Any computer savy people that can help me find a laptop

[DebMcDonald]

This is for my DD 21 who is in college, she is electronically irresponsible with any and all electronics, that's just the way she is and although frustrating we love her. Please don't criticize and ask why we are replacing the laptop yet again, she's a great kid works hard and is an SRA at college so is really helping with her college tuition and she doesn't even know we are considering this.

Long story short, we got her a nice HP for graduation and it appears to have been dropped on the floor, though she will tell her she put down her backpack too hard, but the corner of the computer screen is cracked and open so the screen looks sort of spider webby. I'd love to stay under $300 this time around because it may not be her last But she's an education major in college and teaches a creative confections course of the summer so has used it for making DVD to show the parents, this time around we were going to go without the DVD drive.

Can anyone give me any recommendations I'm overwhelmed by both Walmart and Amazon, by the time I've made a decision that looks good you'll have one or two reviews and they have me changing my mind. I can very from that figure and may have her pay for half.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Try Best Buy too. It might help to actually see and touch a laptop you are considering. Plus they are so desperate for business in a lot of areas that they are actually interacting with in-store shoppers. (Crazy, I know!).

 

[pryncess527]

Long story short, we got her a nice HP for graduation and it appears to have been dropped on the floor, though she will tell her she put down her backpack too hard, but the corner of the computer screen is cracked and open so the screen looks sort of spider webby.

Honestly, I'd start with repair. If the screen is the only issue, then there is no reason to replace an otherwise functioning processor, harddrive, memory, etc.

I replaced my FIL's Chromebook screen for about $30. I did it myself just by watching a YouTube video. I'm not sure I'd go that route for a "real" laptop, but I would absolutely start by googling Laptop Screen repair and your town to see if there are any pros that could fix it. The screen is one of the cheapest parts of the laptop, no reason to throw away expensive components over that.

 

[Sadie22]

I think she should choose her own laptop as well as a protective case for it for use next year and the years following. The choice of Mac or PC is another consideration. Is she a graduating college senior and is she student teaching or interviewing for jobs? She needs to know what the school systems where she will be interviewing use and how much computing power she needs.

Making her own choices will help her be more invested in taking better care of her equipment. Someday she may have to be responsible for school-issued equipment. Saying she's irresponsible with electronics will not help her in the job market.

Perhaps you might give her a set amount toward a purchase but allow her to do the research and purchasing sometime in the next semester or during the summer.

I agree with the previous poster that it's worth looking into whether the old machine can be repaired.

 

[SplashMo]

Microsoft Store has a 2 or 3 year break / spill warranty (added fee). There is a fee each time and it is limited to possibly one use (maybe twice).

Lenovo T and X series laptops are less likely to break. I currently have an acer V5 for $500 but I can no longer find it...

 

[PlutoPony]

Before you buy anything, check her school's website and see if they have minimum computer requirements... they may specify things like processor, memory, etc. Then check the university bookstore and see if they have any deals and what their warranty policy is. Often they will give a more generous warranty than those purchased at someplace like Best Buy, and also may come with a free (or inexpensive) loaner program which can be very helpful.

 

[tvguy]

Honestly, I'd start with repair. If the screen is the only issue, then there is no reason to replace an otherwise functioning processor, harddrive, memory, etc.

I replaced my FIL's Chromebook screen for about $30. I did it myself just by watching a YouTube video. I'm not sure I'd go that route for a "real" laptop, but I would absolutely start by googling Laptop Screen repair and your town to see if there are any pros that could fix it. The screen is one of the cheapest parts of the laptop, no reason to throw away expensive components over that.

Certain worth a look, but I paid $125 just for the part (the screen) when ours died. Installation was another $50.
I think almost any off the shelf laptop at Walmart, Target our Best Buy will do the trick if you decide to replace it. Just made sure it has everything you need. DD is graduating from college Friday and our gift will be a new Apple laptop to replace her 5 1/2 year old Apple. She is very frustrated that Apple only offers a built in DVD drive on a few models. She HAS to have a DVD drive, and she doesn't want to mess with an external one.

 

[ibob52]

For our electronics irresponsible person ... we purchased insurance.

The cost of the premium was well worth it [it is based on the price of the unit]

The laptop has been repaired twice and replaced the last time we sent it in.

It was a gamble to purchase the insurance but it was the right thing to do.

I do not insure my own electronics ... but for her it is a must.

 

[DaretoDis]

Check out http://laptopscreen.com...


...and others via Google.

 

[footballmouse]

I have a Gateway laptop and the screen is broke. Took it to a repair shop & they were going to charge me $200 to fix it. It's not even 2 yrs old but that's still a lot to pay for a repair. Needless to say, it's still broke. If the kids need to use a computer, they go to the library.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

Have her ask the school. I had a link to computers for students through the college. It was a hearty discount and bang for the buck. I think it was Dell or HP that had the college program.

But, first I'd start with taking it in for screen. If accident prone I wouldn't reward with replacement. If she has to work to keep this one safe she will care for it better. There is no reason you can't put it in a sleeve. Is she is sitting on a bed and it is bounced off, I'd be ticked to replace it.

 

[Lisaren]

My husband just replaced the screen on his laptop. My daughter dropped it and broke the screen. Screen was $70 and came with all necessary tools and a how to video. It was easy.

 

[angierae]

Look to buy the laptop at a place that has accidental breakage warranties (MicroCenter does these, but they are a small chain and may not be in your area.)

 

[IndianaMouse]

I bought my daughter a simple Acer that works great for the price range http://www.walmart.com/ip/Acer-Red-...B-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-7-Home-Prem/34643907

The insurance is $51 and covers drops and spills for 2 years. I love their insurance. We've had to send my Gateway in twice, both times I received a box to send the laptop in , we received it back within 10 days and shipping was covered both ways.