Need help picking out a new laptop

[ledvedderman]

The wife and I are tired of our old piece of shit desktop, and are looking to get a laptop. We're not picky at all. All I really want it for is; to be able to record some music onto it through a program I have, make DVD's from photo based on a Adobe program I have, and have wireless internet.

We're not looking to spend much money ($500 or so) and don't care if it is re-furbished or used. Neither of us are real tech savvy so we don't really know what we need. We just want something simple that will get these tasks done.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[gogonutz]

for $500 I don't know if you're gonna find many laptops. I would suggest a mac, especially considering the functions you describe, but those are quite expensive. But then again, normal laptops are too. If you wanna stick to under $500 you will probably have to be satisfied with some used one.

For a new one (I'd suggest Acer Travelmate/Aspire as they are pretty good in the price/quality balance) you will probably spend between $1,000 & $1,300. For a mac you will probably pay a little more.

A few ones that are up on eBay that look good (and models I have experience with that will fit your desires)

Acer Aspire

Acer Aspire

Acer Aspire


I would make sure that whatever version of Windows they have is a legal version and that you get the CDs with it if they have them. All the above have Windows Vista on it, and even though it's getting better, I'd still say to get Windows XP Professional to replace it with (it's a bit tricky but not impossible) because a lot of things still aren't compatible with Vista.

As for Macs on eBay: here is a list clicky

dunno if this helped much, but I hope it does.

[ledvedderman]

Thanks man. I say $500 only because I'm cheap like that. I would probably go up to around $800 if needed. We won't use it very much, so it is hard for me to justify spending that much money on something I will hardly use.

I just know my current machine at home is beyond worthless.

[KarlatheLHFan]

Jul 22, 2008 15:55:35 GMT -5 ledvedderman said:

Thanks man. I say $500 only because I'm cheap like that. I would probably go up to around $800 if needed. We won't use it very much, so it is hard for me to justify spending that much money on something I will hardly use.

I just know my current machine at home is beyond worthless.

I would recormmend an HP laptop. the one my aunt bought me for graduation is an hp entertainment pc; it was cheap, and it works GREAT!

www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/computer_can_series.do?storeName=computer_store&category=notebooks&a1=Category&v1=Entertainment+powerhouse&series_name=dv9700z_series

I know these are a little more expensive, but mine was cheaper. You might want to check your local Best Buy or something

[adhara]

If you're looking for a good deal, here are some sites that might help. They look for value... good quality + low price.

forums.slickdeals.net/forumdisplay.php?sduid=0&f=9

www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/

[sylviagrace]

I just bought one of these:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115464
My friend found it for me - it's $550 and I think it's a pretty good one. I'm using it right now.

[cayters]

get a mac. if you can find one in your budget.

[ledvedderman]

Jul 22, 2008 17:46:28 GMT -5 sylviagrace said:

I just bought one of these:
www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834115464
My friend found it for me - it's $550 and I think it's a pretty good one. I'm using it right now.

Now that is something that I might be able to get behind. How is it for wireless internet? Is it fairly quick?

[sylviagrace]

Well I don't know how it's supposed to be. I don't have much experience with new computers. I think our wireless internet itself is a bit slow, and it comes in and out if I'm not close very close to the router. My sister has a Mac and her internet comes in better, but I don't know about the speed. She got her computer for about twice as much, though.

[ledvedderman]

I was just looking and the wireless is a "G", which is very good. I think I will be buying that laptop. Thanks everyone!

[savemeimdtba]

Macs suck, you don't want one Cayte's an elitist!

[cayters]

Jul 23, 2008 12:37:23 GMT -5 savemeimdtba said:

Macs suck, you don't want one Cayte's an elitist!

hey!! you're all missin out, i tell ya... oh well, more macs for me!

[savemeimdtba]

good luck affording them

[cayters]

haha shhh...

[Brittani]

i suggest mac also. i know they're beyond your budget, but when my friends and i all purchased laptops for school last year my regular macbook wound up being cheaper than a lot of the ones my friends ended up with (hp, dell, and sony). apple also offers rebates that can get you a free printer and ipod with your purchase. then with the money you'd save on anti-virus protection and maintenance it might make the idea more appetizing.

i didn't know how i'd ever get used to the switch, but now that i've had my mac for a while i will NEVER use a windows machine again.


i don't know the price ranges, but perhaps a refurb could be an option too?


EDIT: I just looked into the refurbished section on the apple website and they have macbooks for $949. It's a little more than the $800 you'd be willing to spend, but I think reliability and not having to purchase anti-virus software worth it.
store.apple.com/us/product/FB402LL/A