Pondering, Need Input
Dec. 2nd, 2009 12:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
gonzaiOver the last couple years, I've given some thought to getting a laptop computer. (I sort of have one, but it runs 98, doesn't work on battery, doesn't work with USB and has a 16 GB hard drive. In other words, crap.) Finances have been my greatest deterrent. However, I am now, suddenly and miraculously, caught up on money. And I have at least 1, possibly 2 craft shows and a bonus check coming, all of which is surplus income. So I'm giving much thought to portable computing of late. And I need advice/suggestions.
Firstly, the laptop v netbook issue. I'd always rejected the idea of a netbook, esp as from time to time I see laptops cheaper than netbooks and the small keyboard aspect. But I played around with some netbooks at the stores last week and discovered I can type pretty well on them. Not as well as a desktop, but much better than I expected. The screens were easier than I anticipated as well. As I review my possible uses for portable computing, it does seem to me that 90%+ would be e-mail/web surfing/LJ posting. And 9% would be writing or spreadsheeting. Do/can netbooks handle basic photo editing? I'm talking cropping/re-sizing for the web. I'm perfectly capable of waiting until I get home to burn discs or do heavy photo editing. I haven't been travelling much the last few years, so conventions would likely be the common destination for said computer.
With all this in mind, go ahead with a netbook, or stick with a laptop?
Assuming the answer is netbook, then:
What brands are best/most reliable? What if any models should I concentrate on? Any brands or models I should run away screaming from?
Does it really matter whether it's new or used? Should I run scared from a refurbished one or are they OK?
Windows XP or 7? I'd prefer XP, after my escapades with Vista on the desktop, and having plenty of software at home that only works XP or lower, but I'm also told 7 is good.
I want at least 1GB RAM and 160GB; on the processor, is there a specific kind or minimum speed I should have?
Besides a case, power adapter and a mouse, any other accessories I should have? (I have plenty of thumb drives and portable hard drives)
I've seen some with TV tuners - should I bother with a tuner?
Anything important I've forgotten?
Am I crazy?
Thanks in advance for your input!
Firstly, the laptop v netbook issue. I'd always rejected the idea of a netbook, esp as from time to time I see laptops cheaper than netbooks and the small keyboard aspect. But I played around with some netbooks at the stores last week and discovered I can type pretty well on them. Not as well as a desktop, but much better than I expected. The screens were easier than I anticipated as well. As I review my possible uses for portable computing, it does seem to me that 90%+ would be e-mail/web surfing/LJ posting. And 9% would be writing or spreadsheeting. Do/can netbooks handle basic photo editing? I'm talking cropping/re-sizing for the web. I'm perfectly capable of waiting until I get home to burn discs or do heavy photo editing. I haven't been travelling much the last few years, so conventions would likely be the common destination for said computer.
With all this in mind, go ahead with a netbook, or stick with a laptop?
Assuming the answer is netbook, then:
What brands are best/most reliable? What if any models should I concentrate on? Any brands or models I should run away screaming from?
Does it really matter whether it's new or used? Should I run scared from a refurbished one or are they OK?
Windows XP or 7? I'd prefer XP, after my escapades with Vista on the desktop, and having plenty of software at home that only works XP or lower, but I'm also told 7 is good.
I want at least 1GB RAM and 160GB; on the processor, is there a specific kind or minimum speed I should have?
Besides a case, power adapter and a mouse, any other accessories I should have? (I have plenty of thumb drives and portable hard drives)
I've seen some with TV tuners - should I bother with a tuner?
Anything important I've forgotten?
Am I crazy?
Thanks in advance for your input!
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no subject
Date: 2009-12-02 07:16 pm (UTC)Netbooks make great web surfers and decent media players but not much else.
1GB Ram is a no-no. 3 or more if possible especially if a laptop. Negative on the tuner. Buy the largest processor and best video you can afford, they can't be upgraded, memory can later if needed. Windows 7 is fine, on a netbook, I would go with XP or 7.