Need help buying a new laptop

[Littlefinger]

So, 7 years ago, someone else bought me the laptop I am currently using and that person is dead to me now and I am surrounded by computer illiterates(being one myself, as well).

I need a new one but I have no idea what I'm doing.

So, please, anybody who knows this shit better than I do, please help!

What I need:

Something to write on.
Access to internet.
Movie streaming.

That's really it. I am not a gamer. I don't download anything and have no desire to, since, so long as I have access to wifi, why the hell would I need to? All I really do is keep documents on it and the miscellaneous photo uploaded from my camera.

So, I just need something that I can set in my lap while I recline, something that can handle watching movies online but basically just an internet accessed type writer.

I have no brand loyalty, except a preference for Firefox, so, please, help me find something affordable that fits this description and will last me at least the next 5 years.

EDIT: Somebody suggested the Toshiba Chromebook 2 but I do not know how to read these reviews to make sure that it will be user friendly for my needs. I clicked the Amazon link and scrolling through the questions and reviews, I'm a bit lost. It says it doesn't have a fan. What does that mean? Do I need to get a fan then? Do I need to get a charge cord or will it come with one? I thought I was decided on this one but now I'm not so sure. I don't want to spend $300 on a cardboard lap warmer. I would like to be able to watch movies online at the very least.

 

[glynndah]

So, 7 years ago, someone else bought me the laptop I am currently using and that person is dead to me now and I am surrounded by computer illiterates(being one myself, as well).

I need a new one but I have no idea what I'm doing.

So, please, anybody who knows this shit better than I do, please help!

What I need:

Something to write on.
Access to internet.
Movie streaming.

That's really it. I am not a gamer. I don't download anything and have no desire to, since, so long as I have access to wifi, why the hell would I need to? All I really do is keep documents on it and the miscellaneous photo uploaded from my camera.

So, I just need something that I can set in my lap while I recline, something that can handle watching movies online but basically just an internet accessed type writer.

I have no brand loyalty, except a preference for Firefox, so, please, help me find something affordable that fits this description and will last me at least the next 5 years.

EDIT: Somebody suggested the Toshiba Chromebook 2 but I do not know how to read these reviews to make sure that it will be user friendly for my needs. I clicked the Amazon link and scrolling through the questions and reviews, I'm a bit lost. It says it doesn't have a fan. What does that mean? Do I need to get a fan then? Do I need to get a charge cord or will it come with one? I thought I was decided on this one but now I'm not so sure. I don't want to spend $300 on a cardboard lap warmer. I would like to be able to watch movies online at the very least.

I have a chromebook, although not that brand. It does have limitations. Everything is based on google and/or android apps. No CD/DVD drive, but lots of USB ports. I've never noticed mine getting hot, but I almost always have it on a desk, not my lap. They come with cords, but beware. The cords aren't interchangable so if you are out and about and need more power, you can't always just borrow one. The battery life on mine is about four or five hours, but that's not heavy-duty, movie streaming use.

Does that help at all?

 

[Littlefinger]

I have a chromebook, although not that brand. It does have limitations. Everything is based on google and/or android apps. No CD/DVD drive, but lots of USB ports. I've never noticed mine getting hot, but I almost always have it on a desk, not my lap. They come with cords, but beware. The cords aren't interchangable so if you are out and about and need more power, you can't always just borrow one. The battery life on mine is about four or five hours, but that's not heavy-duty, movie streaming use.

Does that help at all?

Yes, it does, thank you, Glynndah. It makes me think I might not want that brand after all. I just want a simple lap top not a lap-sized Google phone/tablet. You know, your typical laptop that plugs into the wall, has a DVD slot, comes with Word, Paint, and just enough space and capabilities that you won't kill it while typing in Google Docs and listening to a CD at the same time.

The current one I have says Presario CQ - 61 on it but you can't buy it anywhere. I'd get this exact thing again if I could, or a brand that makes this exact thing.

EDIT: This is my baby, I'm pretty sure: http://www.cnet.com/products/hp-compaq-presario-cq61/specs/

Something like that. And I'm saying that with the barest knowledge that it looks like the one I have.

 

[glynndah]

Yes, it does, thank you, Glynndah. It makes me think I might not want that brand after all. I just want a simple lap top not a lap-sized Google phone/tablet. You know, your typical laptop that plugs into the wall, has a DVD slot, comes with Word, Paint, and just enough space and capabilities that you won't kill it while typing in Google Docs and listening to a CD at the same time.

