Buying a laptop--need help!

[bunnys]

I am purchasing a laptop this week while I'm out of school. I want to purchase it at Costco (assuming the price will be significantly cheaper) to help defray the cost of membership this year.

If I purchase this computer online the price for shipping is like $30 so I don't know what the benefit would be (aside from not having to get my butt of the couch.) Wondering if maybe there are more or different prices @ Costco online vs. the store.

I have NO CLUE what to purchase. I currently have like a 7 year old sled of a Dell that has pretty much been unusable for over a year. I am on my 2nd Dell laptop from work and both have been pretty reliable. So I'm leaning toward another Dell?

I use the computer for the following tasks:
stream video
Word
Powerpoint
email
online shopping
visiting the same 15 websites over and over and...

That is is. I do not play games, edit or take or store pictures, download movies or music, social media or anything else that I don't even know exists and so wouldn't be aware of to even write that I don't do it.

At some point in the future I MAY want to try and sell some stuff on Ebay--but probably not.

It is unlikely that I will change my usage habits in the next three years.

I don't want to spend too much money on this bc I know that within 3 years all the technology will be outdated and I'll have to buy a new computer again.

Please, please advise me. I am nearly completely ignorant here and I'm comparing computers and can't tell the difference.

Thanks in advance.

[redfox]

Look at a tablet. I love my ipad, though word is not stellar, and no idea about PP. Surely there is a Microsoft OS tablet out there?

[Tammy]

For about 300 a few years ago we bought an EeePC. We still use it when we need something other them our smart phones. It's a netbook. Like a tiny laptop. It will do everything you want. Has over 8 hour battery life. It did everything I needed while I was finishing my MBA.

Now they sell for less than 200.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001QTXL82

(i suggest this over a tablet, as it has a keyboard ... You mentioned word and excel ...)

[SteveinMN]

Surely there is a Microsoft OS tablet out there?
There is. It's called the Surface. Interestingly enough, Version 1.0 cannot run Office applications. That capability will be available sometime after the first of the year. If there's anyone who actually still cares about the Surface by then (for a major introduction by a major software company, the Surface has not made much of a mark).

Netbooks might be a good choice; the gating factors there are whether you are comfortable typing on one for as long as you want to and buying one from a brand-name company which will be around in a couple of years.

Otherwise, bunnys, pretty much any laptop you can buy today will do what you want a laptop to do. I'd choose one that gets good marks for screen quality. Get at least 4 GB of RAM. More is better, but 4 GB is the bare minimum you will find usable. Adding RAM to a laptop can be difficult and expensive -- or not (depends on how they engineered the laptop). Pretty much any hard disk provided will be more than adequate for your purposes.

I will put in a plug for Apple's MacBooks. They're well-built, run smoothly, are still more secure than Windows, and you won't have to worry if Apple will be around or supported. They can run Microsoft Office, too, either in Mac versions or by booting into Windows and running Windows Office (n.b., this will require buying a Windows OS license). I would dissuade you from buying an HP laptop. IMHO HP is not selling a solid, well-supported product these days.

Consider refurbished laptops (or netbooks). These are computers which either were returned by customers or dealers or which failed initial QA off the manufacturing line and which have been repaired and tested to meet specs. Refurbs are individually tested (not the case with brand-new product), typically come with everything you would have gotten with a brand-new computer, and cosmetically are pretty much good as new. Sometimes they even come with the same warranty as brand new. All for a good chunk less money.

Finally, if you go Windows you'll have to consider Windows 7 or Windows 8. Windows 8 is brand new and has some interesting new features. It also operates quite differently from what you may be used to with previous versions of Windows and you will need new versions of all applications to get the full benefit of Windows 8. Windows 7 is stable and operates more like the Windows you're used to and is still a valid choice for an operating system.

Good luck!

[bunnys]

SteveinMN--thanks for all your info. I tried a "chat" with Dell tonight--it was pointless. The guy suggested an $1100 XPS with no Office? Seriously, he just wasn't listening to me. Chats are such a waste of time. Will call them tomorrow.

I just don't want a tablet or a net book. I want a full sized keyboard.

I have learned a lot based on just the little bit of research I did tonight.

I'm going to keep looking--and self-educating.

