[withit]

Can anyone recommend a laptop for under $500? One you've been happy with?
I need it for basic stuff such as word documents (must be able to store 400 pages worth of journaling) and maybe I'd download a game or two but not sure. I am clueless when it comes to systems, memories, hard drives, soft drives, whatever they're called....

Thanks!

[Maven]

Under $500, I can't say, but I can tell you I use a Hewlett-Packard (HP.com) and I'm extremely happy with it. It cost more than $500, though...they do have some in your price range, though.

One thing I'd recommend, though, is research models online, at sites like Amazon, company sites (like HP.com, Dell.com, etc.), online stores like BestBuy.com and CircuitCity.com, and reviews at sites like CNET.com and PCMag.com. See what models appeal to you and look for ratings. Good luck!

[withit]

Thanks, Maven! I shall take a look at ratings, if I can find them.

[kimmydawn]

I just bought a presario for right around that and LOVE IT.

GL!

KD

[(JD)]

First, don't think laptop, think notebook. Laptops run hot and that heat causes the electronic components to break down quickly. Plus, you can't hold them on your lap or you'll burn yourself!

Think notebook, think centrino first.

Don't buy from best buy nor comp usa... they have a high return rate and they repackage and resell it. (Comp USA won't let you return anything without a large restock fee, even if the item doesn't work right- they expect you to continue to take a replacement.)

Circuit City is good, imo. You can also check pricing and capabilities with QVC.com and HSN.com Dell, HP, and my favorite Toshiba all have websites you can visit. Office Depot is convenient but outsources it's warranty service.

If you google notebook computers, comparisons or something to the effect, there are sites that will show you all that's available and you can compare that way.

Good wishes! Have fun!

[withit]

Thanks Sky for the info, especially the warning about bestbuy and laptop vs. notebook! Much appreciated!

[Wants2Fly]

You might try calling a few repair places to see if any reconditioned units are available. I had to put an older unit for an update last week. Discovered it was too obsolete to be worth he money. However, the repair shop recovers and restores units -- usually from graphics workers who need the biggest, fastest machines as soon as they come out. He even offers a limited warranty.

I hate my Dell. Their support sucks.

[withit]

I had a Dell laptop til a short while ago. For a year I struggled with its craziness. The adaptor would not work, I'd have to wait a few days for them to send a new one, and I had to pay for it; they'd credit me if I returned the old non-working one... Being on the phone with them for hours to fix small problems.... After a year I returned it to them. At first they said no way can I return after a year, but I insisted to speak with the top tier and they agreed to take it back, they credited me all the money I have paid in installmens. I do not trust them enough to buy another Dell.

[Maven]

Sky, I didn't know that about Best Buy and CompUSA. Thanks for the heads-up. Maybe I'll be buying my printer from Circuit City...or straight from HP.com, even though I'll have to wait for it by mail.

[eskielover]

I purchased my first 2 laptops from HSN.com They carried the Gateways...piece of junk both fell apart within 1 year. The modem died on one, the display on the other. The keyboard was flaky & the keys fell off when I looked at them. (well, that may be a bit exagerated????).

Yes, _sky is right.....they ran so hot....even with the fan pad underthem, I think that was why they went bad so quickly.

I purchased an HP pavillion just over 2 years ago & haven't had even 1 problem with it. Well, except fot the paint letters wearing off the keys & the mouse paint wearing off with all the use it has been put through. I just posted about my taking it in with my 3 year extended warrenty from Best Buy. Yes, they sent it out & I got a whole new keyboard & mouse pad & battery replaced under the extended warenty. I knew I was getting a brand new one from Best Buy because they were just getting the delevery of them because they were all sold out. That was an experience however. I was waiting for the delivery & when it came in, another salesman sold my HP. Lucky for me, I was there checking on if my HP had been delivered. I was the one that walked out of the store with the HP......wasn't going to let anyone sell my computer out from under me.

I love the HP....it is like a tank...sturdy, runs well....not a problem with the electronics.

My husband canabalized the 2 Gateways & made 1 limping one out of the 2. I was using it while my HP was getting referbed & when I left the screen on too long, the display went out on it. He did something to get it back working, but wouldn't get a Gateway if it was the last laptop on earth.

Don't know much about other brands.....Dell is supposed to be fairly ok, but I decided to spend just a bit more, so I wouldn't have to continually spend for the less expensive ones when they wear out in less than a year.

Best to compair reviews on products. Don't know if epinions.com reviews computers, but they provide great reviews of other products I look into purchasing. Amazon.com is also a great place to get reviews. HSN provides reviews on the brands they carry only.....it's best to find the best one & then find out where to buy it.

Good luck,
Debbie

[Maven]

Mine's an HP Pavilion, too, and I love it! I didn't get the Best Buy extended warranty; I've read and heard a lot of advice, and the odds you'll need it are unlikely, and the company will cover you for a while. That said, if you do need it, you've got it.

I'm getting a printer soon, and I'm nervous about it, because every single printer I've researched, people have had complaints. Granted, probably every computer-related product has someone unhappy with it, but it still makes me nervous.

Good sites for reviews are CNET.com, PCMag.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, CircuitCity.com, CompUSA.com, ConsumerReports.com (requires subscription), http://compreviews.about.com/, PCWorld.com, Epinions.com, as well as the company sites of models you're considering.

One other piece of advice: Look for articles (you can find them on some of the sites listed above) of advice on shopping for a computer. I found them most helpful.

[Pita]

My Toshiba rocks. Happy shopping.