Posted by Michelle/AL on 7/6/09 4:50pm
Msg #294784

Laptop Computers

I am really frustrated. I purchased a SONY laptop about 3 years ago. I've gone through 4 (count 'em 1-2-3-4) power cords. These cords cost me with tax $80 - $120 dollars. Yes, I made sure that the cord is compatible to the laptop by matching up volts and the other numbers. I figure if I buy another cord I will have spent enough money in power cords to buy another laptop. The laptop has had other problems as well but since I use the laptop primarily for eSignings and downloading docs when I'm on the road, I could put up with those hardware problems.

Now that cord #4 is dead, I am looking at the mini laptop computers (I forget their real names). WalMart.com is selling the HP and ACER for around $330. I'm thinking as long as it works, and is compatible with the eSigning software, opens PDFs and has wireless internet I should be good, right?

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 7/6/09 5:16pm
Msg #294788

Buy an HP you'll have better luck and they are more compatible with client websites.
The other possibility is look at the Verizon mini. They have a great deal. Good luck

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/6/09 6:05pm
Msg #294794

Thanks, Ilene. n/m

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/6/09 6:12pm
Msg #294796

Wow! The Verizon Mini costs $200.00.

1G RAM and 80GB Hard Drive. Microsoft Works & Outlook Express only. Hmmm...this might work.

Reply by John_NorCal on 7/6/09 6:40pm
Msg #294810

Re: Wow! The Verizon Mini costs $200.00.

If you are thinking of a netbook for any kind of business use, fuhgedaboutit! They are great for travel, we took ours to Europe and were happy we did, nice and light, etc. But be advised that with the 1GB ram it is as slow as molasses running uphill in winter and won't get you very far with business computations. There are a number of good deals on regular laptop computers, I've had good luck with the Dells that I've bought. Look at what you really need, you may decide to forego all the bells and whistles and get something that gets your business work done. Good luck.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/6/09 6:47pm
Msg #294812

I'm with John on this

Seeing great deals on laptops right now - must be new 'season' arriving...yeah, Christmas rigfht around the corner. They are coming in at $350, Vista installed, but with free ugrade to Windows 7 when it hits the market. Most 2G+.

I think a bit of shopping around is in order for you Michelle! Have fun too (see my Best Buy monitor foray today that I posted in Leisure forum)

Reply by Shoshana Roller on 7/6/09 6:16pm
Msg #294799

Those netbooks are pretty darn small.

Take a good look at them. If you are using it for business, you may not be happy with them.

Reply by rengel/CA on 7/6/09 6:18pm
Msg #294801

Re: Those netbooks are pretty darn small.

I concur Shoshana, I have the Acer and it is great for checking email and Streets and Trips while traveling, but I would not want to use it for every day, especially work related. The keyboard is quite small as is the screen.

But for travel, I love it!
My .02

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/6/09 6:24pm
Msg #294802

I took my netbook back. Had it three weeks and traded up.

I had a Dell. I have small hands, but it still made my hands hurt. Not enough support anywhere to do much typing.

I am on a computer constantly and practice "safe" wrist health. Anything gives my hands a bit of pressure or strain and I'm done with it.

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/6/09 6:25pm
Msg #294804

Re: Laptop Computers - you can always add

OpenOffice.org. With a little adjustment you'll think you've got MS Office. It's a good set of tools.

Reply by jba/fl on 7/6/09 6:27pm
Msg #294806

Re: Laptop Computers - you can always add

A great set of tools!

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/6/09 6:35pm
Msg #294808

Size Does Matter!

Shoshanna, I'm glad you mentioned the size of the keyboard. I would use the laptop primarily for eSignings so not much typing. But....then I couldn't depend on it as a good back up to my desk top. Hmmmm...I must give this some more thought.

Reply by notaryinmo on 7/6/09 6:40pm
Msg #294811

Re: Size Does Matter!

There are now flexible keyboards that fold up or roll up when not in use. They are designed (I believe) to assist those who have problems with laptop keyboards, or for those with space issues.

I saw a few of those mini laptops - I thought they looked more like an opened large flat book or a child's toy than a real tool for office use. Also, the people were looking at them with their eyes squinting - like they were trying to read something really tiny without a magnigying glass. I'll keep my Dell D610

Reply by Cam/CA on 7/6/09 6:51pm
Msg #294813

Re: I sometime use a bluetooth foldable keyboard with my

PDA, works good.