[ToomuchStuff]

SteveinMN--thanks for all your info. I tried a "chat" with Dell tonight--it was pointless. The guy suggested an $1100 XPS with no Office? Seriously, he just wasn't listening to me. Chats are such a waste of time. Will call them tomorrow.

I just don't want a tablet or a net book. I want a full sized keyboard.

I have learned a lot based on just the little bit of research I did tonight.

I'm going to keep looking--and self-educating.

I have a few year old notebook, that is really a netbook, (Asus N10J), and a netbook, that I run Linux on, and has been my main computer for a few years now (doing what your talking about, although using Libreoffice, instead of Microsoft office). It should be noted, that while you can plug in a full size monitor to either the netbook or laptop, you can also do that with a keyboard and mouse (been there, done it). I just wanted the netbook because of the size (portability factor) and the price when I found it (less then new, via Ebay, local person tried one and preferred a full size). Really, the bigger issue with a netbook, or a tablet, is space and no disc drive (cd, dvd, or bluray). I have a home network which handles those issues.
You will probably have some trouble, trying to order a new Dell with Window's 7, currently (there is backlash online against the new OS, that looks so different).

[Alan]

Finally, if you go Windows you'll have to consider Windows 7 or Windows 8. Windows 8 is brand new and has some interesting new features. It also operates quite differently from what you may be used to with previous versions of Windows and you will need new versions of all applications to get the full benefit of Windows 8. Windows 7 is stable and operates more like the Windows you're used to and is still a valid choice for an operating system.


I've been using Windows 8 on my laptop since the summer. I found the new interface frustrating for a long time Windows user on a non-touchscreen device and considered more than once going back to Win 7.

Then I read this: http://betanews.com/2012/12/11/disable-the-new-windows-8-interface-for-good-with-ex7forw8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed+-+bn+-+Betanews+Full+Content+Feed+-+BN which shows you how to return the Win 7 interface to the Win 8 installation.

Now I have all the best features of each.

[bunnys]

Then I read this: http://betanews.com/2012/12/11/disable-the-new-windows-8-interface-for-good-with-ex7forw8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed+-+bn+-+Betanews+Full+Content+Feed+-+BN which shows you how to return the Win 7 interface to the Win 8 installation.


Thanks for the info. All I hear about Windows 8 is bad. My school system won't update to Windows 8 bc of all the problems...

[HumboldtGurl]

I just bought an HP Probook 4535s from Buy.com. Spent almost $600 for it. Deal! There was no way I could afford a Macbook, and this does what I need to do, which is similar to your uses. I won't buy any stupid Windoze products. I've used Open Office open source software for over 7 years now and it's always been great. Open Office does everything Microsoft Office can, and then some, it's smarter, less memory intensive, and it's FREE.

The computer is fine for my uses but I did have an issue with the monitor. The problem with buying from Buy.com was that there was zero help with this issue after it occurred (past their 30 day return policy). I had to work directly with HP, which was fine, but annoying because I had to send the laptop back (HP paid for shipping). They fixed it, but I'm still concerned the issue will happen again. To resolve this I bought an extended warranty, which I never do, for $100. At least now I know if this computer fries in the next three years I can get a new one if the problem isn't fixable. Next time I think I'll go with Best Buy or an on-site retailer to make any warranty work easier.

One more suggestion; when you buy a new machine, have a good techie strip it down to get rid of bloatware and pre-installed crap it comes with. My friend did that for me (remotely!) and my computer runs faster than it ever would if I allowed it to run the factory installed garbage that came with it.

Good luck!

[Rosemary]

I highly recommend the Dell Outlet (online). Prices are hundreds better than any other store (including Costco) that I've seen. Outlet computers have the same full warranty as a new Dell. Between DH, myself, and friends/family, we have helped to purchase at least 7 computers from the Dell Outlet and they have all arrived in pristine condition. I think most of the computers were ordered and then the order was canceled. One was listed as a "scratch/dent" but it still looked brand new when it arrived.

[rodeosweetheart]

I am not that knowlegeable about the technical stuff, not at all, but we have bought a Dell and two toshibas over the last 5 years. We work online nonstop, so they get very heavy usage. I bought the Dell and passed it on to my husband when he started working and I ran out and got the Toshiba when my beloved Mac died. I prefer the Mac but did not want to risk a great machine with all the stuff we put it through. The 399 Toshiba was wonderful. I did not like the feel of the Dell.

