Re: Buying a Laptop, (notebook) for a potential University student

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From: Ron Martell (ron.martell_at_gmail.com)
Date: 01/08/05 

Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2005 03:49:26 GMT

Derrick Fawsitt <46@fitzwilliamonline.com> wrote:

>I am currently considering the purchase of a Laptop for my Daughter's
>Twenty First birthday and am suffering many hints from her that I must
>not choose it for her but that she must have a say in it. While I have a
>certain amount of sympathy for that viewpoint, as I am the person
>forking out the money I consider it reasonable that I should have some
>sort of say in the matter.
>I have spent many hours "doing my homework" taking into account her
>vague description of her requirements but am as wise now as when I
>started out to look. I seem to understand from her remarks that she
>needs graphics ability and plenty of RAM. Although I am a Computer
>"nerd" and fairly well informed about IT, it is only in relation to
>Desktops, not Laptops. I would want her to have the latest Wi-Fi
>capabilities but not to have to pay "over the top" for it. It will be
>linked, (when at home), to my ADSL 2M system and I am really unaware how
>that will affect me when she is using her Laptop on the same ISP. Can
>anyone spare a little time to advise which make and model represents the
>best "bang for the buck" and also if I should go the "Dell or Gateway"
>route rather than the high street retailer.
>I have about three days left to "gen-up" on my inadequate knowledge of
>Laptops and what is important, do please someone help!!

There are a number of good notebook computer brands, including Dell
although there has been some dissatisfaction expressed recently with
the quality of the less-expensive series of Dell notebooks (Inspiron).
Also Dell has recently moved most of their tech support services to
India and there has been some dissatisfaction expressed with the
quality of the responses being provided.

Another brand that has had good reports from people whose opinions I
trust is Medion, which are sold in the U.S. in Aldi stores. Very good
value for the money and no problems with hardware failures or other
warranty issues.

One point to consider is which version of Windows comes with the
computer you purchase. Many Universities require students to have
Windows XP Professional on their machines in order to get full access
to the University computer network. You need to check this out before
making the purchase as getting one with XP Home and then having to
purchase an XP Pro upgrade is a considerable additional expense.

Good luck

  
Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada 

-- 
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca
"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

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