For you folks knowledgeable on Laptop computers. Help please.

[diamonback68]

I highly recommend Toshiba and they aren't all that expensive either.

 

[rwsmith]

Toshba IS great....

I'm on my first lap top so I'm no expert. But mine is a Toshiba Satallite and it is awesome. Came with Windows 7 and Firefox. Even an old coot like me does alright with it. Miss Pam got one too and they are both very satisfactory.

Toshiba still makes great stuff but I haven't bought anything from then since they rooked the US on the submarine propeller technology. That was a SERIOUS problem for our ships and men.

 

[rwsmith]

I must disagree with some of the other responses. My wife works on computers and she set my Windows 8 machine up to have the look and operation of Windows 7.
Regarding one response, a Windows 8 system does not have to have a separate anti-virus. Windows Defender built in is actually what we have known as Microsoft Security Essentials. However, you can install one of the very good free anti-virus programs. She prefers the free Avast or Avira.

Yes, but they should just have an option that says 'emulate windows 7' instead, there is some procedure I haven't figured out yet. But I will because I'll be getting an Win8 laptop as soon as my MIL comes in. I won't be running Win8 unless my boy wants it.

PS Good luck Ringo. Everybody here has valid points, but whether they are valid for you is another question. Of course it would be better to get better processors, graphics cards and all that, but it's going to cost money, and I gathered that was a consideration for you. Don't sell yourself short, but don't overbuy. I'm sitting here using a $1200 HP laptop because I was going to be able to do all kinds of things on it. I use it mostly for the internet and writing letters while I sit in my chair. The heavy stuff I do on my Desktop. You're requirements don't sound too heavy and today's machines are light years ahead of what we had 10-20 years ago.

 

[Ogandydancer]

Make sure the Microsoft updates are not turned on. That can really
bog one down. And this is different than the windows updates..
To turn off Microsoft updates, you have to do it at the Microsoft
webpage. I've got a Dell laptop that would run OK at times, then
bog down sporadically.. It was the Microsoft update functions
hogging memory like crazy. I turned it off, and all has been good since.
Those updates are for other programs like Office, etc, etc.. It's different
than the Windows updates.

Can someone explain exactly how to do this? I never kenew anything about it. Does this also apply to HP auto. updates?

 

[speedyquad]

Make sure the Microsoft updates are not turned on. That can really
bog one down. And this is different than the windows updates..
To turn off Microsoft updates, you have to do it at the Microsoft
webpage. I've got a Dell laptop that would run OK at times, then
bog down sporadically.. It was the Microsoft update functions
hogging memory like crazy. I turned it off, and all has been good since.
Those updates are for other programs like Office, etc, etc.. It's different
than the Windows updates.

this was one of the first things i did actually...but thanks...there were processes that i wanted to deactivate, but couldn't because they were tied to other vital processes...

 

[Salty RI]

this was one of the first things i did actually...but thanks...there were processes that i wanted to deactivate, but couldn't because they were tied to other vital processes...

The company I used to work for owned Acer at one time, I had two desk tops and now I have a lap top Aspire 6930, I've had it about six years and it runs just as good as the day I took it out of the box.

 

[the ringo kid]

I never understood why anyone would use Celeron processors in a quad core system. Speed is okay but internal ROM is low. A quad core system (using four potential threads simultaneously or doing 4 computations) but sharing the same low memory available seems counter intuitive.

But for home computer it should be fine. It would be good for light production work - word processing, bookkeeping, etc. even CAD (computer aided design) for smaller projects. Larger projects will probably bog down with 3D lighting work.

For older games, you would need a program to slow down the computer like a WMWare virtual machine.

My linux laptop died recently so I converted my Windows 7 laptop to linux. It was a HP and would take eons to load. HP uses another layer of software on top of the operating system.

