For computer people....

[livie1205]

I need help..I am getting my boys laptops for christmas,they are in middle school and use the computer a lot for school work (research and stuff) .I am not going to spend a lot maybe get a mini notebook,I just need to know what I need on these?like memory and stuff..I also want to put word on them.dI was looking at the ascer from target they run around 270.00.any advice would be great! THANKS

 

[bicker]

I'm not a fan of Acer. We've seen a lot more problems with Acer than with better brands. I'd stick with Dell, Lenovo, or perhaps even Sony or Toshiba. Steer clear of HP, for sure.

 

[livie1205]

thanks...i need to know what I need IN the computer...for basic school stuff....memory and things like that.I am soooo bad at the computer thinglol

 

[Cindy B]

I would stay away from Acer as well. I have a Dell that I really enjoy.

 

[bicker]

The question comes down to whether you're buying a computer for this year (only), or are you buying a computer you would hope to make productive use for for years to come? If the former, then a very basic computer should be fine. This year, you don't need super-deluxe video (because that's mostly for video editing and gaming). This year, you don't need more than 2GB RAM (because more RAM is most for complex analytical software and gaming). This year, you don't need to very best wireless adapter (because that's mostly for IPTV and gaming).

But who knows what you're going to need from your computer three years from now?

It is excessively unfortunate (for parents), though, that a computer best suited to withstand the changes in your needs and in technology that the future will bring, is also the computer that is best-suited for gaming today.

Personally, these are the minimum specs I'd aim for, looking towards the future:

2 GHz Dual Core processor (with 800 MHz bus)
4 GB RAM
250 GB hard drive
15" screen (not for word processing; for writing software, perhaps)
Wireless-N card
minimum 3 year, in-home warranty (I cannot overstate the importance of this)

I would also aim for a better than standard video card, and a DVD burner, so you can back-up data very easily (a tape or network-based backup solution would be even better, but a lot more complicated and expensive).

 

[pyrxtc]

Can I just ask why not a built up family computer instead of laptops for each ? They are still young enough to need monitoring while on the computer and most middle schools will not welcome them bringing them to school, so if it's for use at home, the a desktop or even a bigger built-up laptop to share would be better.

I also love HP. My first one lasted over 8 yrs. I am currentls running 2 in my house now with no issues at 3 & 5 yrs.

And, Microsoft Word is a must, possibly even Office since they will probably be learning how to use some of it in school anyways.

 

[bicker]

There is something to be said about laptops vs. desktops. While the prices for laptops have come down a good bit, desktops are still a much better value. Unless portability is a major consideration, why not consider a desktop computer?

 

[Fabinva]

Originally posted by pyrxtc
Can I just ask why not a built up family computer instead of laptops for each ? They are still young enough to need monitoring while on the computer and most middle schools will not welcome them bringing them to school, so if it's for use at home, the a desktop or even a bigger built-up laptop to share would be better.

I am wondering the same...there is no way I will give my kids laptops which they can transport anywhere they'd want to and get online unsupervised
My kids are younger and oldest (ds8) only uses laptop when I'm there with him and mainly for school related homework. We have a Compaq Presario (HP) for three years now and no problems so far. I'm not a fan of Dell brand laptops because seen many falling apart right after standard warranty.

 

[dcentity2000]

Definitely at least 2GB RAM.



Rich::

 

[livie1205]

we do not have a area for a desktop...unless we want it on the kitchen table...the office ended up being a baby room lol.They will NOT be taking them anywhere...they will not leave the house and they can sit at the table or on the couch to use them...they are NOT going to have open season for surfing the net.I am getting them each one because it is going to be their christmas present, they are hitting the age where they do not want toys and they do not play games except for WII.
They have been begging for one to use for school stuff and web games and I would love for them to stay out of my room lol I will spend that money anyway for christmas so I might as well get them something they want and can use for school.
For school they use the computer for mostly research and word to write reports and out them on their usb cards.