Looking for a laptop PC

Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for *reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance level. I've heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for battery life, but are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of Desktops and PC's in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge compared with what I know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you do, don't get that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Centrino, in fact, is a technology, not really a name of
a microprocessor. It encompasses various components
within the notebook.

Microprocessors that are good for battery life are those
that run using less power and most notebooks use these.

I really can't recommend one notebook in particular, as
there are so many of them, although I am fond of IBM and
Sony.

If a light duty notebook is required, then you could look
at price. Higher priced notebooks have more performance
and features. Also, what features are important? Some
notebooks have it all, DVD/CD players and burners, floppies,
USB, IRDA, IEEE1394, big screens, big hard drives.
Obviously, the more, the better, the more expensive! Do you
need networking? Do you need a big screen? a DVD?

If you are going to connect to internet, how would you do this?
Dial up? - You need a modem... DSL or cable... consult your
service provider, you might need a LAN adapter (I have heard
that DSL or cable solutions that connect to USB are not the
most desireable.)

Do you need a new notebook? Maybe a slightly used one
might be adecuate.. and less expensive. This is true when
you don't need the latest and greatest, just be sure that all
components are in working order, especially the battery.

Good luck!
Saga



"LuckyStrike" om wrote in
message ...
Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for *reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance level. I've heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for battery life, but
are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of Desktops and PC's in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge compared with what I know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you do, don't get
that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I appreciate all that you've submitted Saga; thanks.

I have hopes to get some actual users of Laptops and their responses. These
days, I don't know what the real range of Hard Drive sizes are...that is,
what are considered big or small. Screen-wise I would guess the person might
like something on the order of 12" - 14". Probably DSL use. No anticipated
need for a CD burner (but I could be wrong). See, the trouble is they are
asking me; They know less than I do (why else would they ask me? g), so
they haven't even given me specific needs beyond that which I stated.
Reliability, quality, and performance...in that order. Oh yeah, and they
prolly want new equipment, not used (unless there is some "guarantee" that
the seller just made a mistake in their selection, that the machine is
"new", meets the stated requirements, and with a price that makes buying
"used" worthwhile)

I'll see what else they think they might need, if *I* even know what to ask.
;-)
--

LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Saga" wrote in message
...

Centrino, in fact, is a technology, not really a name of
a microprocessor. It encompasses various components
within the notebook.

Microprocessors that are good for battery life are those
that run using less power and most notebooks use these.

I really can't recommend one notebook in particular, as
there are so many of them, although I am fond of IBM and
Sony.

If a light duty notebook is required, then you could look
at price. Higher priced notebooks have more performance
and features. Also, what features are important? Some
notebooks have it all, DVD/CD players and burners, floppies,
USB, IRDA, IEEE1394, big screens, big hard drives.
Obviously, the more, the better, the more expensive! Do you
need networking? Do you need a big screen? a DVD?

If you are going to connect to internet, how would you do this?
Dial up? - You need a modem... DSL or cable... consult your
service provider, you might need a LAN adapter (I have heard
that DSL or cable solutions that connect to USB are not the
most desireable.)

Do you need a new notebook? Maybe a slightly used one
might be adecuate.. and less expensive. This is true when
you don't need the latest and greatest, just be sure that all
components are in working order, especially the battery.

Good luck!
Saga



"LuckyStrike" om wrote
in
message ...
Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for *reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance level. I've heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for battery life, but
are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of Desktops and PC's in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge compared with what I
know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you do, don't get
that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

I would strongly recommend Dell as the supplier. Their support after
purchase is first class and their value for money is the best.
Blair Malcolm

"LuckyStrike" om wrote in
message ...
I appreciate all that you've submitted Saga; thanks.

I have hopes to get some actual users of Laptops and their responses.
These
days, I don't know what the real range of Hard Drive sizes are...that is,
what are considered big or small. Screen-wise I would guess the person
might
like something on the order of 12" - 14". Probably DSL use. No anticipated
need for a CD burner (but I could be wrong). See, the trouble is they are
asking me; They know less than I do (why else would they ask me? g), so
they haven't even given me specific needs beyond that which I stated.
Reliability, quality, and performance...in that order. Oh yeah, and they
prolly want new equipment, not used (unless there is some "guarantee" that
the seller just made a mistake in their selection, that the machine is
"new", meets the stated requirements, and with a price that makes buying
"used" worthwhile)

I'll see what else they think they might need, if *I* even know what to
ask.
;-)
--

LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Saga" wrote in message
...

Centrino, in fact, is a technology, not really a name of
a microprocessor. It encompasses various components
within the notebook.

Microprocessors that are good for battery life are those
that run using less power and most notebooks use these.

I really can't recommend one notebook in particular, as
there are so many of them, although I am fond of IBM and
Sony.

If a light duty notebook is required, then you could look
at price. Higher priced notebooks have more performance
and features. Also, what features are important? Some
notebooks have it all, DVD/CD players and burners, floppies,
USB, IRDA, IEEE1394, big screens, big hard drives.
Obviously, the more, the better, the more expensive! Do you
need networking? Do you need a big screen? a DVD?

