Laptop Questions

[Pete Incaviglia]

Okay. So I want to buy a laptop. But I'm not looking for anything fancy.

Basically, it needs to have wireless internet capabilities, an email program and web browser.

That's about it.

Should I go used? And if so, anyone know any good places (online or otherwise) to buy one?

I don't need this for layout. Basically it's for filing stories remotely and nothing more.

 

[mike311gd]

I wouldn't buy a used laptop. I've got a Dell, and I've never had a problem with it. Though many on this board are against Dell, I've enjoyed mine and use it for the same purposes you want.

 

[sportschick]

Do not get a Dell. Dell has major issues with its screens and keyboards, plus they're overpriced.

Sonys and Toshibas are pretty good.

 

[You're With Me Leather]

For use that simple, go buy one of those $500 Toshibas that Best Buy has on sale once or a month or so.

Unless you are going to buy a Mac or an upper-end Dell or Sony, don't expect to get more than two years of good use out of your purchase. If its functional for four years, be very happy. That's the reality of laptops.

 

[BB Bobcat]

I have had several Dells, and they've all been very good.

I would say you can probably get just about any one, but when you see the bargain-basement price, be sure to see if that includes MS Office. A lot of them don't include Office, and they want to charge you another $150 or so to add it.
If you don't have Office, you won't have MS Word, which could be problematic when you want to file a story that someone will be able to read at the other end, or when someone emails you an attachment.

I'd also suggest that if you are a sports writer, your laptop is your livelihood, so you may not want to just buy the cheapest one. Also, you don't want to regret in a few months that you didn't get a faster one, or one with more hard-drive space.

 

[Pete Incaviglia]

I have had several Dells, and they've all been very good.

I would say you can probably get just about any one, but when you see the bargain-basement price, be sure to see if that includes MS Office. A lot of them don't include Office, and they want to charge you another $150 or so to add it.
If you don't have Office, you won't have MS Word, which could be problematic when you want to file a story that someone will be able to read at the other end, or when someone emails you an attachment.

I'd also suggest that if you are a sports writer, your laptop is your livelihood, so you may not want to just buy the cheapest one. Also, you don't want to regret in a few months that you didn't get a faster one, or one with more hard-drive space.

Yeah, I've considered the livelihood thing. But where I work now, I'm literally within walking distance of my beat. And, this is more for freelance stuff and (because it's now mandated at work) blogging. BLOGS!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[expendable]

I've been very satisfied with my Dell computers, both my desktop and my laptop. Now my Mac at work is a different story, but I think that's because I have the G4 that Noah used to keep track of his inventory.

 

[OTD]

I've used plenty of Dells and haven't had a problem. My company uses them and has very few problems with them. I would get Office unless you're positive you won't need it. In that case, try OpenOffice, which is free. The email and brower apps can also be downloaded for free.

 

[rico_the_redneck]

I've got a 6 year old Mac iBook (first white models) and it still runs great for using MS Office, surfing the web, email. It's fast enough and it keeps on ticking. I would of course love to get a new one But this one is doing me right.

 

[MileHigh]

I have a Sony Vaio and have had it for four years with zero problems.

 

[Mr. Homer]

I think it's true about laptops not lasting long, but if you're nice to it, it should be around for a while. HPs are not too shabby, well, at least mine works well.

 

[fishwrapper]

I recommed low-end Sony VAIO.
Perfect for the use you're wanting.

 

[buckweaver]

Bought my Compaq Presario laptop for about $480 (after rebates) at Office Depot. Not a big fan of Windows Vista, and I did have to buy MS Office separately :, but other than that I'm very, very satisfied.

 

[trifectarich]

It sounds as though you want it just for the basics, nothing fancy. In that case, Best Buy or a similar store probably has good deals all the time. Other than that, for me it's Mac all the time.

 

[slappy4428]

Just remember to think the biggest memory and fastest processor you can afford.

 

[fishwrapper]

Two processors, or duo or dual core processors, help.
Vista gets knock a lot. It's ok. It's a sturdy operating system which offers registry protection from virus, horses, other little critters. Drop in AVG (free virus software) and you're good to go.