Ideas for a gift

[katepoet]

I want to get a rolling laptop case for a friend whose back is hurting from the bag she carries. She's not a backpack kind of a gal. I think the ones that allow you to take the wheels off and use it as a regular briefcase make the most sense. They seem to range in price from $40 to several hundred dollars. I need to stay on the low end. Has anyone tried one out? Any idea which hold up and which fall apart?

(Not sure if this is the right place to put this thread - sorry if it's in the wrong one - call it newbie-itis!)

[AngieDoogles]

Hmm, I've never used one of the rolling cases before so I don't really know the quality of the lower end ones. It seems like something that could be hit or miss (the wheels could come off or the handle could break). Have you tried looking at consumer reviews on the sites you've been browsing? I know a lot of major retailers like Target and Walmart let users make comments about whether they liked the product or not.

As for putting this thread in the "general discussion" forum, I'm sure it's perfectly fine. Probably about 90% or more of my threads go in the "general" section. lol! No one really cares where it is. We aren't picky. ;)

[katepoet]

Thanks, Angie. I'll check epinions - I had forgotten about that. I'll let y'all know if I find something great!

[Mandy]

Ive never used one of those, so i am of no help, but that is a great gift idea for sure!!:thumbup: Good luck on finding one, and keep us posted :)

[Janet]

Wish I could help, but I can't. We have two laptops here, but they are never taken anywhere. Good luck to you though...Angie gave some great advice.

[DianaB]

Sorry, but I've never heard of a laptop carrier with wheels. Is it like a piece of luggage that you pull behind you? Good luck finding one!!!

[katepoet]

Yes, it's a briefcase with wheels and a collapsible handle. Or a backpack. They have the extra padded section for a laptop. I found lots but the inexpensive ones, wheich would be fine for me, would not fit her style. Of course. Amazon carries quite a few. I kept checking with epinions for how they had really worked for folks. And I found the best deal on the one I was thinking of at newegg, a computer supply company. But it was still too far over my budget. So now I am thinking about a laptop mouse so she can turn off the touch pad - they never work well. It's not as good a gift for her but perhaps it will still show my gratitude. She is my student and has had so many hours this month the I can get the brakes done on the truck and buy groceries for 3 weeks!

[AngieDoogles]

Yes, it's a briefcase with wheels and a collapsible handle. Or a backpack. They have the extra padded section for a laptop. I found lots but the inexpensive ones, wheich would be fine for me, would not fit her style. Of course. Amazon carries quite a few. I kept checking with epinions for how they had really worked for folks. And I found the best deal on the one I was thinking of at newegg, a computer supply company. But it was still too far over my budget. So now I am thinking about a laptop mouse so she can turn off the touch pad - they never work well. It's not as good a gift for her but perhaps it will still show my gratitude. She is my student and has had so many hours this month the I can get the brakes done on the truck and buy groceries for 3 weeks!

Kate, that sounds like a wonderful gift. I HATE laptop touchpads. They make things so difficult!! I'm sure she'll love it. I'm glad you got so many hours in this month. Way to go!

[katepoet]

Thanks, Angie. It's amazing - I also caught up half the back electric bill - it's been hard times lately! lol

She's such a sweet person - we laugh and work hard - such a pleasure.

[AngieDoogles]

Thanks, Angie. It's amazing - I also caught up half the back electric bill - it's been hard times lately! lol

She's such a sweet person - we laugh and work hard - such a pleasure.

It's great that you get along so well. Socializing and work together is a good combination. :)

[Mandy]

Kate, a laptop mouse is definatly a great gift, i couldnt work my laptop without it, she will appreciate it very much.
Glad you two get along so well, she is obviously very fond of you for working all those hours, wtg girl, it doesnt happen often that we meet "those" kind of people. ;)

[katepoet]

I got lucky!

Those of you who use them, do you like the tiny mouse like the "pocket" ones or a regular size mouse for your laptops? I use a standard size because of the damage in my hand - otherwise it cramps - but I would think a college student on the run would prefer the small one. Also, my son says the wired mice are more reliable and don't need batteries, but the wireless can be so convenient... what's your preference?

[Mandy]

I have the laptop mouse, it's very tiny, i used it for quite a while till i got my new regular one, for myself, i prefer the regular size, the small one is ok, but after a while my hand got tired. I agree with your son, a wireless mouse is convenient, but it runs on batteries which is not always convenient, specially if you dont have replacements on hand. I prefer the wired mice.

[katepoet]

Thanks, Mandy. I think I will order one from newegg.com - easier than fighting through the local best buy on the weekend! lol

[DianaB]

I think that she'll love a laptop mouse! I hate using the touch pad on a laptop too. What a good idea! Maybe you could give the other idea to her parents so they could get it for her as a Christmas gift.

[katepoet]

She's a graduate student and her parents live on the other side of the world from us! But I am thinking that for all of my students who are college age that the mouse would be a good holiday gift. I don't have to give gifts to many of them but there are a few who I have been tutoring for a long time.

[judy]

I just joined Consumers Digest online, so if you want me to check anything, let me know.

This goes for everyone, by the way.

[katepoet]

Thanks, Judy. We used to do that too and I really appreciate the offer. I'll take advantage of you on the next go-round if I may!