Find my ideal laptop

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hymegirl

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May 18, 2011
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I need a laptop. I am a "PTO Soccer/Baseball Mom" with a full time job. I want photo storage, word processing, and some other design programs (not sure yet). Also, WiFi capability. HELP!
 
Solution
Do you have any brand preference? You can get decent setups like the Dell Inspiron 14R and 15R or the HP G6t for around $400 and you can customize them a bit on their websites.

This Lenovo G560: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146994 and Dell Inspiron M5030: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834200142 are decent deals if you want something preconfigured.

as well as the Toshiba Satellite C655: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834214359

I would also suggest going to a local Best Buy or Staples and play around with what they have on the showroom floor.
Best Buy has this Dell...

hymegirl

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May 18, 2011
4
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18,510
I don't really want to go over $500. And, I don't have a clue what programs to get. Sorry, I'm really clueless. I want to design flyers & programs for events at the school mostly. And ne able to let the kids watch a Dvd if we go on a trip. Also, keep spreadsheets of our home finances. We live in the country & dialup is all that is available. So, I would want to be able to connect to WiFi services.
 


Ok, I'm thinking you mean a wireless broadband connection (3G or 4G) from a company like At&T or Verizon. Wifi is only beneficial if you have a wireless router or a wireless network that you can connect to (like at a Panera or Starbucks). Basic Wifi is pretty much a standard feature on all laptops nowadays. However, the mobile broadband adapters are not and I am not seeing any laptops with the feature for under $500.

You may want to consider buying a laptop and then going to a Verizon/At&T/T-Mobile store and purchasing an adapter + plan separately.
 
Do you have any brand preference? You can get decent setups like the Dell Inspiron 14R and 15R or the HP G6t for around $400 and you can customize them a bit on their websites.

This Lenovo G560: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834146994 and Dell Inspiron M5030: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834200142 are decent deals if you want something preconfigured.

as well as the Toshiba Satellite C655: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834214359

I would also suggest going to a local Best Buy or Staples and play around with what they have on the showroom floor.
Best Buy has this Dell: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+...lack/2513164.p?id=1218331587099&skuId=2513164 which has the strongest processor of the group.

If you want cheaper, then this Gateway NV55: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834101243
 
Solution
You'll have all you need to connect with any WiFi hot spot but -.
I guess it's a sign of the times - but nearly any laptop you find won't be equipped with a dial up modem to let you connect from the internet at home. If you don't already have a laptop compatible modem at home you'll need an external USB modem like this one @ BestBuy Zoom - 56K V.92 USB Mini External Data/Fax Modem $50. Or this modem @ NewEgg TRENDnet TFM-561U 56Kbps 1 x USB 2.0 (Type A) 1 x RJ-11 port (phone line) 56K USB Phone/Internet/Fax Modem $28


 
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