i want to buy a laptop


What is your current operating system? Windows version?
And will you want to reload any of your existing software into the new computer?

If you get windows 8 OS you basically have to buy all new software. Most of the older XP software will load in windows 7 though.
 
i would like to stay around $ 300.00 if possible. i don't want to play games on it, got a nes wii u for that. it has to have hdmi ? so i can plug into the tv.
 
right now i have windows vista. i heard windows 8 is a PITA, i also heard you can download something and it's supposed to work like 7, hail, i don't know, that's why im asking. :)
 
Given your budget, give the folks at Coretek a call. The laptop I"m typing on now came from them and cost me less than $200. Basically they take in computers from institutions and businesses, wipe them, and reload them with an operating system, like Windows 7, and any other essential program you might need. Too, when they load a program, it"s usually a complete program, not some timed, trial version like many new computers offer. In other words you might not get the latest, and greatest, but you'll get a known operating system that works, and everything you need to make it work right and allow you to install any other software you might need.

I got hooked up with them by a buddy, that is friends with one of the owners, around 10 years ago. Between new ones for around $200, and them being able to do nearly any repair, or load any program for $100 or less, you can"t beat them for a good deal. I"ve bought several laptops from them, and had quite a few repairs done over time, and have had no complaints. I"ve also turned others onto them, and again, absolutely no problems that I know of.
Coretek
 
Jennifer:

About a year and a half ago I bought a DELL laptop
at Wally Mart for just under $300. , it came with
Windows 7 Home Edition. I upgraded to Windows 7
PRO because with the PRO I could get the "Virtual
XP" . Some of my programs won't work on WIN 7 (no
drivers for the 7 OS).

Doc
 
All of Mircosoft's operating systems are just different colors on the same old house.

Windows 8.1 has a pretty steep learning curve after you've been on the older systems, but it is very fast and reliable.

I'd just go to Wally World and pick up one of their HP laptops. Very good units.

Allan
 
I have a Windows 8 laptop. Windows 8 is not the
bogeyman, it works the same, just the program access is
different. It works better with a touch screen. You folks do
know 8 can be put in desk top mode and it will operate just
like what you are used to? You do not have to run ot from
the tiles.
 
I just got 2 Toshiba laptops given to me with bad hardrives. I wanted to buy a new laptop but wanted windows 7. So for $50 each for a new hardrive i now have what i wanted for cheap. I loaded the operating system back on them.
 
I Bought a system with Windows 8.0. First thing I did was upgrade to 8.1 and did all the changes to desktop mode. I never see the tiles that everyone hates. Just looks like XP. HP even has a quick start app that loads first that acts just like the start menu (but better).
Keith
 
I would NEVER buy anything Toshiba after they sold the silent propeller technology to the Soviets. That little stunt cost us billions to keep track of their subs. But that is just my opinion, others may disagree.
 
Five laptops in our house. All from Walmart and
none cost more then $300. No problems to speak
of. The one I'm now cost me $269 at Walmart.
Compaq CQ61-420US. I've used it so much the
keyboard has three keys worn out and I finally had
to plug in a 2nd key-board to use it. Still works
perfect. Don't believe the nonsense about Macs
being better. Been working on these things since
they first hit the market. Only advantage
Macs/Apples used to have is they were targeted
less by virus writers.
One word of slight caution. Do you have an older
computer with programs you want to use in a new
one? If so - watch out for operating system
compatibility. Many programs written for XP and
Vista will not work on Windows 7, and some Windows
7 programs will NOT work with Window 8. Also -
some email providers that worked with Windows 7
client mail programs (POP MAIL) will not work with
Windows 8 client mail programs. Windows 8 client
mail requires IMAP Mail.
 
Over many years I've bought several for either myself or kids etc. and Id recommend a Hewlett Packard as I've had good luck and good service and tech support if needed. Others may have had different experiences with different brands but having tried different brands I like HP, but its your or their money and choice so buy whatever you like.

John T
 
I have a Toshiba with windows 8.1. I use it in desk top mode. If you are comfortable with smart phones the tiles are not so bad. If you get windows 8 which is installed on most today,get the touch screen model so you can take advantage of the tiles.
 
I've purchased over 20,000 laptops in my lifetime (and countless desktops) - 95% of them were Dell.

Not that there aren't other good brands out there, and not that Dell never drops the ball from time to time - but on average, for the best mix of price/quality/performance/reliability/service your money is usually safely spent with Dell.

Been a few years since I've been in that world, but I don't think too much has changed.

