most important. Any suggestions?

[justintime]

Here is an idea for a cheap low-end setup:

Asus Eee PC 2G Surf, Linux version - $299.99 + $11.62 shipping.

Acer 17" LCD Monitor - $159.99 + $13.79 shipping.

If you already have a monitor, then no worries.

For under $500, more like $486, you're looking at a web surfing appliance with limited document processing capability, but includes a monitor. I recommend the monitor because the 7 inch screen can be hard to read. The Asus laptop is quite small, and runs linux. A potential problem with this idea is that your children will not be able to run any Windows-based games. I also recommend adding a USB keyboard and mouse, which can be purchased together from the same vendor for around $30.

There's also the Asus Eee PC 4G XP that includes the Windows XP Home operating system for $399.99 + $11.62 shipping. This one is the same small size as the laptop mentioned above. If you are more of a Windows user, this model may be a better option. Plus, it is small enough to carry almost anywhere. Purchase of an external USB CD ROM drive to install programs is recommended. I'd also consider upgrading the memory, which would cost about $60 more for 2 GB.

If you would like a full-blown laptop, you may find the Acer Aspire AS5315-2808 fits the bill. It costs $449 and ships free.

We have a model similar to the Acer I linked, but it was purchased on sale from Wal-Mart for $379 + $62 for 2-year warranty.

I've had good luck with Acer and Newegg. My day job includes servicing Dell and Lenovo laptops in a corporate environment. Dell makes a great product compared to some others out there.

[sgloer]

I've always had good luck with the Thinkpads. If you do a search on the internet, there's usually a 15% off coupon that you can combine with existing promotions on the lenovo site.

I just bought an R-series thinkpad for $550--it was 20% + 15% off. Hard to beat the quality and durability of thinkpads in my book...

[Lindagerr]

We bought a Dell laptop for my son for college then another one for me for college/work. I love mine it is fast works well and dependable. My son is very hard on any electronic gadget. When we got him his first laptop 7 years ago he put his knee through it in 3 weeks(tripped going up the steps at school),
He has had his Dell now since Sept. 07 he fluncked out of college but uses his computer full time at home to IM, download and work on computer animation. That thing is running 24/7 and it is reliable and Fast.
I don't know how old your children are but if I were you I would not go for the cheapest at this point . Consider how long they will use it and how much information they can keep on it. Just my opinion, but I would say watch for a good sale on Dell.com and by 1 at a time, something that will be useful for more than one purpose.

[cookderosa]

I've been thinking about getting a couple of laptops for my family (primarily my older daughter & son) to use as tools to study InstantCert flashcards on, glean information from this site, look up stuff on wickapedia, other flashcard sites, ect. to study for CLEP exams on. Don't really want to shell out $6 - 700.00 or more per laptop but suppose if absolutely necessary I could if one was bought at seperate times. I've looked at the Dell Specials site, Dell refurbushed site, & several other places such as e-bay but not really sure what we need. Doesn't need to be Dell that is just what I've looked at mostly. I've thought of perhaps even what one might call used cheap "throwaway" units that are close to obsolete but still useful but would be replaced every couple of years for a couple of hundred each (is all that wishful thinking??). Basically not needing top of the line big $$ units but sure don't want to get non-functional junk that are so frusteratingly slow these guys can't learn on. Would like to get something nice for their sakes but functionality is most important. Any suggestions?

We have Dell and are pleased for the most part. You can pull up an issue of Consumer Reports for an idea of "minimums" you want in all the various categories (if your not computer savvy- I'm not) and you just click and order what you want. It's priced a la carte, couldn't be easier.

[pitbull30]

From my experience with computers( for what its worth) dont go for a "budget" model. I tried this in that past and it didnt last. Someone recommended that ASUS with a 2GB harddrive, that thing weill fill up in 1 day. You only need it for IC study etc but you will eventually want it for other things too. Just saving PDF files, study notes etc will fill that HD so fast. The first PC i bought had a 30GB hard drive and before I knew it I had all kinds of documents etc stored on it filling it up. Then later down the line you will be looking to upgrade the Hard drive, then something else. Just shell out alittle cash and get a decent one right off the bat.

You mentioned you want one primarily for the kids. How much time do the kids plan to use them? Can you get by on one based on there schedules? I know at my house we generally get on the PC at diff times etc...

Check out Newegg. I dont know what they have on there right now but they are usually decent. If you have some PC knowledge you can put together your own PC for a good price. Install a HD, memory and CD Rom. Search "bare bone" on the site if you think that is a option. If you can do that you will outbeat the "budget PC people" bigtime in performance and quality......

[OnMyWay]

Check out Newegg. I dont know what they have on there right now but they are usually decent. If you have some PC knowledge you can put together your own PC for a good price. Install a HD, memory and CD Rom. Search "bare bone" on the site if you think that is a option. If you can do that you will outbeat the "budget PC people" bigtime in performance and quality......

This is very true. My husband loves Newegg and we have all kinds of media stations and computers around here. He builds computers as a hobby.

[cookderosa]

[QUOTE=pitbull30]From my experience with computers( for what its worth) dont go for a "budget" model. I tried this in that past and it didnt last. Someone recommended that ASUS with a 2GB harddrive, that thing weill fill up in 1 day. You only need it for IC study etc but you will eventually want it for other things too. Just saving PDF files, study notes etc will fill that HD so fast. The first PC i bought had a 30GB hard drive and before I knew it I had all kinds of documents etc stored on it filling it up. Then later down the line you will be looking to upgrade the Hard drive, then something else. Just shell out alittle cash and get a decent one right off the bat.

>>

I SECOND that!!!!!

You don't want 2GB. That's smaller than my ipod! :eek: Believe me, it is a pain in the arse to change laptops when you run out of room. This is my 3rd laptop in 7 years, and believe me, I wait until old faithful can hardly run before I upgrade. It's a pain, it's expensive, and it takes a long time. Anyway, I had to do it 6 months ago for this Dell and it was a stinkin mess. Don't let any computer people tell you it is easy and everything just transfers with the click of a button- not true computer people!! You have to have different upgraded software (I had a bunch of issues with this that cost me several hundred dollars because everything of mine used old (cough cough) versions and so of course nothing can be brought in without upgrades. Some programs I used and loved were not even made anymore!! So, guess what? Nothing. You just can't bring those files over. All your printers have to be reinstalled, your photos transferred, your documents, you music and videos (huge pain- we lost around 200 iTunes songs by accident) Not to mention the windows systems keep changing- and then you find things that are no longer compatible. (Deeeeep breaths......) You WILL have to upgrade, but delay it if you can. There is nothing more frustrating to me than under performance.

You have a few choices, and since it's for your children, you may want their input (or not! LOL) You "could" get an external hard rive for each person and share a single laptop. You could spend more money and get the biggest/fastest your money can buy (and it won't be enough in two years anyway) or you could get MAXIMUM efficiency with a regular desk top. My husband and I have laptops because our life requires it- my kids are using desktops. I think this week's Sunday paper for Best buy had something like a 30GB laptop for $500 (way too small) and a 120GB (would be fine) desktop for about $400.

[Paul]

Many "Thanks!" to everyone for all the great information! It is great having such a knowledgeable group.

[CLEP101]

I've got two Dells and two Gateways. I've never had any problems with any of them. You can get either for under $700.