Computer buying advice requested

[ladypanther]

So, it is about time to get a new computer.  I am a low tech kind of person (but I do love my smart phone).  Probably looking for a laptop.  Use=surfing the net, occasional steaming of movies, watch videos.  Don't have to work from home. (May check company websites for training videos) Will occassionaly update my resume. Want to be able to have 3 or 4 tabs open without it freezing up. So, am not looking to spend a ton of money.  Has anyone bought a refurbished computer?  How did that go?  Looking for decent function and decent price.

 

Your advice will be appreciated.

[KillerKat]

Unless your price range is really low, you shouldn't have to buy refurbished for a new laptop. They are reasonably priced right now.

[frash.exe]

I'd say for movie streaming you'll probably look at a minimum of 4gb ram and maybe an Intel i3 processor. You shouldn't have any problems with what you're trying to do.

[ladypanther]

Unless your price range is really low, you shouldn't have to buy refurbished for a new laptop. They are reasonably priced right now.

 

Good to hear.  Any recommendations on brands to buy or to avoid?

[ladypanther]

I'd say for movie streaming you'll probably look at a minimum of 4gb ram and maybe an Intel i3 processor. You shouldn't have any problems with what you're trying to do.

 

Thanks.  That kind of info is very helpful.

[Anybodyhome]

I have 2 Lenovo ThinkPads, one is mine, the other is my work. Mine is the E525 and my work is a E545. 

 

I like them both although my employer loaded my work laptop up with a lot of software. I've flat out dropped mine twice and it runs like new even after a superglue job on one corner.  

[cookinbrak]

You can get a Compaq or HP at Walmart for less than 300 bucks. Buy the "No Matter What" warranty for 40-50 bucks more.

[Jeff L]

How much are you looking to spend LP? I buy a lot of my computer stuff from newegg.com and recently bought a Lenovo laptop from there that I absolutely love!

[sharkkiller]

Toshiba laptops are pretty good for the money. I hve one that has lasted for 4 years. The wife and kids use it now for facbook and kids games., but it is still going strong. 

[ladypanther]

How much are you looking to spend LP? I buy a lot of my computer stuff from newegg.com and recently bought a Lenovo laptop from there that I absolutely love!

 

 

Hoping not to spend a lot...but that is relative.  Not sure what I have to spend to get a decent one.  Have not been to newegg.  Will check that out. Thanks!

[Kettle]

I suggest one with a fragmented hard drive. It will work perfectly for sentence fragments.

Seriously though. I'd get something with a tablet like function such as the surface with a snap in keyboard. I don't even use my laptop anymore since I got a cheap tablet. All it's for is the checkbook now. The tablet is just so much easier to use and not weight and heat source sitting atop my thighs.

[davos]

This one is good.  Really ahead of the curve:

 

[PandaPancake]

You sound like the perfect candidate for a Chromebook

 

https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=chromebook_hp_11_whiteblue_wifi

[KendrickPanther]

If you need to print things for work, taxes, or whatever. Then a tiny little thing might not have a USB port for your printer.

 

I'm not an expert but I think it goes something like this:

 

High End (pricey):

Sony - Japan

Samsung - Korean

 

Good Quality (affordable but not cheap):

Asus- Taiwan

Lenovo- China (American HQ in Morrisville, NC)

 

Mediocre (medium price point but not great value):

Dell- USA

HP- USA

 

Low End (cheap):

Toshiba- Japan

Acer-Taiwan

 

That is how I view the Laptop market. Someone else might take a different view as different qualities appeal to different people. I think you would be ok buying any of the brands listed above. Personally, I would not recommend the Dell or HP because I feel like you aren't getting the best value. Even low end computers should be able to handle the tasks of a casual computer user. My parents bought my aunt a 300 dollar toshiba and its perfect for web surfing and emails.

 

If you are internet savvy websites like Amazon and Newegg will offer the best prices. But their selection is huge and it's easy to get confused. Stores like Best Buy have a high overhead and will pass off inferior products at the same price point as a good Amazon product.

 

One other thing to look out for is "bloatware". Some of these laptops are pre loaded with all kinds of software you do not need. They might give you a free month or year then start "reminding" you to renew your sub.