One feature to look for that you may not think of - a back lit keyboard. Really comes in handy if you use the laptop in low light.

I've been touch typing since high school, but I still need to look at the keys from time to time for various reasons - you don't realize how much you do it till you turn the lights off!

Other than that - get the laptop with the best monitor that you can afford. A smaller brighter clearer screen is better than a larger, low resolution screen you have to be directly in front of to see!

These days - what's inside just doesn't matter. If 99% of your use is internet based, you really don't need a high end processor and boat loads of memory. That rule obviously changes if you do a lot of local work - video editing, run graphics applications, etc.
 
I have the HP laptop on my lap at the moment with 8.1. I got it at Staples. We have all HP's at the factory and at home. Our kids have had Dell's and every one has had hard drive and keyboard problems.

To be totally truthful I do have keyboard problems. The keys move first one way and then the other. I type a T and an R or Y shows on the screen. Dixie takes care of all the computer repair stuff and she refuses to send it out. Told me to live with it.
 
I would second the MAC.... Had several Dells and a Toshiba (hard drive went twice) Got the MAC and , although some differences, I have found it to be a very intuitive machine to operate. Also no anti-virus to buy or download every year. Our next one will be a MAC.
Good Luck,
Andy
 
I concur. When XP went bye bye, so did Microsoft, whom I hear just announced a layoff of 14% of their staff a couple of days ago. Good for them. I figure that having to relearn Windows is a great time to go MAC.

Mark
 
Oh, I know I'm going to be stepping on a lot of toes here, but you really need to get away from both Mac or Windoze. This posting is from a $298 Wally World computer that was purchased about 10 years ago. Windows was wiped out long ago and I've been running Ubuntu ever since. The operating is free and all updates are free. (It's doing a free update as I type) There is a Windows 7 machine next to it that rarely gets booted up unless one of my kids might play a game on it. One other thing, when my daughter was in high school, she would run nothing but Windows. She is now majoring in computer science and is doing summer intern work as a programmer for a large company. She said there is not a single classmate at school that runs Windows or Mac systems...unless they absolutely have to. She says that the operating systems that you pay for are the absolute worst. Ubuntu is on her laptop. This is one time when her old man was right, but she probably won't admit it to my face.
IMO, if you use a computer mostly for internet cruising, there's no reason to use Windows or a Mac.
 
I suggest going to Slickdeals dot net and in the
search box select titles only and search for
something like laptop. Then click on the "by
rating" on the left column, I'd say one thumb up +
is generally good. It's a deal site covering
sales at stores, posted by real people, and
discussion about the deal as well, so you can get
an idea if it's a good deal or product.

Some don't have HDMI, some don't have DVD drives.
I've seen some regular laptops less than $220
before tax. I see one at $230 now, Toshiba at
Best Buy C55-B5202, reviews aren't super great and
it's not the fastest, but it would work. Does not
have DVD but you could get a cheap external USB.
May be better choices under $300 but have not
looked for a while/beyond seeing this one.
Something that says Core i3 would be better than a
Celeron for processor. Avoid something that says
AMD for processor unless you check first (graphics
AMD are ok), some AMD processors are VERY slow
(some are just fine), Intel is generally
preferable, but it depends. 4GB ram +. They also
make 8" to 11.6" tablets that run full Windows,
some can be found for less than $200. You can add
a bluetooth keyboard, or usb with an adapter
cable, some have a keyboard dock option. Some may
have HDMI or a video out but are generally in the
more expensive models.

Classic Shell is one of the things you can install
to make it look more like Windows 7, installs very
quickly. Wouldn't worry about 8 though, it's not
that bad.

If you want a virus free OS you can install Linux
for free (and you can try it out without
installing it or changing your system at all).
It's not that hard to use, very easy to install,
it's stable. It's all I use personally for over 8
years and I have elderly people, relatives,
neighbors, etc. on it for years. People trash it
online but it's not bad at all and works with what
you have, learning curve is certainly no more than
going to a Mac. BUT, Windows is JUST FINE for
most people, no reason to try anything else if you
don't want. Macs are just fine, the hardware may
be more comparable to those of higher end laptops,
but the stuff inside is the same brand stuff as
regular PCs, manufactured by the same companies,
etc.
 
I imagine if you visited a couple of stores that sell them and talk to the people in the department and read the specs and try them out a little on the display you would learn worlds.
 
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac, Mac,
to ∞.

Never look at a Microsoft hourglass again! $$$ but well worth it imo.
 
