Buying A New Laptop, Need Advice/opinions

[Shawn`]

I'm going to be a college student this fall so I've been in the market for a new laptop. My budget is fairly low because I lost a lot of money buying a refurbished HP 6 months that died abruptly. I'd like to hear some advice and opinions on which way I should go from people who are more knowledgeable about laptops and PCs.

My budget is $500, a little more is fine with taxes and what not. My goal is to get the most or the best laptop performance wise within that range that's ideal for a student. Not too big on aesthetics, rather have function over things like weight, height etc. I would really prefer a dual core processor, I can't stand the Intel Celeron (on one right now). I'm into video games, so a graphics card would be ideal, just for casual RTS gaming (Starcraft 2).

I have one option that I've narrowed down through research but if you feel like there's a better one out there, please, let me know!

[url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Laptop+/+AMD+Athlon%26%23153%3B+II+X2+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Velvet+Blue/9972693.p?id=1218202942776&skuId=9972693"]Gateway NV53A24u/ AMD Athlon II X2 Processor/4GB Memory/320GB HDD[/url] [url="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Laptop+/+AMD+Athlon%26%23153%3B+II+X2+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Velvet+Blue/9972693.p?id=1218202942776&skuId=9972693"](LINK)[/url]

Price: $499.99

From what I've read from reviews my understanding is that you get a lot for your buck with this Gateway, which is great.

Opinions, advice or even personal experience would be greatly appreciated!

[JonM229]

I didn't know Gateway was still in business.

BTW, go to bed. It's 4 in the morning.

[robbcs3]

What you have listed sounds like a good value for the money. You could also go to hp.com and buy NIB or refurbished computers for a steal. Most will have at least a 90 day warranty. You may have to do a little work, but the prices are awesome. They are in list price format, so you have to call for the actual price- will be less than stated by 15-25%

http://h71016.www7.hp.com/html/hpremarketing/daily.asp?jumpid=re_R295_store/buspurchase-refurbished/computing/price-list

[BloodRaven]

HP Mini 311

[BrownsFan]

[quote name='JonM229' timestamp='1281344549' post='447028']
I didn't know Gateway was still in business.

BTW, go to bed. It's 4 in the morning.
[/quote]

They're technically not still in business; Acer bought them out a couple of years ago but kept the name.

Shawn; as far as the laptop goes that seems like a good model for the price. I would just be cautious incase you have any issues. Acer/Gateway support (at least in my personal experience) is garbage and can be a PITA to get any parts/accessories.

[FerrariFan87]

Stay away from Gateway... I purchased an HP Mocha from Best Buy for law school for $687 after taxes and everything. I got 18 months of no Interest; is something like that in the cards?

My sister got a nice Dell from Best Buy for around $500, so that would be a better option than Gateway too.

[lgcs27288]

I work at Best Buy and they do have a deal going on right now with the credit cards. It has to be a Best Buy credit card though. Anyways any purchase $249 and up you get 18 months 0 interest.

They also have the back to school package. Where you get Microsoft Office 2010 and some other services for $159 more.

From my store down in Tampa, the one you are looking at is one of the best ones at that price range.

[George70]

Currently I am planning to try to get a laptop computer myself, and I was thinking of a used one, but I have been sparked to the possibility of a new one, and I have been looking into either Dell or HP; I am hoping that I can save text to a memory stick, as I wish to write some story ideas I have.

This thread has been somewhat of an influence for my possible choice, and I appreciate the ideas of a new computer, as there have been some who tell me that a used is just someone else's trouble.

Also, I am hoping I can get this laptop with Microsoft Word, in order to write my story ideas.

[Reddawn36]

[quote name='George70' timestamp='1281478783' post='448013']
Currently I am planning to try to get a laptop computer myself, and I was thinking of a used one, but I have been sparked to the possibility of a new one, and I have been looking into either Dell or HP; I am hoping that I can save text to a memory stick, as I wish to write some story ideas I have.

