Greetings;
I am in the market for a new laptop - replacing my now 9 y/o HP. It will be a 'travel' - light use machine in general. I am NOT a techie - I have no idea what I can get for X dollars . . looking for a Windows machine - not MAC
What I'm really looking for are the basic specs to consider while I shop for a great deal. Like:
cpu speed - what's too slow/old - bare minimum ghz?
number/type of usb ports: usb 2.0 or 3.0 or ?? does it matter?
RAM - how much is enough or too little? is 3-4 GB enough?
Is a refurbished worth considering??
What else do I need to think about?
For example?
HP 15-g070nr Notebook (http/www.frys.com/product/8136065?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG)
Dell i3531-1200BK, (http/www.frys.com/product/8119025?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG) no optical drive - could I add an external?
Budget?
Would really like to stay under $400 - if at all possible - maybe even $200-300 -
Size of the notebook
size? as in screen? 14" would be OK - maybe 15.6" but no larger.
Screen resolution
I have no idea! Will be used to watch Netflix/movies/internet TV. Recommendations appreciated
Portable or desktop replacement
Portable - not a desktop replacement
Battery life ?
5 hours min - would likely be using in RV - would prefer not to run generator to recharge very often. might look for 12v cable when I buy.
Games ?
NO gaming! - Not my thing
Tasks?
Basics: Word/Xcel/Quicken - Internet - videos; ArcGIS 10.x I do occasional mapping as a consultant.
Storage (Hard Drive capacity) ?
500 GB would probably be more than enough - maybe less as I have a couple externals that hold much of my data (e.g. GIS files)
Lifespan?
ohhh . . . min 5 years - but negotiable as I don't want to spend much right now - though I can't imagine needing more later.
Optical drive ?
DVD at least; Bluray? probably not - don't generally buy videos or rent - it's all online now. IF I find a decent laptop w/o an optical drive - can I add an external?
Brands:
Looking for reliability. I have had great success with HP - the only brand I've ever owned - both laptop and desktops have been HPs. Tend to stay with the older brands: Dell, Lenovo, HP Not sure about Acer or Asus (common inexpensive models).
County?
US of A
Thank you sooo much for your insights!
Kelly
I am in the market for a new laptop - replacing my now 9 y/o HP. It will be a 'travel' - light use machine in general. I am NOT a techie - I have no idea what I can get for X dollars . . looking for a Windows machine - not MAC
What I'm really looking for are the basic specs to consider while I shop for a great deal. Like:
cpu speed - what's too slow/old - bare minimum ghz?
number/type of usb ports: usb 2.0 or 3.0 or ?? does it matter?
RAM - how much is enough or too little? is 3-4 GB enough?
Is a refurbished worth considering??
What else do I need to think about?
For example?
HP 15-g070nr Notebook (http/www.frys.com/product/8136065?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG)
Dell i3531-1200BK, (http/www.frys.com/product/8119025?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG) no optical drive - could I add an external?
Budget?
Would really like to stay under $400 - if at all possible - maybe even $200-300 -
Size of the notebook
size? as in screen? 14" would be OK - maybe 15.6" but no larger.
Screen resolution
I have no idea! Will be used to watch Netflix/movies/internet TV. Recommendations appreciated
Portable or desktop replacement
Portable - not a desktop replacement
Battery life ?
5 hours min - would likely be using in RV - would prefer not to run generator to recharge very often. might look for 12v cable when I buy.
Games ?
NO gaming! - Not my thing
Tasks?
Basics: Word/Xcel/Quicken - Internet - videos; ArcGIS 10.x I do occasional mapping as a consultant.
Storage (Hard Drive capacity) ?
500 GB would probably be more than enough - maybe less as I have a couple externals that hold much of my data (e.g. GIS files)
Lifespan?
ohhh . . . min 5 years - but negotiable as I don't want to spend much right now - though I can't imagine needing more later.
Optical drive ?
DVD at least; Bluray? probably not - don't generally buy videos or rent - it's all online now. IF I find a decent laptop w/o an optical drive - can I add an external?
Brands:
Looking for reliability. I have had great success with HP - the only brand I've ever owned - both laptop and desktops have been HPs. Tend to stay with the older brands: Dell, Lenovo, HP Not sure about Acer or Asus (common inexpensive models).
County?
US of A
Thank you sooo much for your insights!
Kelly