Best laptop for me?

whitequeen96 · Apr 13, 2014

I have an old desktop with XP, and I'm getting nervous now that XP is no longer supported. I also has problems with the dreaded Service Pack 3. I'm ready to move up and I'm thinking of a laptop or notebook.

I just use my computer for e-mail, forums, youtube, surfing the web. I don't do any gaming, so sound and picture quality don't have to be fabulous, just normal.

I am thinking of getting rid of my cable TV package and using a service where it's streamed thru the computer with the help of a Roku (don't know much about that yet). I might like to be able to watch Netflix on my TV thru my computer, although that isn't absolutely necessary. This is all new to me; I guess I'll have to get wireless. Oh, and I don't have much money ($300 max). So does anyone have any suggestions? I'd sure appreciate some guidance!

P.S. What do you think of this Acer C720 Chromebook (11.6-Inch, 2GB) on Amazon with 32GB, for $240?
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-C720-Chr...=1397385034&sr=1-1&keywords=computer+notebook

LauraR · Apr 13, 2014

If you are going to just be emailing, going online to post, watching videos/movies as you mentioned, you should be fine with a tablet or netbook which you can certainly get for $300. Just be aware that if you store music and photos on your computer, you will not have as much room on a smaller netbook or tablet as you would on a laptop. I can't speak personally regarding the Chromebook you linked to, but you should go through and look at the 3 star reviews and below for issues. Just at a glance I found some compatibility ones as far as not being able to get on some websites. There also seem to be some as far as some functionality for things other than just surfing. You should look at this page before getting a Chromebook: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.ht...d_t=201&pf_rd_p=1746677022&pf_rd_i=B00GZ1GV3I and https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/3265094?hl=en

For me, the first two 'features' alone would be a deal breaker (Chromebooks run Web-based apps, not traditional PC applications. You store your files in the Cloud, not on the machine. ). It does not seem like a replacement for a computer.

As far as streaming to your tv, Roku is awesome. I've been using one for years now for Netflix and other services. You do not hook a Roku up to a computer. The Roku takes the place of a computer and goes directly into your TV. These will most likely cost you another $100.

If you want to stream from your computer directly to your TV all you need is an HDMI cable and the correct inputs on both your computer and your tv.

Another cheaper option to a Roku device is Chromecast which is a usb device that connects your TV to your computer. That would cost you about $35.

Oldphil · Apr 13, 2014

I bought a Chrome book for my grand son, when we found out what it would not do and what Google features he was locked into we brought it back quicker than we bought it!

You can get very close to your budget, buy a lower level name brand. We found a Toshiba for $329 on sale, he is 15 and tortures it still running strong after two years. Not saying run out and buy a Toshiba, just any of the quality name brands. Try for a windows 7 machine easier to get use to along with 4 gigs of ram or better, it will do everything you want. Look on manufacturers sites for close outs, close outs will still have the full warranty.

LauraR · Apr 13, 2014

Oldphil said: ↑

I bought a Chrome book for my grand son, when we found out what it would not do and what Google features he was locked into we brought it back quicker than we bought it!

You can get very close to your budget, buy a lower level name brand. We found a Toshiba for $329 on sale, he is 15 and tortures it still running strong after two years. Not saying run out and buy a Toshiba, just any of the quality name brands. Try for a windows 7 machine easier to get use to along with 4 gigs of ram or better, it will do everything you want. Look on manufacturers sites for close outs, close outs will still have the full warranty.
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I have to say, I knew nothing about Chromebooks up until 15 minutes ago, but after just a quick glance at the links I provided, there isn't a chance I'd buy one. Good to have my view backed up. People seem to really like them, but I can't imagine they'd ever make good primary machines.

I agree that you can easily find a better option in a Windows laptop for probably just a tiny bit more. I know HP has a 15 inch for $379 because I was looking at it for my daughter who shattered the screen on her last one.rolleyes

DOA · Apr 14, 2014

Any chance upgrading the old desktop with a little more ram and Win7 is a better way to go?

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Best laptop for me?

whitequeen96 Private First Class

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Oldphil Sergeant

LauraR MajorGeeks Super-Duper Administrator Staff Member

DOA MG's Loki