Laptop Computer

[Janet]

We have been thinking of getting our son a laptop. What do I need to know to get one? I have a Dell desktop on DSL and want it to be able to be on-line also. Not sure what I need to look for. Never had two before and both on-line. We are looking to spend between $500- $700 or less if possible!!! ( he won't get anything else for the next two years....LOL)

[DianaB]

We have a Linksys, a wireless broadband router, that is hooked up to our computer then my daughter can get on with her laptop. I don't know how to set it up because my daughter and husband did it.

My husband talks about getting me another computer. He hates having everyone on his, because our farm books and the church financial records on here. It's not too pretty if anything goes wrong with this computer (it crashed on me awhile back).

That would be a really cool gift. Then you AND your husband could be on here!!! Oh, wait, guys aren't allowed!!!!

[Janet]

If my husband wants on the computer he'll have to buy himself one....LOL He's not too smart when it comes to computers at all and I don't let him on this one without supervision. I don't want him screwing it up. He did that twice so now he's not allowed...LOL We haven't got the router yet, I need to get one whether we get the laptop or not.


When it comes to the anit-virus software...do I need to buy one specifically for the laptop too or will the one that's on this computer work for both?

[Tink]

Janet, you can get a wireless router and card so your son wouldn't have to run wires to get online. That would be an ideal solution for a second computer. Good plan!

I use AVG FREE anti-virus that I downloaded online and it works fine. Many computers now come with their own programs, but many are just trials that you eventually have to buy. I've used AVG for several years with NO problem and no expense to me.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Tink

Janet, you can get a wireless router and card so your son wouldn't have to run wires to get online. That would be an ideal solution for a second computer. Good plan!

I use AVG FREE anti-virus that I downloaded online and it works fine. Many computers now come with their own programs, but many are just trials that you eventually have to buy. I've used AVG for several years with NO problem and no expense to me.

What "card?"

[Tink]

http://search.express.ebay.com/Compu...700QQ_udloZ500

The link above is to Ebay Express which has quite a few laptops in your pricerange. There are some that do come with WIFI... which is the wireless card I mentioned. I hope this helps! I can tell you upfront, I've had an Acer computer and it was GOOD. I see they're now making laptops and they're relatively inexpensive. My "computer guy" tells me to avoid Compag and HP computers because they're the ones he gets in most often to work on.

[Janet]

Originally Posted by Tink

http://search.express.ebay.com/Compu...700QQ_udloZ500

The link above is to Ebay Express which has quite a few laptops in your pricerange. There are some that do come with WIFI... which is the wireless card I mentioned. I hope this helps! I can tell you upfront, I've had an Acer computer and it was GOOD. I see they're now making laptops and they're relatively inexpensive. My "computer guy" tells me to avoid Compag and HP computers because they're the ones he gets in most often to work on.

Do you think I could find one in my price range somewhere other than EBAY? I buy less expensive things on there, but I don't think I would be comfortable with a laptop...what d'ya think?

[Marilyn]

Janet, Dell and Toshiba both make really nice laptops that are not too expensive. However, realistically, you may need to raise your price range to closer to the $900 range to get one that will really do what he would want. You need the fastest processor (most RAM) and the most memory (40 gigs or more) that you can afford. If you really work the sales this time of year, you can find some real deals. We bought our daughter's Sony VAIO from Office Depot on a one day sale a couple of years ago and saved about $500.

Most new computers come with the wireless card already installed internally. If they do not, you can get a card pretty economically that inserts into a slot on the laptop to make it wireless capable.

There are several good wireless routers available. We have a DLink wireless router here at our house. It cost around $40, if my memory serves me correctly, and we have had two desktops and two wireless laptops online at the same time with no problems. I think it can handle three hard wired computers and two wireless. My daughters say there are even faster, better one's out now than what we have.

My oldest daughter is really into computers. As soon as she is up and about, I'll have her do some on-line shopping for you and see what she can find.

Your son is going to be sooooo excited when he opens his laptop!!! This will be such a cool time for you.

[RLC12345678]

My husband and I both have Dell laptops and we LOVE them. We've never had any problems with them. I will always have a Dell...I've just loved mine so much. We have Linksys, like DianaB was talking about. It is a wireless router that is hooked up to our cable modem. Both hubby and I can use Internet anywhere in our home and we can both be on the Internet at the same time. All the new laptops these days come with the wireless card built-in, so you would not have to buy one of those. Just buy the Linksys from Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City...somewhere like that...hook it up to your desktop modem, and then your son can use his laptop anywhere in the house.

[Janet]

I was looking on the Dell site (my desktop is a Dell) and I've found some from $500 on up. How do I chose for him? I can really only afford between $500 and $700 maybe a little more. Would someone take a look that knows about computers and see if the ones in that price range would be good for him? I really would appreciate all your help.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by Janet

I was looking on the Dell site (my desktop is a Dell) and I've found some from $500 on up. How do I chose for him? I can really only afford between $500 and $700 maybe a little more. Would someone take a look that knows about computers and see if the ones in that price range would be good for him? I really would appreciate all your help.

Janet, the Inspiron 1501, which is $549, would be perfect for your son. It looks almost exactly like the one I have. I was looking at the specs and you can either choose a DVD burner or a combo drive, which would have a DVD player and CD burner. I would definately go with the latter -- the combo drive. Your son will need to burn CDs more than he will need to burn a DVD. It comes with a wireless card already installed as well as Windows XP already installed. Those two things along with the CD burner/DVD player are really all that he will ever need. It is a great price, too. I say go for that one.

[Janet]

Thanks ladies....I think I'm going to order the Dell 1501 sometime today.

[RLC12345678]

Originally Posted by Janet

Thanks ladies....I think I'm going to order the Dell 1501 sometime today.

YAY! He is going to be SOOOOOO excited! What an AWESOME Christmas present!

We ordered a Dell Inspiron E-1705 with our tax return this year. While we spent a nice chunk of money even with the 10 days of deals special, it was worth every penny. We are Mac users but were looking for a more affordable laptop.

Our Dell is wonderful. It's durable, fast, problem-free so far, etc.

When you do order, I recommend doing so online. I called to have a few questions answered and ended up with some new kid who didn't know what he was doing... and we had some problems. My boss purchases Dells frequently, always orders online, and always gets exactly what he orders.

[Janet]

Just ordered the Dell Laptop!!!!! I did it over the phone, but had him walk through everything I had on my screen. He was great and answered all my questions. Guess he knew he wasn't talking to some dummy...LMAO Sure had him fooled!!! But anyway....ended up costing me a total: $703.84 I upgraded a couple of things for him to "grow" with through high school. After that...he can buy his own.. HE IS GOING TO BE SOOOOO SURPRISED..I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!