Help me with a computer purchase?

[tmarquez]

I want to buy a computer as a gift.

She wants a laptop.

She will use it to surf the web, write papers for school, play some games (the Big Fish type games, nothing fancy), watch an occasional DVD, download some music and make CD's.

I'm seeing a lot of computers popping up for around $300, but people are saying they are not powerful enough. Is this true for what she plans on using it for?

Also, do laptops generally have an output so you can use a better set of computer speakers to listen to music?

Thank you for any advice!!!!

 

[LilyWDW]

How long do you want that computer to last her and still be somewhat up to date?

Honestly, if you want it to last more then 2 years, the $300 laptops will NOT do it. These systems are already on the way out. To last 3+ years you should be looking at something closer to $600+. I have also been on the hunt for a new computer since I am headed back to school in Jan. Not sure if I am going laptop or desktop yet. You will be looking at a duel core+ processor with 3+ gigs of RAM. A vid card that is not on board would be good too.

Also, in my opinion, stay far far away from Dell or Emachines. They are not worth the plastic they are built with. I would stick with Sony or HP.