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mommy4ever
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| Posted: April 11 2011 at 10:30am | IP Logged
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My computer will so expire :( we did purchase it used, I've had some funky errors, hard time starting it. So it needs to be replaced. I did back up email, all my saved files, and made a list of software I have to re-install on a new computer. So that way, I'm safe.
I don't have the $ for a computer, so I will be using points to 'purchase' a gift card for a local electronics store.
I don't know what to look for, we've always had a desktop, but I'm finding since starting to homeschool, and having outside lessons, it would be handy to use that time for making up lessons, worksheets. I know I wouldn't have internet at these times, but that is ok.
Plus, it would be nice to work in other areas of the house at times.
So, what do I need to watch for? Is there brands to avoid? What are the min. specs you'd suggest?
From what I can see, all the laptops now come with Windows 7. Macbooks are well out of the price range.
Any guidance on this will be appreciated!
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time4tea
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| Posted: April 25 2011 at 8:04pm | IP Logged
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Have you ever considered a re-conditioned Mac? I am typing this response on one right now! I have had it for over 3 years and I LOVE it! I would encourage you to check them out - you can view them at the Apple store online 
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Mackfam
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| Posted: April 25 2011 at 8:11pm | IP Logged
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I'm typing on a reconditioned mac as well!  The local mac stores can be super helpful if you consider this decision. There are always leased macs regularly being turned in...and the local store wipes them clean and resells them with a warranty. It's a hard to beat deal if you consider a mac - we've always paid at least half the price of a new laptop.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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guitarnan
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| Posted: April 25 2011 at 8:14pm | IP Logged
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I looked at reconditioned Macs (my writing colleague has one and loves it) but it was still more expensive than new Windows models with similar functionality. I recently replaced my Dell 1501 (a great basic laptop, I must say) with a Toshiba Satellite A665. It has a couple of annoying aspects (location of USB ports, for example) but so far it's been great for the things I do every day.
As a dedicated Windows XP user, the transition to W7 has been difficult. I have to say that W7 works well; it's just hard for me to figure out where things are, because there's little logical relationship to the file structures of XP.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Heliodora
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| Posted: May 03 2011 at 4:11pm | IP Logged
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Depending on what ages your children are, a laptop may or may not be a practical help for you while outside the house.
If you can work totally undistracted by other moms and children for a decent amount of time, then it may be worth it. If not, then it really won't save you any time. You'd be better off with a notepad and pen.
In the house, getting a laptop to replace the desktop is possible, but can be frustrating because you really need a workstation with all the resources you use while at the computer, anyway, so being mobile isn't practical. You will find that you have to keep it grounded in one place anyway, and if not, then you will be constantly moving books and other things around, which doesn't save time. If you do that, you are also sacrificing speed and ease of use (like keyboard and mouse) in order to be able to move to another point in the house.
Ideally, you would have both desktop and laptop, but from what you say, this probably isn't possible financially. A desktop is still better in order to get more bang for your buck.
Also, if your children use it at all, a laptop is only going to be an irritation to set up and move.
Regarding models and software, if you can afford a Mac, and don't mind learning a different OS (it's not really that difficult- a lot simpler than Windows in the end) then that's what I would recommend, if you can get one of those reconditioned ones.
As far as Windows goes, I find Windows 7 to be a dream. It is so less buggy than XP, and is super compatible with so many things unlike Vista was. I like Dell, and Sony, but I would definitely avoid HP- their customer service is a nightmare and they frequently have hardware issues. Don't be tempted by the lower price.
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Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. -1 Thessalonians 5:21
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Computer recommendations?
