Don't need anything fancy, just use it at home for the internet. My current one is on the blink, a motherboard/charger problem. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
basically only for internet use, downloading pics for email a few word docs here and there. That is all I need it for. I am scared to go with refurbished ones, someone else mentioned that as well. Thanks!
Dell has a fairly new basic line out that is hard to beat for a basic laptop. Check out the B120 at the link below. New laptop for for $499. http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=iB120S1&s=dhs I've also used Dell Factory Outlet (refurbs) extensively and have had nothing but good service from them. Good luck! 8)
Granted a Dell Latitude D600 is more than you will need, but my laptop is a factory outlet referb and I love it.
The first step to buying any computer is "What are you using it for" and then "fixing a budget." Decide how much your going to spend and then find 3 choices that fit your number. Evaluate the 3 for hardware differences and make you choice based on who is giving you the best bang for your buck. Don't forget to weigh warranty in that evaluation, and read each warranty completely. I specialize in Laptop repair and I can tell you right now nothing is "refurbished"!!!! It is what it is, a used laptop!! Anything over 8 months old is destined to give you problems in under a year. If you get a 1 year warranty (from a manufaturer) then a used may be a good buy. Also you don't know what the prior owner has done to that unit. Heat is a killing factor with the majority of the lap's I work on. Using it on a bed or in your lap kills the fan system airflow. If the prior owner abused this point the unit may be just holding on till you buy it. Remember even with a warranty repair your going to ship it out for repairs and you'll be without a PC for 2 weeks. I would go with either of the HP laptop series. They have very good service for 1 year. Let me give you this note: DO NOT BUY OFF THE INTERNET unless it's Dell or HP or one of the major companies!! I have 5 broken lap's sitting on my bench with that scenario written all over them. You can also get a good deal at some stores on discontinued new in box models. This time of year is a great time to find those models. It takes some shopping and note taking but the savings are worth it. From what you mentioned here about your intended use, here are some items you don't want to go "less than" when looking for a unit: 1. 1.4 CPU 2. 256 MB Ram 3. 20 GIG Hard Drive 4. CDRW-DVD ROM (burn CD's but only view DVD) 5. 15" screen 6. A 1.4 floppy is not necessary but handy. 7. USB 2.0 8. Ethernet Card or Wireless (both would be best) 9. If your still using Dial-Up you'll need a Modem. Most current units will exceed the numbers above in one area or another. I personally prefer Sony Viao for their durability. They are the Timex of laptops with a good price range. Readily available parts, even as they get older. Don't buy todays technology today, wait 6 months and it's half the price. Hope this helps, DDR Dan
Thank you DDR Dan Your post was very helpful and I will put the info to use as I do my research! Thank you for taking the time to post the lengthy message. I appreciate your help. Walloon
Your welcome, to be honest I didn't take a lot of time writting that post. I've been asked that question so much that I have it in a word document and I just cut and paste the paragraphs that apply... LOL Good luck DDR Dan