The current one I have says Presario CQ - 61 on it but you can't buy it anywhere. I'd get this exact thing again if I could, or a brand that makes this exact thing.

EDIT: This is my baby, I'm pretty sure: http://www.cnet.com/products/hp-compaq-presario-cq61/specs/

Something like that. And I'm saying that with the barest knowledge that it looks like the one I have.

My current laptop is a Lenovo G50-70. I am happy with it, for the most part. I'm still dealing with Windows 8. The opening screens look like they were designed by eight-year old girls at a slumber party.

Other than that, I like it. It's undoubtedly much more computer than I need, but I like the company.

 

[albertaboy]

I had several Toshiba laptops and about 18 months ago went to buy myself a present and bought a highend Windows 8 model.

Hated windows 8, the laptop crashed on me 4 times in the first 24 hours so back it went.

I bought a Macbook Pro, wildly expensive vs a windows machine, works reasonably well, after 18 months there are several things that were simple and intuitive to me that I still haven't figured out.

Probably won't buy another, but when I replace it hopefully Microsoft will have figured out how to deliver a good simple operating system that isn't designed around a touch screen.

 

[SweetErika]

If you want to stick with Windows7, there are lots of refurbished models on like NewEgg for $200-300. I don't know if Windows10 will be any better than 8, but that's coming out 8/31 and Win7 and Win8.1 computers can upgrade to 10 for free.

What's your budget?

Also, you said you watch a lot of stuff on your laptop; what's your ideal screen size?

 

[Littlefinger]

I had several Toshiba laptops and about 18 months ago went to buy myself a present and bought a highend Windows 8 model.

Hated windows 8, the laptop crashed on me 4 times in the first 24 hours so back it went.

I bought a Macbook Pro, wildly expensive vs a windows machine, works reasonably well, after 18 months there are several things that were simple and intuitive to me that I still haven't figured out.

Probably won't buy another, but when I replace it hopefully Microsoft will have figured out how to deliver a good simple operating system that isn't designed around a touch screen.

Thank you for the review.

If you want to stick with Windows7, there are lots of refurbished models on like NewEgg for $200-300. I don't know if Windows10 will be any better than 8, but that's coming out 8/31 and Win7 and Win8.1 computers can upgrade to 10 for free.

What's your budget?

Also, you said you watch a lot of stuff on your laptop; what's your ideal screen size?

NewEgg? What is that? Have you gotten anything from there? Any pros and cons I should watch out for?

My budget is $300-$400. Like I said, when I got the money for this, I was going to go for the Chromebook but then saw it had all of these limitations that literally make it nothing more than an internet typewriter. I figure I can learn to use whatever version of Windows, since there are probably lots of startup guides out there.

The screensize I have now is pretty good and it's like 15.6 in.

Also, thank you, glynndah for the recommendation. I'm going to look it up now and see how it measures up with the one I'm using right now. The closer to that, the better the fit, I think. Because right now, the only problem with this Presario is that she's old. She constantly crashes with a blue box telling me she has to shut down to protect herself just from watching a 7 minute Youtube video without stopping. All the keys are gone; I'm using a plug in keyboard. And she has a charge cord but no longer charges; I unplug the cord, it turns off. All problems I didn't have until a year or 2 ago. She needs to go into retirement.

 

[Littlefinger]

I basically just weighed against the specs of the Presario and used a laptop finder site, changing the options continuously, sacrificing what I thought I could live without. All of the Notebook type comps with as much RAM and GHz or whatever are $1,000+ and usually gaming computers. That's not really what I need.

So, I went for the HP Stream 14. I think it'll do okay. If not, I can always send it back.

 

[silverwhisper]

littlefinger quoth:
something to write on.
access to internet.
movie streaming.

are you a touch-typist? i have used a chromebook and am writing this post on a 2 year-old lenovo l530. i can't type for shit on a chromebook keyboard (i type at 75+ WPM) and need a true laptop PC to type on.

obviously the die is cast and you've made up your mind. having said that: a chromebook does everything you said you wanted, so i'm kinda curious what limitations it has that made you nervous.

ed

 

[Littlefinger]

are you a touch-typist? i have used a chromebook and am writing this post on a 2 year-old lenovo l530. i can't type for shit on a chromebook keyboard (i type at 75+ WPM) and need a true laptop PC to type on.

obviously the die is cast and you've made up your mind. having said that: a chromebook does everything you said you wanted, so i'm kinda curious what limitations it has that made you nervous.

ed

The inability to use a different browser than Google Chrome. That was part of the reviews that I read. I've been a Firefox user for years. I originally saw also that it didn't have a DVD drive but then all the laptops that had one were higher than my budget anyway. The laptop I have now is also HP, so, I think it'll be a lot easier for me to move over to it without feeling like I'm changing the way I do everything. But yes, I need actually keys to type. I've got a touchscreen phone and I argue with it constantly, simply because I cannot feel when I hit the "buttons".

