A better idea would be to buy one of those very small Dell computers and pair it with a 22" LCD
Forget towers---
Posted on 10/24/2009 5:44:39 AM PDT by Dr. Scarpetta
Windows 7 has spawned a new breed of inexpensive laptops at retailers like Best Buy and Frys.
At many stores on Thursday, Best Buy refreshed almost its entire stock of laptops: all running Windows 7 and all sporting new model numbers.
Frys--a megastore electronics retailer with locations throughout California, Arizona, and Texas--also refreshed many of its laptops with new Windows 7 models.
One of the most inexpensive Windows 7 arrivals is the Gateway model EC1410U. This tiny laptop is distinctly Netbook-like in appearance but uses a more powerful Celeron M ULV 743 processor (1.3GHz, 1MB cache) than the Atom-chip fare found in Netbooks.
In addition to the Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit version, other features include 2GB of memory and a 250GB hard disk drive.
Small Gateway laptop comes in a Netbook-like package but uses a more powerful Celeron processor than the Atom chip found in Netbooks--and it's cheap at $399
Many seductive Windows 7 newcomers are categorized as "ultrathins."
These slim designs are typically discernibly bigger than Netbooks (though, as evidenced by the Gateway above, it's now always clear-cut) and pack more processor horsepower.
The Toshiba Satellite T-135 (model: T135-S1309), which falls into this category, is priced at $549 at Best Buy and comes with Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 32-bit operating system, a 13.3-inch display, a dual-core power-efficient Pentium processor, 3GB of memory, a 320GB hard disk drive (5400RPM), and built-in Web cam.
The HP dm3 (model: dm3-1035dx), also an ultrathin and also priced at $549, packs 3GB of memory like the Toshiba but that's where the similarity ends.
The HP uses a 7200RPM 320GB hard disk drive (as opposed to the 5400RPM drive on the Toshiba), comes with the Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit version (compared with the Toshiba's 32-bit version), an AMD Athlon Neo X2 dual-core processor (versus Intel Pentium on the Toshiba), and ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics (unlike the Toshiba's Intel integrated graphics).
$549 Toshiba T135 weighs less than 4 pounds and boasts a dual-core processor and 320GB hard disk
$349: Gateway LT2030U Atom chip-based Netbook
Gateway is also offering a bona fide Netbook. The $349 LT2030U houses an Atom N270 processor, 1GB of memory, a 250GB hard disk drive, and--typical of many Atom-based designs--a 10.1-inch screen.
It weighs in at 3 pounds with Microsoft's light-duty Windows 7 Starter Edition--which doesn't support native DVD playback, multi-monitors, nor the Aero user interface.
$499: 15.6-inch Dell Inspiron laptop with 2.16GHz dual-core processor and optical drive
Not to be outdone, Dell is also offering a new inexpensive Windows 7 Inspiron model (I1545-4203JB) with a 15.6-inch screen and a 2.16GHz Intel Pentium dual-core processor T4300 processor.
It comes with 3GB of memory, DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, a 250GB hard disk drive, and the Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit OS.
At $449, Toshiba is also debuting an inexpensive 15.6-incher (L505D-S5983) with a dual-core AMD processor and ATI Radeon 4100 graphics.
It also includes a 320GB hard disk drive, DVD-RW/CD-RW drive, 3GB of memory, and Windows 7 Home Premium.
Frys was selling many of the same, or similar, low-cost models as Best Buy but also included some new high-powered Windows 7 laptops too, such as the HP dv7-3080.
This 17-inch model comes with a quad-core Core i7 720QM processor, an Nvidia GT 230 graphics chip, a 500GB hard disk drive, and Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64-bit. It is priced at $1,449 at Frys.
As I mentioned in an upthread post, I have an old Micron laptop that has one of those. Actually, I found that preferable to using the touchpad that also came with the laptop. The touchpad had two mouse keys left and right of it, but it seemed easier to move around with the rolling ball and use the keys for entry and such.
LOL!
Thanks, I’ll take a look.
HP is now dead......as far as I am concerned. They jerks refused to honor a $79 rebate..... I couldn't believe that a $4,000 purchaser would get stiffed for $79....
Lesson learned!!!!!
At $680 I don’t consider that too pricey for a decent laptop. The specs don’t say whether it comes with wireless but I’d be awful surprised if it didn’t (and would immediately return it). Go to Dell’s site, move your cursor on ‘For Home’ at the very top-left, and select ‘Laptop & Minis’. You’ll see the Inspiron line as the second offered (the Mini is the first offering...I bought her the basic one for $299).
Our motherboard went out on our hp desktop right after warranty ran out.. 2yrs? I swore I’d never ever get another one. Happened to a friends too. We bought a used desktop from a techie friend to get us by to replace our new one. We also have a laptop.
I’m on the FR mac ping list—am thinking about converting because people that I know, have had them last longer than 8yrs! I’ve never been given that luxury with PC’s.
As I have 2 XP systems, I have two questions:
1. I thought a reformatted (clean) install was required for XP?
2. Can (1) W7 disk be used on (2) XP computers?
Gerenerally, I am leery of “all in one”-type systems. What’s the point of owning a combination TV/video/DVD player if one of the “components” goes bad?
I think I'll take your advice.
Plus right now the retail stores have a mix of Vista and Windows7 computers
Not a full selection of Windows7 computers
But if you buy a Vista computer that has Home Premium Vista (do not get one with Home Basic--no free upgrade) on it you will get a free Windows7 upgrade disc in the mail
If store are discounting Vista computers and you are willing to wait a few weeks for your Windows 7 disc then it could all work out but I would prefer one with Windows 7 right off the bat....easier to do a system restore if the computer crashes
I used to like the wireless mice. Now I use a mouse that's got a tail. I hated feeding it batteries.
I think I remember reading somewhere that you can upgrade to 7 from XP, but not seamlessly . . . there are some extra steps. You just can’t pop in the CD/ROM and go.
My Dell tower was purchased in 2001 and still runs great. I have a Micron laptop that’s older than that and runs great. My Compaq (HP) is 4 years old and is a workhorse. What can I say?
A better idea would be to buy one of those very small Dell computers and pair it with a 22" LCD
Forget towers---
Microsoft long ago admitted that they had to come up with something that would "live" in the "netbook" market. That was one of the key driving forces in the design.
Oops re:my #46 I was referring to HP.
Ah, but does it let you get away with having cheese & crackers while surfing online?
Use an external USB mouse.
“How hard is it to adjust to a laptop? My main concern is using the mouse.”
Just buy a regular mouse to use with it; wireless is good. The mousepads are ridiculous if you’re in to production or speed.
THE best wireless mouse for laptops is the Logitech. The USB dongle is VERY small. You can't tell it's there (doesn't stick out a mile, like the Microsoft wireless mouse dongles). Superb design.
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