Category: Geeks r Us
Hey all,
I'm currently running an asus netbook that's about 3 years old, and I use it so much it's going to die on me soon, and even if it doesn't, I'm going in to my last year of college, in which I'll be student teaching and writing massive amounts of lessons and huge papers, and I really need an actual computer.
I need something with a lot of memory to store my school stuff plus music on ITunes. Something that works quickly on the internet and well with jaws, (I currently have 11), and preferably something lite. Any suggestions???
Jenna
you'll want to stay in the laptop area of course, tosheba makes pretty good systems, i'm using one now that's lasted me over 4 years. Other companies may work too
hmm... how about a ultra book or one of the mac book airs, not sure on your price. There are some laptops that have a 13 inc screen with a powerful processor and about 4 GB or more. DRive space your going to have to check that out.
Good morning!!!
My first suggestion would be a mac, however I realize they are out of a lot of peoples price range, and their are some people that aren't fans of the mac as well. I've had good luck with dell machines, I used one through highschool for nearly six years, and it was a tank. Their are a lot of other considerations to take in to account as well.
A: amount of ram.
Most laptops come with 4GB of ram which is more than enough to get on with for itunes, word processing, internet browsing, and every day use.
B. Processor speed
Again, a lot of models that are standard are more than enough for every day use, however if you wanted to upgrade it you could.
C. Hard disc space
That might be one you'd want to look at. My laptop drive is 500 ggs, and that's plenty for a laptop, and should store all of your music, documents and other items with no problems, however you should always keep a backup of data.
D. Battery compacity
A lot of standard batteries on laptops don't last verry long; the most I've gotten out of one is four to five hours. If you get a higher compacity battery, you'l get longer life. However, it will add a considerable amount of bulk to the machine.
I hope I've been helpful, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!! :)
Chris Harrington
woops, spell check would've helped,...
I suggested a ultra notebook or laptop because of the wait of it, and size, however, I do not think there cheep as well so, again, not sure of this person's price range.
I'd not do a Mac only because the person here will be student teaching. Most schools and such use Windows, so I'd stay with that.
You've already got Jaws, so get that upgraded before you leave school, for the reason you'll get it free and you'll keep updated during you teaching.
Now days most laptops with about 4 GB and 500 GB hard drives can be had for around 350 to 400 dollars. Dell makes great machines, but you'll want to check how long you'll be supported. Most name brands are going to be just fine and will work fine with Jaws and whatever else.
Look for a full keyboard for comfort sake. You'll be typing more than you did with that netbook.
Finding the deals check out www.shopper.com and www.cnet.com/marketplace . Each day you'll find a deal on laptops or most days. Relax and look a while unless you see the one that is in your price range, than get it. The deals are plentiful now.
Newegg.com is awesome for good deals as well.
Brands in order based on my experience:
Dell followed by Asus followed by Toshiba.
If someone is going to do Windows or Linux I try and get 'em on a Dell most times, they are real workhorses and you can easily configure all the specs, or have a trusted friend do it for you if you're not up to the task, on Dell.com and they also do have a student discount. Or did, last I checked.
Battery life not the greatest but performance kicketh ass. The wife's Dell will be 5 years old this summer and still going strong.
Lenovo is a favorite of mine. We I recommend the t500 to all my client's and haven't had one come back yet.
Okay just had to post this. If you are happy with a net book and you read this soon this would do you just fine.
HP Pavilion AMD Dual 1.3GHz 16" LED Laptop for $300 + free shipping
Hotness:
RadioShack offers the 5.5-lb. HP Pavilion 2000-412NR AMD Dual-Core 1.3GHz 15.6" LED-Backlit Widescreen Notebook, model no. A7A73UA, for $299.99 with free shipping.
a mac is a great computer.
Going to agree with WillieTheWoof here especially if you are going to b student teaching. If a lenovo thinkpad is in your price range I think you will appreciate the durability of the machine especially since you are going to be around kids. I have not tried them myself, however, I also hear the dell and hp business laptops are pretty durable and they can probably be had for cheaper. Although not an hp business laptop, I do have an hp business small form factor desktop and it has proved to be quiet, cool running, durable and easy to service.
Hey guys! :) Thanks for all the recomendations! I'm going to check them out now that I'm not in school at the moment. Thanks again! :)
Jenna