Comments on: How to Pick a Laptop Computer

By: euwern

euwern — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:55:31 +0000

in my opinion:
To get cheap laptop computers, you first need to Get a laptop with a standard screen size (about 15.4″). Slightly lower or Higher will cost you more.. then followed by Processor Type and Speed.. i am not worry about current RAM and hard disk space..as i can always add in RAM and buy external hard drive.. but you always need to check how many RAM slots is available.. and is there any room for expansion stuff like that..

By: Steffan

Steffan — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:09:12 +0000

I'll sleep better tonight! Hopefully computer manufacturers figure out a way to make a profit considering people buying computers today shouldn't really don't need anything better (at least with the current software requirements)… what they need is to figure out something ridiculous like holographic computer displays that we'd all need major upgrades for. :p

By: pumpkinslayer

pumpkinslayer — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:45:27 +0000

Totally reasonable points. These specs had not been updated recently. In
fact when I got my wife a new laptop I upgraded to 2GB of RAM before even
taking it home.

I've updated the post and given you credit for that.

Thanks

By: Steffan

Steffan — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 04:30:00 +0000

So why don't you update the figures? I say this because a lot of junk computers by emachines and gateway the 299$ – 399$ will have 512ram. I've seen computers right out of the box that are slow and sluggish with a couple of browser windows open and excel (one example). Looking at the specs the only limiting factor is RAM and after they upgraded it worked perfectly fine. If people don't buy those computers and complain they'll go away.

By: pumpkinslayer

pumpkinslayer — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:59:30 +0000

Thanks for your input. I agree that those are on the low side of things, but
it is still quite possible.

I still run 512MB on my primary desktop computer. When not doing extensive
multi-tasking these minimums are still reasonable.

That said, personally I would get double those figures when getting a new
computer.

By: Steffan

Steffan — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:45:13 +0000

I disagree with a few of your statements, 512mb minimum RAM for windows XP and 1gb minimum ram for Vista is ridiculous, both of those operating systems would come to a crawl with that little RAM. Also, screen size determines weight, and weight is huge when picking a laptop. I'd check out www.bestcomputersetup.com, i think they do a better job w/out having to provide information for another guide?

By: Peter

Peter — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:34:29 +0000

Jill,

That’s quite a tough one. I will assume that you are not including the cost of the software into that amount.

I would recommend something with an Intel Core2 Duo processor, 2GB of memory and a screen of at least 15 inch. The other features will usually be fairly standard. The screen size will make a difference for those graphical applications, and will be quite important, much easier to work with graphics on a bigger screen.

I found this one below, that meets the requirements, but has only 1GB of memory, but the extra can be added at time of purchase. Refurbished models also offer quite a bit in terms of specifications, but they’re not everybody’s first choice.

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=pODVmEaNj8U&offerid=102327.4230681&type=2&subid=0

By: Jill

Jill — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:47:49 +0000

Hi, I am looking to buy a new laptop for school. I am getting my master degree in architecture so I will be running multiple programs at once such as, autocad, photoshop, indesign, and sketchup. I want to try to keep the actually price of the computer under 650. What do you recommend?

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:59:26 +0000

Moe,

I think 160GB will be more than enough, even if you store a few movies.

Microsoft Office will set you back around $140 for the Student & home edition here: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=pODVmEaNj8U&offerid=102327.2765091&type=2&subid=0

So that leaves at most $450, so you’ll be looking at a netbook of around 10″ or a refurbished laptop.

This HP (for $500) comes with a 15″ screen and comes with all the extras I would expect (DVD writer, USB ports, etc): http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=pODVmEaNj8U&offerid=102327.4282669&type=2&subid=0

This Lenovo netbook (for $400) is less powerful and has a 10″ screen which makes it more portable. No DVD writer though: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=pODVmEaNj8U&offerid=102327.4011534&type=2&subid=0

By: Moe Sal

Moe Sal — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:13:24 +0000

Hello I’m looking for a new laptop for my wife. She is an accountant and uses all kinds of programs. I’m thinking of a fast and plenty of storage device. She is all about numbers. She will need all the important microsoft programs (word, excel, office, etc.). Do you think 160-200Gb is enough, too much, or not enough. Now price is a BIG issue. Looking for something between 500-600. I’m thinking of going out the day after Thanksgiving. Please give me some feedback.
Thank you for your time and support.

MS.