This and Phils sounds good too. Basically, I just want to do what I did before--since I dont use it for work or things like that. I just want a good one to do basic stuff-and play the three disc games I have. Other than that, I dont use computers for much more than just doing online research, posting photos and chatting. Im not good enough to want to know how to do much anything else. )

 

[the ringo kid]

Just like your reloading and guns, step up a bit and increase your enjoyment and longevity, IF the budget allows. Stepping up to an i5 based system will also step you up to the $500-600 price range BUT will be worth it IMO (more features, better performance, better battery life, longer product usability before needing to be replaced, ...).

Consider what you want for graphics resolution, storage, .... If you can afford an SSD based system, do it. THEN, pick a price point and shop.

Forget your old games, I doubt they'll run and if they do, BONUS. Also, forget about "I had an XYZ 3+ years ago, ...". This world turns over every 2 years and they ALL have dogs in the pound That said, I do avoid some brands (ACER/ASUS not on the list). Look for current reviews.

I can't assert my qualifications for saying all this as my employer frowns on such displays!!!!!!!

Check out this list.

Newegg.com - PCs & Laptops, Laptops / Notebooks, All Laptops / Notebooks, Intel Core i5

Thanks. I might keep the old Dell just to play the disc games on but,soem things need repairing and will depend how much? I dont know what causedmy computer to die? but it did. I can get it to turn on, gets to where you click the log in thing, brings up the screen where your icons are on,but click on any icon--nothing happens.

 

[the ringo kid]

If your budget is $600 there are a ton more choices. Just depends on what you want. But for what you said you are going to do with it requires very little computer.

Take a look at TigerDirect. Subscribe to their email. Very good prices. They also sell refurbished. Had some decent Dell units for $299 yesterday.

It's easy to overthink these things too. You picked out a decent one with the Acer. Just go get it. It'll work fine... so will most anything.

Thank you Phil, and I owe you guys a bunch. I cant go up to $600-but might be able to stretch it to $500--and if I also decide not to buy that Rough Rider SSA 22--come August gun show. I thought i would be working by now? but am awaiting a 2nd interview.

I got skipped for payment on those WWII items I listed months ago--so will be doing that too in July. I get it sold and paid for by 1st week of Aug--then I can look at a more expensive one an $600 will be doable. )

 

[the ringo kid]

Hey Kid. All I have to say is my last two Laptops have been Toshiba's. I gave the first to my BIL who is still using it. The second is still working great for me. Good Luck!

Thank you both Caj/Ron. I like Toshibas too--but cant find anyone here in CC-who sells them and so i can look at those too. Last timeI was at Best Buy (which really aint the Best of Buys) they didnt have any on hand to show. We lost Circuit City years ago--so one less electronics place to go to. I also want a Toshibe 19 in TV/DvD combo. A great place in Austin called: Frys, had them for $250--and I was impressed. They also offeredmany brands of laptops--but i was told they dont do mail order.

 

[the ringo kid]

Yes, but they should just have an option that says 'emulate windows 7' instead, there is some procedure I haven't figured out yet. But I will because I'll be getting an Win8 laptop as soon as my MIL comes in. I won't be running Win8 unless my boy wants it.

PS Good luck Ringo. Everybody here has valid points, but whether they are valid for you is another question. Of course it would be better to get better processors, graphics cards and all that, but it's going to cost money, and I gathered that was a consideration for you. Don't sell yourself short, but don't overbuy. I'm sitting here using a $1200 HP laptop because I was going to be able to do all kinds of things on it. I use it mostly for the internet and writing letters while I sit in my chair. The heavy stuff I do on my Desktop. You're requirements don't sound too heavy and today's machines are light years ahead of what we had 10-20 years ago.

Many thanks. Basically, all I want is to ahve something for entertainment since I dont use it for work or making money. I had a Dell, but it was a refurbished one--and it did perform well. I always felt I was just inheriting someone elses problem. Ill never listen to my brother again on electronics, he always buys used--same thing with lawnmowers--always used instead of new. )

Anyway, the Dell worked well but, the tops of keys kept popping off and with my tremors problems--I cant get the keys back on the keyboard.