If you are going to connect to internet, how would you do this?
Dial up? - You need a modem... DSL or cable... consult your
service provider, you might need a LAN adapter (I have heard
that DSL or cable solutions that connect to USB are not the
most desireable.)

Do you need a new notebook? Maybe a slightly used one
might be adecuate.. and less expensive. This is true when
you don't need the latest and greatest, just be sure that all
components are in working order, especially the battery.

Good luck!
Saga



"LuckyStrike" om
wrote
in
message ...
Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for *reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance level. I've
heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for battery life,
but
are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of Desktops and PC's
in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge compared with what I
know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you do, don't get
that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Well that is a bit helpful in a certain way. I use a Dell Optiplex GX240
desktop now as it is, and am pleased with it, so of course the notion of
suggesting that brand had entered my mind. Still, I haven't any clue as to
which model Dell, or if other "competitors" offer an equal (or better)
quality product, and which models may be best suited for the
reliability/performance factor.

Still waiting for a "whatever you do, *Don't* get a blah-blah". Then I'll
know what *not* to look for or recommend. A "I use a such and such laptop"
might also prove useful in paring down the choices.

Thank you Blair. Much obliged. ;-)
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Blair" wrote in message
...
I would strongly recommend Dell as the supplier. Their support after
purchase is first class and their value for money is the best.
Blair Malcolm

"LuckyStrike" om wrote
in
message ...
I appreciate all that you've submitted Saga; thanks.

I have hopes to get some actual users of Laptops and their responses.
These
days, I don't know what the real range of Hard Drive sizes are...that
is,
what are considered big or small. Screen-wise I would guess the person
might
like something on the order of 12" - 14". Probably DSL use. No
anticipated
need for a CD burner (but I could be wrong). See, the trouble is they
are
asking me; They know less than I do (why else would they ask me? g),
so
they haven't even given me specific needs beyond that which I stated.
Reliability, quality, and performance...in that order. Oh yeah, and they
prolly want new equipment, not used (unless there is some "guarantee"
that
the seller just made a mistake in their selection, that the machine is
"new", meets the stated requirements, and with a price that makes buying
"used" worthwhile)

I'll see what else they think they might need, if *I* even know what to
ask.
;-)
--

LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi LuckyStrike:

During the last few months I have purchased two laptops on EBay. Both were
used but less than 2 years old, still under warranty, and in mint condition
(no scratches, nothing bent, no battery problems, no flaws in the LCD
monitor, and no hardware or software problems).

One of them (a graduation present for my grandson) was a Dell 8200 with a
30GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM, an Intel 1.6 GHZ CPU, an internal floppy
drive, and a combo CR-RW/DVD drive. It included Windows XP Home Edition, a
power adapter, a wireless card, and a very nice new Targa bag. Cost was
$1000.

The other was a Gateway 400 with a Pentium 4 2.6 GHZ CPU, 512 MB of RAM, a
30 GB hard drive, an internal floppy drive, and a combo CD-RW/DVD drive. It
also included Windows XP Home Edition and a power adapter. Cost was $800.

Before bidding on either of these laptops, I contacted the seller and asked
lots of questions. I am very pleased with both laptops, consider them both
to be good buys, and they are capable of running some very demanding
applications.

By the way, neither of these laptops use Celeron CPUs. The Gateway will run
at least 3 hours between charges, perhaps longer. The Dell, while I had it
in my possession, was tried (battery power only) for up to 2 hours, but I
never had a chance to see how long it would actually go before shutting
down. The Dell runs hotter than the Gateway, but not uncomfortably so (I'm
talking about how hot it feels when it is sitting on your lap).

Regards.

"LuckyStrike" om wrote in
message ...
Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for *reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance level. I've heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for battery life, but
are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of Desktops and PC's in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge compared with what I know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you do, don't get
that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry to piggyback on this thread :-) in regards to the
heat generated by laptops, buy a laptop cooling pad I did
they are great and really make a difference :-)

-----Original Message-----
Hi LuckyStrike:

During the last few months I have purchased two laptops
on EBay. Both were
used but less than 2 years old, still under warranty, and
in mint condition
(no scratches, nothing bent, no battery problems, no
flaws in the LCD
monitor, and no hardware or software problems).

One of them (a graduation present for my grandson) was a
Dell 8200 with a
30GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM, an Intel 1.6 GHZ CPU, an
internal floppy
drive, and a combo CR-RW/DVD drive. It included Windows
XP Home Edition, a
power adapter, a wireless card, and a very nice new Targa
bag. Cost was
$1000.

The other was a Gateway 400 with a Pentium 4 2.6 GHZ CPU,
512 MB of RAM, a
30 GB hard drive, an internal floppy drive, and a combo
CD-RW/DVD drive. It
also included Windows XP Home Edition and a power
adapter. Cost was $800.

Before bidding on either of these laptops, I contacted
the seller and asked
lots of questions. I am very pleased with both laptops,
consider them both
to be good buys, and they are capable of running some
very demanding
applications.