I have a Lenevo think pad LOVE it myself, but then I have only done almost 9000 posts here on YT so maybe it is not the best,, had windows 7 my son the putor expert installed windows 8 once I got used to it I like it ok
cnt
 
Current market share mac, Microsoft and others

Others =4.7%

Mac =3.95%

Microsoft =the rest. Nuff said.

So just from a compatibility side I'd steer clear of a Mac at all cost. While Jobs was alive he forced Mac to keep producing computers while people who know business were saying why? They haven't made a profit in the computer division in years and it's only a matter of time before they drop their computer line all together. In fact Gates dumped a bunch of money into Mac to keep them alive when Clinton and Reno were going after MS over an alleged monopoly. Gates needed the Mac OS on the market.

Rick
 
When windows xp went out, I purchased a used dell
off ebay for $175. It came with one year and a new
windows 7. I think, may be wrong, but if you buy a
used computer you are to install a new operating
system, not use another person's system. I'm very
happy with it. I went with a used dell because my
old computer couldn't handle windows 7, it was a
cheap fix, and windows 7 will only be good for a
few more years, then it's junk. The battery wasn't
covered, but I use mine as a desk top not a
laptop, it's plugged in all the time. New
Batteries aren't that expensive.
 
I'll expand a bit more. General advice, depends what you want. First YOU need to decide how big of screen you want, or if you want a tablet type thing. Then decide if you want touch or not, built in DVD or not, etc. Beyond that, most anything sold today is "good enough" for basic use. Processors, there are few to avoid, and other things to consider but no reason to go into more. AMD has the couple I mentioned to avoid, but an A6 would be ~passable, A8 a bit better. But I would avoid E series altogether. Intel ~generally a bit faster and/or better battery life (depending though). Celeron is lower end but good enough for general use. The ones that are Core i3, i5, or i7 are faster (i3 being the slowest of those). They've made them for years so there are different generations too/model numbers. Fourth generation is current, third is the older models. If you would edit photos or video is where you would notice more of a difference with extra speed, but if not gaming not much reason to spend alot on a faster processor. Celeron would be my budget suggestion, i3 would be my "better" suggestion, and fourth generation if new. Ram, 4GB minimum as I said, hard drive, more is better but depends how much stuff you have. You'll want something to back up with like external drives or DVD/Bluray disks, in addition to using online backup. Other than bells and whistles, most of the other isn't important for general use. It would be a good idea to go into a store or two to see things like if you like a certain brand's keyboard, or the screensize etc.

Lighted keyboards are nice, but I haven't seen a new one in that budget range. And Macs, without getting an old model, are at least twice your budget+. No reason to get one over this. Modern Windows is buttery smooth. Free antivirus such as AVG or Avast, Malwarebytes (if you pay for something, pay for that, lifetime license can be had for around $20 sometimes and offers realtime protection), there's a newer Malwarebytes anti-exploit that I'd install (free), and Microsoft EMET. Also, use a browser besides Internet Explorer. Like Firefox or Chrome with adblock and noscript installed. Those tools and tips along with common sense, shouldn't have many malware issues. If you go used, Windows 7 has a higher infection rate than Windows 8.

Any other questions or specifics beyond that, just ask.

And as I said before, no reason not to use Windows, but if you have old computers around with XP on them, you can put Linux on those too, and be secure online. You can either run it by not installing it at all directly from DVD or USB stick, or install it along Windows leaving Windows alone and selecting either/or on reboot, etc. It's completely free, no virus software to run or scan. You have access to free software to do many normal tasks (Firefox, Chrome, Google Earth, latest Google Picasa (takes a bit to get that one going) Libreoffice/Openoffice for office compatibility, Dropbox etc. for file backup, etc.). My suggestion would be Mint instead of Ubuntu. Same system underneath, access to the same software, just tweaked and polished. Here's a walkthrough guide covering installation and software install. http://www.howtoforge.com/the-perfect-desktop-linux-mint-17-qiana If you have an older computer I'd suggest something different. And if you don't like the way Mint "looks" the look can be easily changed. I'd prefer the KDE version over the one here, but personal preference.
 
I've had multiple windows based laptops of all the major brands.
Multiple problems with all of them. Dell was the least of the evil.
Virus,bugs, mechanical failures, Spent tons of money on tech
support and mechanical issues. I went to arbitrarily replacing
computers once a year just to avoid problems. Next was the
change in operating systems and all the relearning curve that
entails. Incompatibility of newer operating systems with older
printers, copiers etc. You in effect are forced to buy new equipment
even if it's working fine. Automatic updates have created huge
problems. Spending tons on anti virus software only to have the
hackers beat it so you have to spend more to fix.