 

[diamonback68]

Thank you both Caj/Ron. I like Toshibas too--but cant find anyone here in CC-who sells them and so i can look at those too.

I live in a little burg town and Office Max and Office Depot here both carry Toshiba computers. Mines been perking along for about 7 years now.

 

[speedyquad]

Many thanks. Basically, all I want is to ahve something for entertainment since I dont use it for work or making money. I had a Dell, but it was a refurbished one--and it did perform well. I always felt I was just inheriting someone elses problem. Ill never listen to my brother again on electronics, he always buys used--same thing with lawnmowers--always used instead of new. )

Anyway, the Dell worked well but, the tops of keys kept popping off and with my tremors problems--I cant get the keys back on the keyboard.

that's interesting...the one refurbished dell that i had also had a key pop off...it was one of the function keys..by the time i was done trying to put it back on, there were a total of 3 off...i gave up and used it without the keys...my 12 yr old now uses it for her homework...

 

[quneur]

I sounds like your old computer could be repaired fairly cheaply. If its loading the operating system (Windows 7?), it sounds like you may need a complete reload. You may have turned off your machince while it was updating.

At the most, a new harddrive may be in order. Simplier to install than field stripping an 1911.

At the least, contact Microsoft (Okay, MS is neither micro nor soft) and get the recovery disk. The recovery disk should have an option of testing the harddrive. The cost would be shipping and whatever MS will charge for the disks.

 

[the ringo kid]

I live in a little burg town and Office Max and Office Depot here both carry Toshiba computers. Mines been perking along for about 7 years now.

Id forgot about Office Max. Thre is one that's located on my route back home. I think ill stop by there this afternoon.

 

[the ringo kid]

that's interesting...the one refurbished dell that i had also had a key pop off...it was one of the function keys..by the time i was done trying to put it back on, there were a total of 3 off...i gave up and used it without the keys...my 12 yr old now uses it for her homework...

Heh heh, mine were the: Tab key, the left shift key and the letter's 'q" and "Z". I finally got used to usuing a pen or pencil to punch those keys with.

 

[the ringo kid]

I sounds like your old computer could be repaired fairly cheaply. If its loading the operating system (Windows 7?), it sounds like you may need a complete reload. You may have turned off your machince while it was updating.

At the most, a new harddrive may be in order. Simplier to install than field stripping an 1911.

At the least, contact Microsoft (Okay, MS is neither micro nor soft) and get the recovery disk. The recovery disk should have an option of testing the harddrive. The cost would be shipping and whatever MS will charge for the disks.

I was kind of thinking of sending it off. The place i bought mine fromis: Mr. Notebook in Austin. They are good knowledgable folks and--since I still have the lap top I got from them? I know the testing and labor is free--but will need to know about any parts. I was told that laptps ould be mailed by UPS for about $10 bucks---but that apparently is from everywhere else in the World except for Corpus. Im also now needing a new Airconditioner unit.That's another set back or about $350. Grrrrr.

 

[Me239]

For the money, it's a good computer; however, it's also going to be obsolete in probably 4 years xD that's how they make them. As far as your games are concerned, they'll probably run like a dream on that. That's a 500 Gigabyte hard drive, so that's nice. My only beef is with that CPU. That's not a great CPU, not the worst, but certainly not the best. I'd spring for something a little bit more powerful, as Windows 8.1 might even have a little trouble with that one.

 

[the ringo kid]

For the money, it's a good computer; however, it's also going to be obsolete in probably 4 years xD that's how they make them. As far as your games are concerned, they'll probably run like a dream on that. That's a 500 Gigabyte hard drive, so that's nice. My only beef is with that CPU. That's not a great CPU, not the worst, but certainly not the best. I'd spring for something a little bit more powerful, as Windows 8.1 might even have a little trouble with that one.

Thanks and, I had hoped to have enough to spend a little more but--as of last night, I am now having problems with my AC unit and now looking to replace that too.(SIGH) when it rains--it pours. Now i hightly doubt I can buy another gun come August--like I wanted,.