 

[FGB]

I have had mine for over a year with few problems...well 8.1 sucks but with a free down load you can get the start menu back!

http://www.dell.com/


I have a Inspiron 15 5th Gen Intel® Core™ processor, extra ram and a few other thing extras...Not cheap but this isn't a cheap laptop.

They do have financing.

 

[SweetErika]

New Egg (search for All Laptops> $300-400 + 15-15.6" Screen, and you could certainly refine by Operating System, New/Refurb, RAM, etc., if you wanted to)

New Egg is a computer site. A lot of techno-geeks use it, and it typically has pretty accurate, informed reviews. Unless you find a special at Best Buy or an office store in your price range, it's probably your best bet for researching and/or buying online. New Egg makes its money on volume, and typically has very fair prices (it totally depends on the item, and I'd still encourage you to price-shop the specs so you make sure you're getting the best deal).

If you're still looking, narrow it down to a short list, and we can probably help you decide from there. Be advised that most laptops don't last as long as your current one without replacing major components. I'm using a hand-me-down Vaio, and it's had the motherboard replaced, the power socket swapped out, etc., even though I rarely take it anywhere. Just be prepared for your next laptop to last 2-5 years, and you won't be disappointed.

 

[SweetErika]

I have had mine for over a year with few problems...well 8.1 sucks but with a free down load you can get the start menu back!

http://www.dell.com/


I have a Inspiron 15 5th Gen Intel® Core™ processor, extra ram and a few other thing extras...Not cheap but this isn't a cheap laptop.

They do have financing.

We've had one Dell in the past 20 years (it was around '99). It was fine desktop until we needed to add RAM or replace a part - there was no way to do that because it was all integrated and a special Dell design.

Maybe Dell's higher-end laptops are better now and allow their owners to swap out Dell for non-OEM parts, but that's something I'd make damn sure of before buying a Dell, or any computer, for that matter.

Suze Orman, and most financial experts, would say that if one needs to finance a purchase of a couple grand or less, one probably shouldn't be buying such an item (unless it's an integral part of generating more income, like a car to get to a better job or a laptop for school).

 

[FGB]

We've had one Dell in the past 20 years (it was around '99). It was fine desktop until we needed to add RAM or replace a part - there was no way to do that because it was all integrated and a special Dell design.

Maybe Dell's higher-end laptops are better now and allow their owners to swap out Dell for non-OEM parts, but that's something I'd make damn sure of before buying a Dell, or any computer, for that matter.

Suze Orman, and most financial experts, would say that if one needs to finance a purchase of a couple grand or less, one probably shouldn't be buying such an item (unless it's an integral part of generating more income, like a car to get to a better job or a laptop for school).

They do have spare parts better than they use too.

Actually I have bought three well, four I guess, computers in the last fourteen months from them so yes, I financed!

(Paid them off last week!)

 

[Littlefinger]

New Egg (search for All Laptops> $300-400 + 15-15.6" Screen, and you could certainly refine by Operating System, New/Refurb, RAM, etc., if you wanted to)

New Egg is a computer site. A lot of techno-geeks use it, and it typically has pretty accurate, informed reviews. Unless you find a special at Best Buy or an office store in your price range, it's probably your best bet for researching and/or buying online. New Egg makes its money on volume, and typically has very fair prices (it totally depends on the item, and I'd still encourage you to price-shop the specs so you make sure you're getting the best deal).

If you're still looking, narrow it down to a short list, and we can probably help you decide from there. Be advised that most laptops don't last as long as your current one without replacing major components. I'm using a hand-me-down Vaio, and it's had the motherboard replaced, the power socket swapped out, etc., even though I rarely take it anywhere. Just be prepared for your next laptop to last 2-5 years, and you won't be disappointed.

