Question:
Cheap Laptop For Very Basic Use
I want to buy a cheap laptop for my mom, who is relatively computer-proficient but essentially only would use the computer for web browsing and word processing. Here's the basics:
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General Questions
1) What is your budget?
Entry-level. I'm looking at flyers with prices ranging from $480 for a Toshiba Satellite to ~$700 for a Compaq or HP.
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
Mainstream; 15" - 16" screen
3) What tasks will you be performing with the notebook?
Web browsing, emailing, word processing, and possibly listening to music. All wirelessly, of course.
4) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places or leaving it on your desk?
Not too many places. Portability not the highest concern.
5) Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games?
Nothing beyond Solitaire.
6) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don't like?
Not a Mac.
7) How many hours of battery life do you need?
Not a big concern, 3-4 hrs seems reasonable.
8) Do you mind buying online without seeing the notebook in person?
Prefer to see in person, but could do without.
9) Please select your country's flag as a post icon and tell us what country are you buying this in?
USA (but could buy in Canada as well).
Screen Specifics
10) Would you prefer standard or widescreen?
No preference.
11) From the choices below, what screen resolutions would you prefer?
Somewhere in the middle.
12) Do you want a glossy/reflective screen or a matte/non-glossy screen?
Unimportant.
Build Quality and Design
13) Are the notebook's looks and stylishness important to you?
Unimportant.
14) When are you buying this laptop and how long do you want this laptop to last?
Immediately; I want maximum durability for the price. My mom will probably still be using this when it is looooong obsolete - I just want it to be reasonably reliable in the meantime.
Notebook Components
15) How much hard drive space do you want; 40GB to 160GB?
Not too important, maybe 60 or so.
16) Do you need an optical drive? If yes, a DVD-ROM, DVD-CD/RW or DVD-RW drive?
Not too important, unless I can get a good deal on something.
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I'm really valuing reliability and usability for a good price. Anything with good/bad reputations? Are the cheap Toshibas crap? Is Celeron going to be sufficient?
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop For Very Basic Use
I'd recommend the inspiron b130 of b1300, but it won't get that kind of battery life. It's also not as durable as other laptops. hmm...what might be best for you is to try and find an older used computer, maybe an latittude or thinkpad which would offer better battery life/durability. Problem with that is they can be difficult to find..maybe check your local craigslist. Otherwise, just check your local big-box stores for the latest deal. It is hard to find a cheap laptop with 3-4 hour battery life...especially with a celeron as they lack speedstep technology..
sorry i'm kind of just throwing ideas out there, hopefully someone else will have the exact laptop you need in mind.
edit: maybe e1405/e1505 or xps m140 will offer you the desired battery life for a good price.
xps m140 is a great laptop if you don't require dedicated graphics-with the 9 cell you can almost get 6 hours of battery. Look on dell outlet.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop For Very Basic Use
The mainstream Dell's fit that budget as well as the HP/Compaq dv6000, v6000's when they have rebates, etc.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop For Very Basic Use
thanks for the help so far. i should have been more clear on a couple of points.
a) i don't care that much about battery length. i said 3-4 hrs because that's what my laptop (older dell latitude) originally had, but this isn't a computer that would frequently be used outside the home or office so 2-3 hours (or even less) would be fine.
b) i'm not necessarily hoping for you to give a specific laptop model to buy but rather some general suggestions and guidelines on what i definitely need and what i should avoid. processors and audio/wireless capabilities are things i don't know much about. reputations of compaq, dell, toshiba.
c) i'm too used to shopping for cars: when i say i want durability, i mean reliability. not something that can take some physical abuse but something that won't crap out after a month.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop For Very Basic Use
Although with your needs you could probably make do with just about any components, I would recommend at least a low-end Core-duo or Turion processor since it will likely be used for years. Also 1 GB of RAM would be good.
The Dell B130 is worth looking at for what you need. HP dv6000 or Compaq V6000 are also worth noting.
Good luck.
Answer:
Re: Cheap Laptop For Very Basic Use
the hp nx6325 is worth a look. check it out in the deals tab. it is a business quality notebook, so it should be pretty sturdy.