I still have a windows based PC, off line, but have gone to a Mac
Book Pro lap top for all my internet use. 3 years old now and NEVER
had an issue with anything. NO virus issues, NO problems with
changes in operating updates. NO mechanical failures. It just
works.

I now have an iPhone and mini iPad. I'll never go back to a Windows
based anything.
 
(quoted from post at 03:00:09 07/21/14) I've had multiple windows based laptops of all the major brands.
Multiple problems with all of them. ....

I should also have said I provide tech support for my rural area. I am the only person that does it in my area. The population density is around 3 people per square mile, town with stores is 30 miles away. Anybody within 10 miles, sometimes more is called "neighbor". I don't often get paid for my tech services, it's not my trade, I'm a cattle rancher. Sometimes I get a few bucks for gas, a meal, trade for borrowing something, or I get nothing. If someone calls I don't run over immediately, I do it when I have time, they understand that. I try to fix them so they don't break, so I don't have to go back. Not as a profit type deal where I generate income further down the line.

What you describe is not the norm by any means. I've got XP machines out that haven't been touched in years running just fine just following my setup and instructions. Issues with malware generally arise going to questionable websites while not using the tools I mentioned in the last post. Say a kid gets on there and starts looking up random stuff, or a website purposely uses a popular website's misspelled address to get people to go to it when they make errors. Also opening "fake" email attachments generated by malware on another person's machine/spam. Those are "generally" the main causes I see. Blocking Flash stuff from automatically loading, scripts from untrusted sites stops much of it. I have everyone on free antivirus, always have, not much reason to pay for it unless someone wants to, and if someone flat out wants a paid one, there is generally one with a rebate that makes it cheap, or even free. Malwarebytes is where the money is better spent, because paying money for that enables realtime protection. Most of the issues I see lately are more "Malware" than virus anyway. In addition to before, you can use a free (or paid) service such as opendns.com , it will intercept and block questionable websites from loading. And as far as hardware failure rates, some budget laptops do use budget parts, but as I said before, Macs use hardware manufactured by the same companies, their hardware is compatible with normal hardware. MacOS can run on a normal PC just fine if a person uses specific hardware that their os supports (they don't have drivers for different hardware of course). Just takes a little bit of tweaking. Replacing PCs often? I haven't seen that issue. I just did one a couple days ago that was 9 years old, working fine they just wanted faster. Years older than that, common.

Not saying Macs don't have their place, people just need to know what they are getting. For instance my neighbor wanted a $2500 17" Macbook, I picked it out for him, no problem. He teaches and that's what the school provides for the students, so he got one on his own. You also get better tech support with Macs because it's paid for, part of the reason regular PCs are cheaper (and often why I'd suggest going with PC business lines because some of them are built better and have better support, for a cost). But here, suggesting something that's more than double the stated budget is a bit much, unless it's what the OP wants. That's why I say Linux if someone wants a change to something relatively virus free and stable (system can run for years without issue). That's a free option to try BEFORE shelling out additional money, and Windows/familiarity is still available on the same machine. The latest release of Mint or Ubuntu are long term supported. Security updates only for 5 years, so security updates for that long, upgraded programs along the way, no need to do a free upgrade to the newest version in that time if you don't want for 5 years. And Linux may not work, but a person is out $0 for trying it out (and people that suggest it have nothing to gain). Learning curve and some hardware not compatible, sure. Same with Mac. But it's not that hard. Also, Macs can and do get viruses, rare, but there have been nasty ones, and they are vulnerable to some web exploits as well. And they do make antivirus software for Macs.
 
(quoted from post at 21:25:27 07/18/14) Given your budget, give the folks at Coretek a call. The laptop I"m typing on now came from them and cost me less than $200. Basically they take in computers from institutions and businesses, wipe them, and reload them with an operating system, like Windows 7, and any other essential program you might need. Too, when they load a program, it"s usually a complete program, not some timed, trial version like many new computers offer. In other words you might not get the latest, and greatest, but you'll get a known operating system that works, and everything you need to make it work right and allow you to install any other software you might need.

I got hooked up with them by a buddy, that is friends with one of the owners, around 10 years ago. Between new ones for around $200, and them being able to do nearly any repair, or load any program for $100 or less, you can"t beat them for a good deal. I"ve bought several laptops from them, and had quite a few repairs done over time, and have had no complaints. I"ve also turned others onto them, and again, absolutely no problems that I know of.
Coretek




i called them today and they told me $ 350. was the cheapest they had with an hdmi port.
 
