Getting a new laptop - suggestions please

[Kathe]

OK, I'm going to buy a new laptop. And I would like some advice.

Primarily I use these programs on a daily basis:

Microsoft word
Microsoft excel
Outlook express
a database program called MLM easy money which keeps track of contacts, sales, inventory, etc.

Then I get online.

Now, in 3 weeks I'm leaving for Australia for 90 days. I need to be able to communicate with people back home and I need to be able to do business online while I'm gone.

I don't want the most expensive but not the least either. What are your suggestions and is there anything I haven't thought of?

Thanks, Kathe

[Kung]

IMHO, I recommend Gateway or HP. Gateway because I work with them ALL the time, and their design, attention to detail, customer service, etc. are on the way up, whereas Dell is on the way down; and HP because their stuff is designed well. I personally like Gateways because I replace parts in them occasionally at work, and they are super easy to replace (other than the motherboard, but that's not easy in ANY laptop). If your hard drive, RAM, CD drive, etc. goes bad, it can be easily replaced.

I would not go with the cheapest bidder. I'd recommend this one. (http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529664155.php)

(FYI, I do not resell for them, but I work very closely with them, so if you want specifics, I can tell you the price on pretty much any Gateway laptop.)

Acers are also good. My opinion is that if you want to get the best deal for the least amt of money, Acers are good. You can try this one (http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&prodCatType=1&catalogId=10051&productId=175610&cmArea=SC3:CG71:CL161747). If you want to pay a bit more, I recommend Gateways.

As far as Office goes, do you have it already? If not, you can probably use OpenOffice (http://www.openoffice.org) instead. I actually like it a bit better than Microsoft Office for the basic stuff.

[Kathe]

Kung,

What do you think of this one compared to the gateway? http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Satellite-A135-S4527-Processor-SuperMulti/dp/B000OM953M/ref=pd_bbs_5/103-1617715-9719022?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1180103043&sr=8-5

And is there hardware/software that you can have cameras on the computer and be able to talk to people and see them?

Thanks, Kathe

[Kung]

That's odd...I posted a reply, didn't take....

I don't have a problem with Toshiba at all. I personally prefer Gateway, but that's because

a) a bit easier to service and
b) ALL tech support is based out of North America now.

Some laptops come with a webcam built in - I know the new Apple MacBooks do, but don't know if you want an Apple.

[Kathe]

OK thanks Kung. As usual you have great info. Much appreciated. Kathe

[Buzzardhut]

I would stay away from Toshiba and Compaq because they often use inferior products in their build such as a modem from Korea etc...
Stick with Dell, Gateway, and maybe HP

[Kung]

I would agree with him...I used to tout Toshiba, and they still are fairly good, but IMHO, not quite as good as Gateway/HP.

[Hootmon]

Good info.

My daughter is heading off to college in the Fall, and will need a decent middle-quality Laptop.

[Kung]

For college I'd probably check w/that college first. If she goes off to college - and then discovers everyone there uses Macs while she has a PC based laptop, it won't help her much.

[Hootmon]

For college I'd probably check w/that college first. I started doing that the other day.

Once she gets an official Student ID number she qualifies for discounts. Im just not sure what/where yet.