Guys and gals, I have searched for threads that would be similar to what I am asking, but I still need more information. That being said, I have not had a laptop in about 4-5 years and will be getting one soon. I need help making a decision on one as I am not very computer savvy. I need something pretty simple, methinks, as I will only be using it to check email, maybe watch some youtube videos, but nothing serious like hard-code gaming or anything. Any information you can provide me with to help me make a decision is greatly appreciated. Thanks

8/1/2011 10:19:09 AM

What about soft-code gaming?

8/1/2011 10:43:50 AM

You can get stuff that fits that requirement for around $500 all day. Basic things require basic hardware : Core i3 processor, 3-4Gb RAM, 320-500 GB 5400rpm hard drive are all common entry to mid-range laptop features. If you plan on doing any gaming at all or i/o intensive applications, consider one with a Core i5, 4-8GB of RAM, and a 7200rpm hard drive. See: Dell Inspiron, HP Pavillion, Lenovo G-Series, and similar.

[Edited on August 1, 2011 at 12:31 PM. Reason : around]

8/1/2011 12:30:54 PM

Thank you so much for that information Fender. It will certainly be put to good use.

8/1/2011 12:37:31 PM

What's your budget? Will you travel with it?

8/1/2011 1:04:42 PM

I was going into this thing thinking that maybe I could find one for $300-400, but as I stated before, I am not computer savvy. I would be willing to pay the $500 that Fender said I would probably have to invest. And yes, I would be traveling quite a bit. I am on the road a lot.

8/1/2011 4:23:04 PM

If you'll be taking it on the road a lot, you may want to look at a business-oriented laptop for durability. They're generally lacking in some of the bells and whistles of the home models, like media buttons and HDMI outputs, but the chassis, hinges, and overall quality are generally a bit better for the price. The only one I have personal experience with is Dell's Vostro line, which I still own and use pretty frequently. You can get reasonably-equipped Core 2 architecture models for under $500.

8/1/2011 4:56:13 PM

Given your relatively complex set of requirements I would recommend getting something with a quad core i7 and at least 6GB ddr3 ram. If it doesn't have a SSD you will probably not be able to load/write new emails very quickly. It will be difficult to get in for <$1000 but with the ever present threat of big data it's better to invest up front.

8/1/2011 11:13:43 PM

Make sure you get a machine that can triforce.

It's critical.

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8/2/2011 12:08:41 AM

You can use an iPad for the things you described in the post...

8/2/2011 12:22:43 AM

I do not wish to join the iPad community.

And thank you so much for the information you all have provided thus far. It is most helpful.

8/2/2011 12:52:56 AM

Quote :

"I do not wish to join the iPad community. "

haha

there's a community you have to join??

8/2/2011 12:53:52 AM

yeah... its called wear nothing but black turtle necks and jeans.

8/2/2011 11:42:03 AM