Community Forums

brad03ca · 08-29-2007, 09:12 AM

I'm really green concerning lap tops. Been looking to buy one for our winter get away.
What should I be looking for..as far as power,wi-fi, etc ....Brad

brad03ca · 08-29-2007, 09:12 AM

I'm really green concerning lap tops. Been looking to buy one for our winter get away.
What should I be looking for..as far as power,wi-fi, etc ....Brad

450Donn · 08-29-2007, 10:10 AM

Depends on what you want to do? Pictures, email,music downloads? Need more information. Generally you want the fastest processor, largest hard drive, and largest amount of RAM. Built in WIFI is nice if you have WIFI available. DVD/CD burner is a definite plus again depending on what you want one for. If all you want is email, then the cheapest one you can find will do that

brad03ca · 08-29-2007, 11:13 AM

At this point my only use would be e-mail. With my luck, I'd want more options later, then have to upgrade. Will these work with wi-fi PLUS a card, or one or the other?

tom wilson · 08-29-2007, 12:57 PM

HP PAVILION dv8320 us has it all.

GaryKD · 08-29-2007, 03:24 PM

With Lap Tops some things you can upgrade easy and some you can not. Becasue you think your requirements might grow, consider spending your money on the things that can not be upgraded or at least not easily. With a Lop Top right out of the gate get:
1. the fastest processor
2. the largest hard drive
3. the biggest display
4. the best graphics capability

Depending on how you plan to connect to the Internet, WIFI may or may not be needed. If you plan to use and air card, make sure the lap top has the correct technology slot.

A DVD/CD player will, most likely, come with the lap top as standard. Look for a lap top with at least 4 USB ports.

RAM is easily upgraded later, if you need more.

brad03ca · 08-29-2007, 04:47 PM

Thanks tommywilson and GaryKD..I'm starting to make a list of the things I should get or inquire about. I need all the help I can get..

Clay L · 08-30-2007, 07:46 AM

I haven't seen any laptops without built in WIFI in a long time so I suspect whatever you buy will have one. I am starting to see more and more RV parks with free WIFI but in many cases you have to be close to the office to pick it up.

If you want to have internet access just about all the time, an aircard is the way to go.
I would not get one with the aircard built in. I think Dell offers that and I believe it ties you to a specific cellphone supplier - Sprint I think.
If you get an aircard I would get a USB model so it will fit just about any computer made in the last few years. You need to pick your provider first so you get a card supported by them and they will usually give you a super discount on the card if you sign a two year contract.

If you want internet access where cell service isn't available, then satellite might be the best option. If you have a clear view of the southern sky you should be able to connect.

I have been full timing for five years traveling all over the U.S. and have only had a few occasions where I could not connect with my aircard though, so satellite is not a good option for me.

brad03ca · 08-30-2007, 09:05 AM

Thanks for the info ClayL

Novi · 08-30-2007, 02:51 PM

Hi Brad. I use mine mostly for email, pictures and surfing and on-line banking. You can get a good name brand used one at computer liqudators. Most are "off lease" and are in good condition. I've had mine for 2 1/2 years and cost $330.00. I bought an inexpensive motorola wireless card for $30.00 and just plugged it in. It has worked great. If you just want it for basic stuff, like I do, you do not have to spend a ton of money.

Dsouthw524 · 09-04-2007, 02:38 AM

You may want to expand your shopping to the on-line and check Gateway and Dell. These are reputable companies and frequently offer discounts.

John Hilley · 09-04-2007, 05:10 PM

Best Buy has the Toshiba Satellite Notebook on sale this week for $375. It has built in WiFi and CD burner for sure and I think it does burn DVDs.

Wallaby Dan · 09-04-2007, 05:35 PM

I was at Best Buy this last weekend and almost bought that Acer they have. AMD Turion64X2 and 100Gig hd, 80211g And a dvd-cd combo drive. $499.95 + the gov.

lthrnk · 09-08-2007, 01:50 PM

I will be losing my work laptop when I retire in January, been looking for a new one for myself. Found a Toshiba Satellite A135-S4527 at CompUSA for 539.00 out the door. Built in WiFi, CD/DVD player and burner, 120 Gig HD. Lookin good. This coupled with my Verizon USB 720 and I'm good to go.