Best laptop for a real estate agent?

[Compddd]

My mom needs one, she wants to spend $500, she wants to do email, internet, MS Office, and her various real estate programs on it.

Any suggestions? I'm very knowledgable about desktop stuff, but don't know jack about laptops.

Thank you!

 

[Joe270]

Check this laptop: http://dealnews.com/Lenovo-G450-Int...klit-Laptop-for-404-free-shipping/337757.html

 

[Compddd]

Says the deal expired?

 

[Joe270]

Well that's unfortunate. It appears the deal is no longer valid. Anyways checkout Deal News > http://dealnews.com/categories/Computer/PC-Computers/PC-Laptop/49.html
They post awesome deals on laptops constantly.

 

[Compddd]

Ok thanks! Do you think Lenovo will run another good deal on the G450 again?

 

[21stHermit]

My mom needs one, she wants to spend $500, she wants to do email, internet, MS Office, and her various real estate programs on it.

Any suggestions? I'm very knowledgable about desktop stuff, but don't know jack about laptops.

Thank you!

Well if it were me, I'd want a laptop with a 3G connection so I could log into Multiple Listing in the field to pull up photos and listings. Then you need to go to Verizon or AT&T or whoever is the premiere 3G provider in your area and ask your question. Either a 3G laptop or a USB 3G dongle. Of course your mom would have to subscribe to a 3G plan: $30+/mo.

 

[mshan]

I'd say bump the budget up to $600 - $700, then look for a good deal on the Dell Vostro 1520 (1440 x 900 anti-glare screen) or Lenvo T400 or T500 (15% off coupons show up at Tech Bargains dot com often): http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=365492

Dell Latitude would be another good option.

 

[corkyg]

The very best laptop is one that the company will pay for.

 

[Compddd]

My friend works for IBM and is letting me her use employee discount at Lenvo. So I should go with a T500 yeah? Can get a great price on it.

 

[corkyg]

T500 is what I want to replace my T60. I'd take it in a heartbeat.

 

[mshan]

I would recommend base configuration on left with integrated graphics ( http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...-category-id=1BE480ADA7EB421099C1676099E3EA34 ) with the following options:

- choose 64 bit Windows 7 option (free)
- upgrade to higher resolution, non-glare screen (WSXGA+ screen - extra $75)
- webcam is option, but integrated once minimizes clutter ($30) and I would personally get it

T400 has better portability, but I like the "look" of the T500 better. I'd say it's a great option for desktop replacement that is carried around occaisionally, but not all day in back pack like active college student.

 

[property istria]

Any new laptop is good as long as you can load Google maps and present the locations and properties.

For a real estate agent I recommend you one with easy and precise mouse pointer and at least 15" screen so you can comfortably present the properties.

 

[Harvey]

Staples current flyer (12-5 - 12-11) lists this HP laptop which should be more than enough for your mom:

G62-340US
$380 after $50 mail-in rebate.
SKU: 905278
HP model #: XH066UA#ABA

Specs on HP.com.

15.6" LED screen
2.2GHz AMD Athlon II Dual-Core P340 Processor
3GB RAM
320GB hard drive
LED Display
Webcam with integrated microphone
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit.

At the price, she'll have money left for a nice carrying case, a mouse and other peripherals to make her work easierAbout the only thing you may want to add is to bump the RAM up to 4 GB, but only if/when it looks like that's a limitation. You can do that for $40 @frys.com.

FWIW, I've had excellent results when I needed help from HP/Compaq tech support for my own and friends' laptops. I often tell my friends that one of the best reasons to buy from HP/Compaq is that they're NOT Gateway. :thumbsup:

 

[corkyg]

Seems like real estate work would be a good use for iPad. No?

 

[Emulex]

the cheapest laptop money can buy and a microcenter 64gb ssd - throw a mobile hotspot and you are golden.

 

[dfuze]

Seems like real estate work would be a good use for iPad. No?

A tablet does sound like a good tool for a real estate agent, but don't a lot of those sites that have the virtual tours use flash? Might need another brand of tablet if so.

 

[corkyg]

A tablet does sound like a good tool for a real estate agent, but don't a lot of those sites that have the virtual tours use flash? Might need another brand of tablet if so.

Good point. My observation was based on a real estate agent's use - involves little typing, but lots of easy reading and referral access. And, maybe a good Android phone would be even better.

I would find pocket portability to be a big plus. They carry cell phones anyway - why not just expand to a smartphone?