By the way, neither of these laptops use Celeron CPUs.
The Gateway will run
at least 3 hours between charges, perhaps longer. The
Dell, while I had it
in my possession, was tried (battery power only) for up
to 2 hours, but I
never had a chance to see how long it would actually go
before shutting
down. The Dell runs hotter than the Gateway, but not
uncomfortably so (I'm
talking about how hot it feels when it is sitting on your
lap).

Regards.

"LuckyStrike"
om
wrote in
message ...
Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty
applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for
*reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance
level. I've heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for
battery life, but
are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of
Desktops and PC's in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge
compared with what I know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you
do, don't get
that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few
hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------
------------




.

Thanks! I didn't even know there was such a thing! No more burn ointment for
me! ;)

"Julia" wrote in message
...
Sorry to piggyback on this thread :-) in regards to the
heat generated by laptops, buy a laptop cooling pad I did
they are great and really make a difference :-)

-----Original Message-----
Hi LuckyStrike:

During the last few months I have purchased two laptops
on EBay. Both were
used but less than 2 years old, still under warranty, and
in mint condition
(no scratches, nothing bent, no battery problems, no
flaws in the LCD
monitor, and no hardware or software problems).

One of them (a graduation present for my grandson) was a
Dell 8200 with a
30GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM, an Intel 1.6 GHZ CPU, an
internal floppy
drive, and a combo CR-RW/DVD drive. It included Windows
XP Home Edition, a
power adapter, a wireless card, and a very nice new Targa
bag. Cost was
$1000.

The other was a Gateway 400 with a Pentium 4 2.6 GHZ CPU,
512 MB of RAM, a
30 GB hard drive, an internal floppy drive, and a combo
CD-RW/DVD drive. It
also included Windows XP Home Edition and a power
adapter. Cost was $800.

Before bidding on either of these laptops, I contacted
the seller and asked
lots of questions. I am very pleased with both laptops,
consider them both
to be good buys, and they are capable of running some
very demanding
applications.

By the way, neither of these laptops use Celeron CPUs.
The Gateway will run
at least 3 hours between charges, perhaps longer. The
Dell, while I had it
in my possession, was tried (battery power only) for up
to 2 hours, but I
never had a chance to see how long it would actually go
before shutting
down. The Dell runs hotter than the Gateway, but not
uncomfortably so (I'm
talking about how hot it feels when it is sitting on your
lap).

Regards.

"LuckyStrike"
om
wrote in
message ...
Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty
applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for
*reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance
level. I've heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for
battery life, but
are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of
Desktops and PC's in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge
compared with what I know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you
do, don't get
that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few
hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------
------------




.

OK Papa...now we're getting somewhere. ;-) Thanks for your input. If I get a
few more thoughts from others it'll improve my odds of finding what the
person might want. At least I can then make a suggestion, and also try to
look somewhere specific.

regards,
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Papa" wrote in message
...
Hi LuckyStrike:

During the last few months I have purchased two laptops on EBay. Both were
used but less than 2 years old, still under warranty, and in mint
condition
(no scratches, nothing bent, no battery problems, no flaws in the LCD
monitor, and no hardware or software problems).

One of them (a graduation present for my grandson) was a Dell 8200 with a
30GB hard drive, 512 MB of RAM, an Intel 1.6 GHZ CPU, an internal floppy
drive, and a combo CR-RW/DVD drive. It included Windows XP Home Edition, a
power adapter, a wireless card, and a very nice new Targa bag. Cost was
$1000.

The other was a Gateway 400 with a Pentium 4 2.6 GHZ CPU, 512 MB of RAM, a
30 GB hard drive, an internal floppy drive, and a combo CD-RW/DVD drive.
It
also included Windows XP Home Edition and a power adapter. Cost was $800.

Before bidding on either of these laptops, I contacted the seller and
asked
lots of questions. I am very pleased with both laptops, consider them both
to be good buys, and they are capable of running some very demanding
applications.

By the way, neither of these laptops use Celeron CPUs. The Gateway will
run
at least 3 hours between charges, perhaps longer. The Dell, while I had it
in my possession, was tried (battery power only) for up to 2 hours, but I
never had a chance to see how long it would actually go before shutting
down. The Dell runs hotter than the Gateway, but not uncomfortably so (I'm
talking about how hot it feels when it is sitting on your lap).

Regards.

"LuckyStrike" om wrote
in
message ...
Someone I know wants a Laptop PC for light duty applications. Quicken,
internet, e-mail, that sort of thing. Looking for *reliability*, and
quality first and foremost; then a snappy performance level. I've heard
Centrino (or is that Celeron?) processors are good for battery life, but
are
not optimal for performance. What little I know of Desktops and PC's in
general can be considered as plentiful knowledge compared with what I
know
of Laptop PC's. Any recommendations? Any, "Whatever you do, don't get
that"
suggestions?

I will be out for awhile, but I'll check back in a few hours. Thanks.
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Your comments are welcome Julia. Thank you. ;-)
--
LuckyStrike

--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Julia" wrote in message
...
Sorry to piggyback on this thread :-) in regards to the
heat generated by laptops, buy a laptop cooling pad I did
they are great and really make a difference :-)