Help Me Pick out a Notebook

[SalukiDawg]

I have never owned a notebook computer before, and would like to buy one primarily for my wife to use in school (she is going back for a masters degree). The uses for this machine would be (in order):

1. School work (note taking, writing papers, some spreadsheets and databases, but nothing too complicated). I use MS Office products at work, so I would like the software to at least be compatible with Office.

2. Web surfing. We have a cable connection at home with an 802.11b wireless router, so I would like this machine to have wireless connectivity. There may be situations where I would want to connect it to other networks, so the avaialbility of a regular network jack would be good as well.

3. Watching DVD movies.

4. Listening to MP3s and mucsic CDs.

5. Light photo editing.

6. Very light gaming, mainly games for our young kids to keep them busy on the road.

Can you give me some ideas for what I would need as minimums for processer, HD size, memory, video, etc?

Also, I have considered the possibility of getting a Pocket PC instead. If we eliminate watching DVDs, and photo editing, would we be happy with a Pocket PC for these purposes? Mainly, I would be concerned about its websurfing ability. How limited are they?

 

[beer]

Consider picking up an R-series from here.

They are brand new, just have technology a few months old. Since nothing you have suggested would be processor intensive, you can get a good deal there at IBM. They're reliable too - moreso than the Dells.

The 1.8 GHz P4M R32s is what I'd recommend. All I'd suggest adding on would be more RAM (512 should be fine....you can buy 256 MB at Crucial.com for $40) and maybe a wifi card. The RAM would ensure that the laptop has a good life...at least 3 years. At $1049 + tax + shipping with no rebates, it's cheaper than most laptops PERIOD. Let alone an IBM.

 

[fareal]

A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Dell Inspiron 1100 for my wife.

Intel 2.0Ghz Celeron, 384MB Ram, 20GB Hard Drive, CD-RW, 14" screen, built in graphics (Intel Extreme). After tuning up WinXP this thing runs plenty fast for most of those basic needs that you also mention. After rebates and coupons I will have paid $650 for this notebook computer. Today I'm pricing another of this same model but this time with DVD/CD-RW combo drive and an external USB floppy drive. With the 10% off coupons that expire tomorrow, after rebates its coming to about $760. I'm not sure how the DVD performance will be, but I think it will be fine.

The Inspiron 1100 is Dell's most inexpensive notebook, but it works for what we plan to use it for. You'll probably hear negative things about this laptop from those that expect more from this laptop than what its really meant for. Or also, I can imagine that if one would leave WinXP at its default settings, things would be noticeably slower. It really helps to turn off many not needed services, all the pretty winxp features, and any apps that you don't really need running in the background.

For a few hundred more dollars you could get something newer and better, but if you're trying to spend as little as possible, I think you'll be happy with this notebook.

Things to keep in mind.. the Inspiron 1100 has the integrated Intel Extreme Graphics controller, not a separate video card. Basic gaming should still work fine. The 1100 doesn't have a PS2 port and doesn't have firewire. If you plan to run the display at something other than its native 1024x768, you don't want this laptop. It weighs about 7.22 pounds and its dimensions are 12.9 x 10.8 x 1.75 inches.