(quoted from post at 03:45:02 07/19/14) I just got 2 Toshiba laptops given to me with bad hardrives. I wanted to buy a new laptop but wanted windows 7. So for $50 each for a new hardrive i now have what i wanted for cheap. I loaded the operating system back on them.




do you want to sell one of them. ?
 
(quoted from post at 06:28:52 07/19/14) I suggest going to Slickdeals dot net and in the
search box select titles only and search for
something like laptop. Then click on the "by
rating" on the left column, I'd say one thumb up +
is generally good. It's a deal site covering
sales at stores, posted by real people, and
discussion about the deal as well, so you can get
an idea if it's a good deal or product.

Some don't have HDMI, some don't have DVD drives.
I've seen some regular laptops less than $220
before tax. I see one at $230 now, Toshiba at
Best Buy C55-B5202, reviews aren't super great and
it's not the fastest, but it would work. Does not
have DVD but you could get a cheap external USB.
May be better choices under $300 but have not
looked for a while/beyond seeing this one.
Something that says Core i3 would be better than a
Celeron for processor. Avoid something that says
AMD for processor unless you check first (graphics
AMD are ok), some AMD processors are VERY slow
(some are just fine), Intel is generally
preferable, but it depends. 4GB ram +. They also
make 8" to 11.6" tablets that run full Windows,
some can be found for less than $200. You can add
a bluetooth keyboard, or usb with an adapter
cable, some have a keyboard dock option. Some may
have HDMI or a video out but are generally in the
more expensive models.

Classic Shell is one of the things you can install
to make it look more like Windows 7, installs very
quickly. Wouldn't worry about 8 though, it's not
that bad.

If you want a virus free OS you can install Linux
for free (and you can try it out without
installing it or changing your system at all).
It's not that hard to use, very easy to install,
it's stable. It's all I use personally for over 8
years and I have elderly people, relatives,
neighbors, etc. on it for years. People trash it
online but it's not bad at all and works with what
you have, learning curve is certainly no more than
going to a Mac. BUT, Windows is JUST FINE for
most people, no reason to try anything else if you
don't want. Macs are just fine, the hardware may
be more comparable to those of higher end laptops,
but the stuff inside is the same brand stuff as
regular PCs, manufactured by the same companies,
etc.




i went there and i couldn't navigate the way you said, i looked around a bit but i couldn't figure out how to find what i was looking for, it was loud and confusing to me, maybe cause im to old for that website.
 
(quoted from post at 03:48:06 07/19/14) Get a Mac- You won't go back

Will[


/quote]Very true.You inquired of ACER.I'm on one right now and all I can say is look elsewhere!
 
(quoted from post at 06:56:17 07/23/14)
(quoted from post at 03:48:06 07/19/14) Get a Mac- You won't go back

Will[


/quote]Very true.You inquired of ACER.I'm on one right now and all I can say is look elsewhere!




oh oh, i ordered one last night from best buy, well, they have a 90 day return policy, if i don't like it.
 
oh oh, i ordered one last night from best buy, well, they have a 90 day return policy, if i don't like it.

Sorry I didn't see you posted more. Acer I always considered a budget brand, if a good price I wouldn't be too scared of one though. I have a couple around in the family, one about 6 years old and it survived college, still working and no issues of any kind, ever. Some have issues, but you can get a dud with any brand at all. If you paid with a credit card, a lot of them double the warranty automatically. Or if you are concerned you can get an extended warranty through squaretrade.com, they have coupons sometimes for 30 to 40% off (you can sign up for deals or some can be shared). You can get a warranty within 30 days. I usually don't get extended warranties, and a lot of people don't, but just thought I'd mention it.

As mentioned if you don't like Windows 8, there are tools to make it more familiar, some paid, some free. I'm not going to say this is the best one, but it's the one I generally install, haven't had any issues. Installs quickly and easily. http://www.classicshell.net/features/

Sorry Slickdeals.net was confusing, it is different. I like it because it covers a lot of different products, generally if I need something I check there first. On the main page the left side is what they consider the best product/sales basically. The search box should have been on the very top edge of the page (and in it it says "what are you looking for?", you click in it and it should have had the option for what I said pop down. There is also a decent tech support forum, computer questions, vehicle repair, house repair, or just about anything.

Hope your laptop works for you.
 

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