Thoughts on Laptops

[Beach Runner]

In December we just bought a Dell Latitude D630 for $500 on eBay. It is just like what my employer paid about $2000 for mine in July. Great deal.

 

[Smiling JOe]

I currently have a Dell desktop and a Toshiba tablet. Knock on wood, my Toshiba has been great, though it is time to throw in some more RAM, as I like to multitask and the Tablet is now 1.5 years old. No problems with this Dell Desktop either (knock on wood). I had a Compaq laptop which worked well until the power supply cord melt into the computer and that effed it up. Otherwise, it worked well. Also had a Gateway laptop, which was always having problems, usually when I was about three hours into something, unsaved!

These days, I don't really think there is much difference between the companies' products. You can custom-build with every company if you go online. Customer service of most of the computer companies is more like customer NO service, unless you pay extra upfront.

Regarding printers watch out! I believe Dell printers still require only Dell ink, which is a biotch to find at most stores. HP ink is sold almost everywhere.

EVERYTHING I've heard from every person with Vista is "Don't Do It!!!" Find Windows XP, and if the store won't put XP on the computer, take your business elsewhere.

I've never felt comfortable buying a computer from an individual, like on ebay, where I cannot return the item if it is effed up, or maybe it has a virus. I buy my computers new, much like my toothbrushes.

 

[GoodWitch58]

I have two Toshiba laptops; one 5 years old the other about 3. Neither has ever had a problem and they both have had lots of use.
I always use HP printers. They are the best iMO.

 

[4dogs]

So much info my head is spinning. Keep the suggestions coming.
If I am going to have to pay big bucks for a laptop it is not going to happen any time soon.
So far the purchasing on ebay sounds the best for me. I buy from ebay and have never had a problem with any purchase.
I am surprised not more people suggested MAC.

 

[Smiling JOe]

MACs are more pricey (though if they indeed last longer as someone mentioned, you need to do the math to see if that is true).

For the limited work which you described, most any new laptop should suffice. So much of the cost for a computer today, is in the software. I think that is where you could narrow down your exact uses and cut $$$. You should be able to buy a new laptop for <$600 to suit your needs.

 

[wrobert]

So much info my head is spinning. Keep the suggestions coming.
If I am going to have to pay big bucks for a laptop it is not going to happen any time soon.
So far the purchasing on ebay sounds the best for me. I buy from ebay and have never had a problem with any purchase.
I am surprised not more people suggested MAC.

You said you were using this for pet adoptions. What organization are you working with?

 

[30ABandMan]

I bought my last two HP's from Sam's Club, no problems, great price and awesome return policy. Yep, I dropped my and broke it after about three weeks, they replaced it no problem!

 

[Miss Kitty]

Well, it finally happened. Mr. Kitty has decided my antique laptop needs to be replaced. He tried to sell me on an Apple (he has a desktop) but, that ain't going to happen. I am nothing but a creature of habit (think aol.com).

My needs are simple. Just want a reliable laptop with XP for interneting and good cusstomer service, if needed. I have an HP right now...never been in the geek shop, but it has become slower than molasses. Mr. K is leaning towards HP or Toshiba.

Thoughts?

 

[traderx]

Well, it finally happened. Mr. Kitty has decided my antique laptop needs to be replaced. He tried to sell me on an Apple (he has a desktop) but, that ain't going to happen. I am nothing but a creature of habit (think aol.com).

My needs are simple. Just want a reliable laptop with XP for interneting and good cusstomer service, if needed. I have an HP right now...never been in the geek shop, but it has become slower than molasses. Mr. K is leaning towards HP or Toshiba.

Thoughts?

It may be a little difficult to find an XP notebook but they are out there. Not sure if HP offers them but Dell and Toshiba do and I believe Lenovo as well.

BTW, link is to latest notebook reliability ratings. Asus and Lenovo are tied for the top spot.

Asus, IBM-Lenovo Top Notebook Reliability Ranking - News

 

[jodiFL]

I have my eye on this one right now that looks like it might work for you too.