Monday, April 27, 2009

Laptop recommendations?

I need to buy a new laptop, and I would appreciate any recommendations you might offer. The only laptop I have used with any regularity is the old IBM Thinkpad that was issued to me 5 years ago when I was a teacher in a portable classroom. It has gotten slower and slower . . .

Now my desktop at home is beginning to make a funny clicking sound. I've been saving everything that I have on both computers for a couple of months. When I'm in a rush, I just e-mail projects to myself.

I had an original target date of May 1 (Think payday!) for my purchase, but I could probably wait another week or two. The critical consideration is the beginning of summer semester at CSU.

I want a basic machine, but I might need a few more features that I don't even know about . My middle son is helping me check out several that I have seen--a Toshiba and a Dell top my curent list. He told me to check on the processors. I don't mind normal weight, and I know I don't want one of the teeny netbooks.

I figure I need a webcam and a built-in microphone. I will get the Word Suite. I use my computer for email and document production more than anything else, but I anticipate doing more multimedia production projects, especially if I'm able to get a job as a media specialist.

Any suggestions? Any computers you DON'T like? How about warranties? Or do you rely on local computer support companies? What do you think are essential features and what are features that you thought you needed and wound up not using at all?



2 comments:

  1. I have a MacBook (Macintosh laptop). I love it, but if you're used to PC-computers, it may be difficult for you. I just find that is is more user-friendly and supports more multimedia functions more easily for me. It has has a built in camera and microphone. However, there are probably plenty of PC laptops that do too. One warning, though, if you go with a Mac, I don't think it will run Integrade in case you want to do grading at home. Good luck on your purchase.

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  2. Hey, Guys! I just received my beautiful new Dell computer. It's a deep blue (default color; anything else would have cost extra), and it has every feature I wanted. My middle son helped me determine all the specs, and it arrived almost 2 weeks before the published delivery date.

    To say that I'm delighted is the understatement of the year. I would wear this around my neck if I could!

    P.S. If you do a search, you can find online coupons. My son found one for a $250 discount on units costing more than $900. That allowed me to get the complete Office Suite, so now I can play with programs I've never had at home before!

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