Laptop Computer?

[Elliott]

I have always used a desk top computer; and the few times I've used a laptop were unusual to say the least. Any ideas on which laptop would be a good choice for me. I mostly use it for internet and photos / music. How do you print things? Will a new one be wifi ready to go with my lisksys modem? I need laptop for dummies.... I'm sure I want one with Microsoft Windows, but is Vista ready? Any advice is welcomed.... Thanks in advance.... Love, E

[DaveM]

I've been using a laptop with Vista on and off since the beginning of the year. Can't say I've had any complaint with it, apart for Vista's habit of slowing everything down while it updates itself at unpredictable intervals.

The machine I'm using is a Dell unit purchased new for $450. The only thing I might change would be to spring for a larger battery, but it hasn't been a problem so far.

[Elliott]

Thanks Dave.... Dell is only available online, right? $450 sounds like a great price.

[Amy in Vermont]

Buy a Dell. Get the Complete Care warranty. If possible, buy a Dell Latitude series laptop. Vista is fine as far as I am concerned.. I use it at home all the time. Be sure to get at least 2 GB of RAM. Almost all have wireless built in, and you can connect a printer via USB, or, get a networkable printer and set it up on you router so you can print via your wireless connection, which is what I do.

Dells can now be puchased at Staples, Best By and Costco, although I don't know what models they carry. Another great source is http://outlet.dell.com, where you can get scratch and dent, previously ordered new and refurbs at a pretty good discount.

Good luck!

[John L]

If you are looking to save a buck, look at dfsdirectsales.com (http://dfsdirectsales.com) for a Dell. THose are the computers returned off of corporate lease. USually you will save a few hundred bucks and the systems were all maintained previously by corporate helpdesk and are checked over pretty good before being acceptted for return off of lease.

[Dar]

I'd take that tip from John for sure....

[DaveM]

I'd never heard about that and will check it out the next time I need a computer. Have had very good luck buying computers at the end of the model year....I don't ever have the most up to date bells and whistles, but I usually get the machine for about half price and any software problems have generally been ironed out.

Didn't Vista have a Service Pack at some point? Apparently a lot of the initial problems were fixed.

[aabram]

My son is buying me one in July. I can't wait, as it will mean an end to Internet Cafes, and these cost a fortune. Watch this space, and one day I will post from my very own Internet Friendly all singing, all dancing Laptop complete with Vista which I quite like. (The old one was pre WIFI and therefore prehistoric) I now look forward to spending more time with the dog!

Love Annabel x

[Eva]

I have a MacBook. I like it.

Eva

[JoanM]

I have a MacBook. I like it.

Eva

I also am on a Mac; a PowerBook G4. It's great. I've been with Apple since the IIe days. I can do Windows. When I was staff dev coordinator for our district, I taught a series of workshops titled "WSL: Windows as a Second Language" when the district moved to Dells and none of the teachers wanted to transfer to the new schools because they were being equipped with Dells. However, I have not ventured into Vista.

Go with what makes sense for you. No matter what you get you'll find a laptop very liberating (unless of course you get one that crashes all the time then you'll find it easier to toss out the nearest window.)

Joan

[Mary6906]

Eva... I knew I liked you for a reason! I, too, am a Mac user and have the Macbook Pro at work. But, I do have to go to the "dark side" every now and then as well. Really, it's not a big problem... I go "both ways" :D And I just barely started to play around with Vista.... I think I can get then hang of that, too, eventually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHO8l-Bd1O4

[Eva]

Powerbook G4? MacBook Pro? Did you say MacBook Pro? *drool*

Eva

[Mary6906]

Powerbook G4? MacBook Pro? Did you say MacBook Pro? *drool*

Eva

Yeah, it's nice to have corporate money!! :D