Now, I hook up my Toshiba to a monitor and an ergonomic keyboard. My eyes have been deteriorating and the monitor helps, and the bigger keyboard is much faster. WE bought the second Toshiba as a backup because we need a backup.

I recommend you go to Best Buy and try as many different ones as you can, because they do feel different.

[shadowmoss]

Second the Dell Outlet recommendation. I have ordered from there for most of my many computers for the past almost 10 years. No issues at all. I also have an ASUS netbook that is my travel computer. After going back to a Dell desktop with full size monitor for my primary computer it was difficult this weekend to have to use the netbook small screen. I have a no-name China tablet due to arrive this week so I'm interested to see how the android os foils my attempts to actually use the tablet. :) Yes, I have a tablet, netbook, notebook (Dell), laptop (Dell) and 2 full size Desktops (both Dell). I'm a former Dell service tech... If you do much traveling with your computer, the smaller netbook can be used with a larger monitor and keyboard at home, as has been mentioned.

[bunnys]

Ok people, I just bought this morning.

I thank you all for your advice. I read it all and addressed it all.

This is what I bought:
http://www.costco.com/Dell-Inspiron-15R-Special-Edition-Laptop%2c-Intel%C2%AE-Core%E2%84%A2-i7-3632QM-2.2GHz%2c-1080p-Display.product.100026427.html

I had considered cheaping out and getting this:
http://www.costco.com/Dell-Inspiron-15z-Ultrabook%2c-Intel%C2%AE-Core%E2%84%A2-i3-3217M-1.4GHz.product.100025220.html

but then I thought Bunny, don't do it! While I'm telling myself this only will last 3 years, the last PC I bought was 8 years ago and lightening fast is the absolute most important thing here. So I just went with the one that I thought was best suited to me.

Some thoughts on the recommendations:
Went to the Dell Refurbished site. Told the guy what I wanted. He suggested one that was actually $75 bucks more than the one I ended up getting. I said, "look @ these specs. What's the difference?" and showed him the one from Costco. He's like "they're practically the same." No teacher deals available for refurbished.

I did not look @ Best Buy or anywhere else at different brands. I have a lot of experience with Dells now and have been happy with what I've gotten. I'd prefer a Mac but the reality is that it's just too expensive. I didn't want to complicate this process to the point of exhaustion and inaction because I decided to consider EVERY SINGLE BRAND.

Then I went to the regular Dell site and talked for over an hour with someone who was going to get me into Windows 7 and had something worked up that would have been a really good deal with $247 off for teacher discount. But when I really looked at it, the screen was smaller, no backlit keyboard and a ton of other stuff that I wanted wasn't available so I just gave up on the Windows 7. I know Alan had commented about how I can run it like Windows 7 even in Windows 8? Somewhere in this thread. I'm going to go back and look at that.

HumboltGrl: I especially appreciate the advice on the bloatware. I found a site on how to remove bloatware on my PC. I think it's called PCdecrapifier.com or net or something. When I get my new PC, I will absolutely follow those instructions.

Disappointingly I could not find ANY coupons for free shipping or anything off that worked on Retailmenot or anywhere else. Those cheap bastards!

Mostly, I wanted to be educated so that whatever I purchased I could feel like I knew what I was doing and wasn't being ripped off. I feel like I have accomplished that. Although I'm sure I could have made a career of finding a better deal on this, I'm like I did ok. And perception is reality, after all.

Thanks again all for your helpful advice.

[Alan]

The Win 7 interface info is here: http://betanews.com/2012/12/11/disable-the-new-windows-8-interface-for-good-with-ex7forw8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed+-+bn+-+Betanews+Full+Content+Feed+-+BN
Pay particular attention to the need for a Win 7 installation CD/DVD in order to complete the install.

While I'm reluctant to recommend modifications to operating systems to anyone who doesn't enjoy the challenges of recovering from screw-ups, this one worked so well for me that I'm willing to make an exception.

[HumboldtGurl]

Congrats! That's a pretty sweet machine. My last one was a Dell and it lasted me 6 years, I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Let us know how removing the bloatware works. Enjoy!