Reply by Becca_FL on 7/6/09 7:27pm
Msg #294817

I'm on my third Toshiba Satellite

I got it on sale @ Office Depot two weeks ago for $489. The old laptop is now on the boat and the desk top is plan B.

http://www.handingchao.com/perfect-desktop-replacement-toshiba-satellite-l355-s7902-170-inch-laptop-review-features-specs-and-price/

Reply by wisconsin on 7/6/09 7:29pm
Msg #294818

Re: I'm on my third Toshiba Satellite

I have gotten good deals on both Toshiba Satellite and Dell. You can get a real good one with lots of memory for little money if you forgo the bells and whistles.

Reply by Linda Juenger on 7/6/09 7:34pm
Msg #294819

Re: I'm on my third Toshiba Satellite

Wouldn't buy an HP for anything. Son's has had trouble since day 1. Great printers but not computers. My Toshiba has been a dream. Will buy nothing but Toshiba.

Reply by Becca_FL on 7/6/09 7:39pm
Msg #294820

I'm with you, Linda, I have always been happy w/ Toshiba n/m

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/6/09 8:23pm
Msg #294822

Thank you (Everyone) for your responses. I'm confident

now that I will make an informed purchase. I mean it.

Reply by Deb_AL on 7/6/09 9:20pm
Msg #294829

Re: Thank you (Everyone) for your responses. I'm confident

Michelle - call me in the morning. I usually get around 20% off Dell computers so let me see what I can do if you are interested. I have signed off my work laptop already for the night but will be on tomorrow. After lunch sometime would be better or before 9:30

Reply by Therese on 7/6/09 11:27pm
Msg #294838

HP Laptop from Costco for $535 w/2 War we have only bought

HP I have great experience with them this would be our 4th one for the family
3 laptops and a Desktop.

The above laptop I configured myself with the following specs:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.0GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
FREE Ugprade to 3GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) from 1GB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)
FREE Upgrade to 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive from 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD
Wireless-G Card
15.6" diagonal High Definition HP Brightview Display (1366x768)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Microsoft(R) Works 9.0
6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
HP Color Matching Keyboard
LightScribe SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-RW with Double Layer Support
Microphone Only

Reply by MW/VA on 7/7/09 8:13am
Msg #294849

IMO the screen on the netbooks isn't large enough for e-signings.

Reply by BrendaTx on 7/7/09 12:36pm
Msg #294875

Agree. Netbooks are too small for esignings.

The "real estate" viewing area is amazingly cramped.

Reply by Cheryl Anderson on 7/7/09 1:39pm
Msg #294887

The ACER Laptop in Walmart is a 1 GB, Staples has the ACER

2GB Laptop at $299.

Reply by RickinVA on 7/7/09 2:56pm
Msg #294902

Re: The ACER Laptop in Walmart is a 1 GB, Staples has the ACER

FWIW, if you mean the Netbook Acer, the 1 Gig Ram model has XP Home whereas
the 2 Gig model has Vista. I'm looking at one with a 11.5 " screen and if I buy, it'll be the
XP model, definitely NOT the Vista model! Once was enough for Vista.

Rick

Reply by notaryinmo on 7/7/09 3:41pm
Msg #294906

Re: The ACER Laptop in Walmart is a 1 GB, Staples has the ACER

lol Rick - I know what you mean about once is enough for Vista. Even though it didn't belong to me, a friend of mine had Vista on her brand new Toshiba laptop (which she swore by, not at). With all the problems she experienced, I made darn sure that the laptop I got just a few months ago had XP and not Vista. Even now, Microsoft is calling Vista a "debaucle". Just hope that Windows7 works much better - but that's a different thread...lol

Reply by Cheryl Anderson on 7/7/09 3:56pm
Msg #294907

Re: The ACER Laptop in Walmart is a 1 GB, Staples has the ACER

AAAAAH...I see...not fans of Vista. I get your point, and yes, the Staples ACER does have Vista. I use Vista on my own computer, and laptop and my only issue is the constant confirmations and reconfirmations that yes...this is what I want it to do...and yes...I'm sure...but that is my only complaint...thus far.

Reply by rengel/CA on 7/7/09 5:55pm
Msg #294921

My suggestion on the Acer is to pay a little extra

and get the largest battery you can. it's worth it

my .02