I do accept that I might need to get a new one in that length of time, which was why I went ahead and bought the one I got, brand new, because I didn't know what refurbished meant(def. sounded like "pre-owned" and thus in my mind = "less than the 5 years minimum you'd want to not worry about it"). I'm sorry I didn't wait for an explanation but I'll check this one out and see how it works. Thank for the website link and the further explanation. I figured I could always read How-to guides but I wanted to be able to ask questions and basically talk to someone who knows how to buy a computer, rather than rely on a step-by-step list that assumes I know what RAM is or why it's important(bigger numbers sound good of course but how does a list address what I'd specifically need the computer for and how much of a particular feature I'll need, you know?).

Thank you for being patient and helping give me ideas on how to look.

 

[glynndah]

No more advice from me {There's nothing worse than finding the "perfect" thingamajiggy AFTER you've bought the one you thought would work just fine.}

I hope your new computer does just what you want it to do and more.

A from the good little witch.

 

[FGB]

Something like this might help you...

http://www.computerhope.com/btips/desktop.htm

http://blog.laptopmag.com/laptop-buying-guide

 

[bob53]

Newegg reburbs are typically laptops that are off lease.
Fully tested and typically reloaded with Windows 7 Professional.

I have purchased some of them for friends in your situation.

By the sounds of things I would go for one with an I5 ( CPU) with a min of 4 Gb RAM. (Prefer 8Gb )
Based on your comment about not needing a lot of storage i would suggest watching for one with a 128Gb SSD drive ( Solid State Drive )
SSD drives are nice and have come WAY down in cost over the last couple years. Well worth it now with the speed increase AND in laptops that may be getting bounced around - like when it is on your lap and you set it down on the coffee or end table a little hard.
With standard drives that frequently causes a small ( OR major ) disk head crash - it destroys an area of the hard drive where the Win 7 and data is stored.

The only issues I have had with the several laptops I have purchased from them for friends were weak batteries and once was a bad charger. In both cases they were replaced immediately with no issues.

Both of my primary / daily use laptops are MUCH higher end but needed for my work. ( I7, 16 Gb RAM, 1Tb SSD, 1080p screen )

The only other stuff to decide is screen size and whether it has an internal CD/DVD drive. FWIW neither of my primary laptops have CD/DVD drives and I don't even carry external CD/DVD drives any more.

Hope that helps.

 

[FGB]

One good way to understand what the computer manufactures are talking about is to read something like this...

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2485172,00.asp

 

[Scotsman69]

I have an Acer Aspire 5742, and have used it at least ten hours a day (I'm a writer) for over 4 years. Never had a spot of bother with it despite very intensive use. No other computer I've had in the past 25 years has been so reliable and trouble-free. Highly recommended.

 

[Learin]

I like Toshiba for their durability and cost-effective product delivery. My laptop has been working for 3 years now, and it withstood a coffee spill too.

I was one of the first people to jump onto the Win 8 bandwagon and regretted it. I had a friend fix it up with the older Win 7. If you find one with Windows 7, grab it.

Or if you find one with Win 8, format that crap and replace it with Win 7.

 

[BuckyDuckman]

I basically just weighed against the specs of the Presario and used a laptop finder site, changing the options continuously, sacrificing what I thought I could live without. All of the Notebook type comps with as much RAM and GHz or whatever are $1,000+ and usually gaming computers. That's not really what I need.

So, I went for the HP Stream 14. I think it'll do okay. If not, I can always send it back.

I hope you like it. It will feel remarkably different than your old computer. Windows 8.1 threw a lot of people for a loop (me included), but once you get past the start screen, it's just Windows. And Windows 10 will be out before you know it, and that show restore things you miss, like a Start button.

It's easy to get a lot of poor advice for someone who's doesn't need a lot of computer. From the sounds of things, it sounds as if you're most interested in maintaining the basic, familiar form factor of a laptop where you sit down in front of it, turn the thing on, and do stuff.

Most Windows computers come with Word installed, but you have to purchase a license to keep using it. So, anticipate that.

Based on the quick little Amazon search I did, I'm concerned you'll find the hard drive too small. This was the computer that came up for me: http://www.amazon.com/HP-Stream-Laptop-Natural-Silver/dp/B00MVJYK6S and it has a solid state drive (no moving parts, which is a good thing). But the hard drive is really small, which means you won't be storing movies on this thing, only streaming them.

You may end up wishing you had gone with: Acer Aspire NX.MLVAA.001 15.6-Inch Laptop for $324 US or the Asus D550 for $327 US. Even this HP 15-f215dx for $310 might be a better fit for what you want.

Sorry I didn't see your question sooner! Good luck!