Laptop Recommendations

[bozo]

I am lookng for a low buget laptop for my mother, but one that would be reliable.

This will be used for basic web surfing & email, so there is no real need for a powerhouse computer.

I have looked at Dell's online, as well as their "Outlet" stores.
Also I have looked at Acers.

Any recommendations...links?

TIA

[mairving]

Does she need it to be portable? If not I would consider a desktop instead.

[bozo]

Originally Posted by mairving Does she need it to be portable? If not I would consider a desktop instead.

We're looking at both...she has had a desktop for several years...that is not worthy of putting any more money into, so time for an upgrade.

It would be much cheaper to just buy a desktop...since she has the peripherals, but I think she would like the portable idea. She can afford a laptop, and I didn't mean to imply that we want the cheapest way to go, but for her needs she does NOT need a high end computer.

Desktops, I know a lot about, but laptops, I am not up to speed on (obviously since I didn't even know where to post this LOL...Sorry).

[glc]

Dell Inspiron 1520 configured with XP. $619 plus tax.

[Masaki 7-11]

This is a good desktop replacement laptop for a good price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115413

[bozo]

Originally Posted by glc Dell Inspiron 1520 configured with XP. $619 plus tax.

Ya I have looked at that system, and think it would do fine for her.

Question... Looks like dell has diss'ed the AMD Anthon 64 (1521), yet it has many listed on their outlet store for about 100 bucks less...Is that much of a drop in processor to justify the added cost???

I am an Intel lover at heart.

[bozo]

Originally Posted by Masaki 7-11 This is a good desktop replacement laptop for a good price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834115413

Ya that system looks good also...thanx

[glc]

AMD's have lousy battery life.

[thefultonhow]

Not only do AMDs have lousy battery life, a 17" laptop is not very portable at all (speaking from experience, since I had one for five months). I would recommend a 15.4" or lower.

My mom has an older Dell (Inspiron 700m) with a smallish 12" widescreen. Her eyes are not great, so normally 12" would be too small, but when she's at her desk (which is most of the time) she keeps it closed and hooks up an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. That way, she can use the laptop in exactly the same way as a desktop most of the time, but when she needs to take it with her to go somewhere, she can do that too.

If you're willing to go a bit higher in price, which it sounds like you are, check into the Lenovo T-series. It can be ordered with either XP or Vista in either 14" widescreen or 15.4" widescreen versions. It is powerful enough for your mom's purposes, but also very durable and generally pretty reliable. I've kept my T43p on almost constantly for over two years, and the only problem with it so far has been a dead fan, which I got replaced under warranty.

[Masaki 7-11]

If the same monitors, speakers, keyboards, ect. are going to be used, then a 17 inch is too big, but if it's going to replace the monitor, keyboard and speakers, a 17 inch is the best. From what I understand you are looking for a laptop that will be used mostly from one spot but is easy to move around.

[thefultonhow]

A 17" is okay if you're going to keep it on the desk or in the house most of the time, but even if it's replacing the keyboard, mouse, and speakers, a 15.4" is a much better option if any portability is desired. Having gone on a plane with a 17", I can tell you that it's a struggle to get it through security, and forget actually using it on the plane to watch a movie. My T43p, at 14", is a good size for traveling and for lugging around town, and I think the display on it is large enough to use alone, even though it's smaller than a 15.4" screen (and I know plenty of people who do use it alone, although I personally would hate to give up my 24" widescreen). A 15.4" is slightly less portable, but a good compromise between the large size and impracticality of the 17" formfactor and the somewhat small size but great portability of a 14" or smaller laptop.

[bozo]

Originally Posted by thefultonhow . If you're willing to go a bit higher in price, which it sounds like you are, check into the Lenovo T-series.

The "T-series" seem a little pricy. What do you think of the "R-series". I saw this model: ThinkPad R Series R61e. It has a celeron processor, but what she uses her computer for...that should be plenty. On sale at newegg for $599

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834146311

[bozo]

A couple of stupid questions

Do these laptops ship with a method of charging the battery, or do I have to buy a charger separate?

How about the AC power supply...does that have to be bought separate?

[glc]

The included AC power supply charges the battery in place.

I'd take a Dell over a R-series.

[thefultonhow]

The Celeron-M doesn't have any power management, so you're going to get bad battery life with it.