This thread has been somewhat of an influence for my possible choice, and I appreciate the ideas of a new computer, as there have been some who tell me that a used is just someone else's trouble.

Also, I am hoping I can get this laptop with Microsoft Word, in order to write my story ideas.
[/quote]
I wouldn't reccomend getting someone elses used laptop... you just don't know what it's been through; if it has viruses; if it's damaged etc

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='George70' timestamp='1281478783' post='448013']
Currently I am planning to try to get a laptop computer myself, and I was thinking of a used one, but I have been sparked to the possibility of a new one, and I have been looking into either Dell or HP; I am hoping that I can save text to a memory stick, as I wish to write some story ideas I have.

This thread has been somewhat of an influence for my possible choice, and I appreciate the ideas of a new computer, as there have been some who tell me that a used is just someone else's trouble.

Also, I am hoping I can get this laptop with Microsoft Word, in order to write my story ideas.
[/quote]
If you're just looking for something for strictly word-processing and internet/email browsing, you can find new netbooks for much cheaper than used notebooks. The only thing about netbooks is that they're small so their mobility is hampered by their battery life between charges, and they're usually not able to handle much more than basic uses. Netbooks usually run for about $200-$300, more or less.

Almost all of them are packed with Microsoft Word or some type of comparable word processor, and most of them should be wi-fi enabled or at least have an ethernet port for wired internet connections. They also usually have at least one or two USB drives for memory device usage, among other things.

[George70]

Thanks, Franchise, I'll be sure to scout for a good new netbook.

[flynismo]

@ OP--

One of my businesses is a custom-build computer shop. PM me if you have yet to find a laptop to suit your needs; I can build one in that price range that will surpass nearly any equivalent mass market system in performance. Will walk you through every step of the way in helping you choose components for your custom built system and answer any other questions you may have.

-Andrew

[flynismo]

[quote name='George70' timestamp='1281478783' post='448013']<br />Currently I am planning to try to get a laptop computer myself, and I was thinking of a used one, but I have been sparked to the possibility of a new one, and I have been looking into either Dell or HP; I am hoping that I can save text to a memory stick, as I wish to write some story ideas I have.<br /><br />This thread has been somewhat of an influence for my possible choice, and I appreciate the ideas of a new computer, as there have been some who tell me that a used is just someone else's trouble.<br /><br />Also, I am hoping I can get this laptop with Microsoft Word, in order to write my story ideas.<br />[/quote]<br /><br /><br />

See my post above.

[tianchenwangluo]

[quote name='JonM229' timestamp='1281344549' post='447028']
I didn't know Gateway was still in business.

BTW, go to bed. It's 4 in the morning.
[/quote]

not only runing but more fashionable

[George70]

Another thought that has come to me is when I choose to write, I may have to send the story to a publisher using PDF, and I wonder how that would work, as well as how to use PDF.

[cursona pirate]

Little above ur range but a mac book is really Good

[George70]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1282250758' post='454413']
@ OP--

One of my businesses is a custom-build computer shop. PM me if you have yet to find a laptop to suit your needs; I can build one in that price range that will surpass nearly any equivalent mass market system in performance. Will walk you through every step of the way in helping you choose components for your custom built system and answer any other questions you may have.

-Andrew
[/quote]

Now that this comes to mind, Andrew, I will try to figure out how to make a PDF, as there is one publishing site which takes PDF for publication as books.

Considering that I have quite a few story ideas, I wish to make the most of this chance. I will keep in touch concerning your custom-build shop, my friend.

[flynismo]

[quote name='George70' timestamp='1283022137' post='459047']Another thought that has come to me is when I choose to write, I may have to send the story to a publisher using PDF, and I wonder how that would work, as well as how to use PDF.[/quote]

Follow this link to get started on creating .pdf files --> http://desktoppub.about.com/od/pdftutorials/PDF_Tutorials.htm
Lots of helpful articles, tips/advice/tutorials on the .pdf format.