Bogleheads

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

I have an old desktop that still works OK (most of the time), but due to some circumstances I have the need to have my computer with me on the go. I was going to buy a laptop as my next computer anyway, so it will be my everyday computer, as I plan on trashing the desktop.

Here's ALL I need to use it for:

E-mail
Internet
Microsoft Excel and Word

I do not download music, pictures, play games, or do anything that most normal people do. I use it for only the most basic things.

I want Windows 7, Microsoft Office, and I'll need new anti-virus/spyware software.

Walmart has laptop bundle things online. I could get some Dell laptop with McAfee Total Protection 2010 (is this any good?), Microsoft Office, and Windows 7 Home Edition for right around $850 after shipping and tax.

Is this a good deal? Could I do better? Please, I'm an absolute computer virgin.

Any advice for me? My goal is to get a cheap laptop with MS Office, Windows 7, and a decent security program. I am definitely not looking to play games or download music or pictures or any other absurdly huge files. Internet, Office, and e-mail. That's it. Thanks.

Eureka · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 584 Location: Illinois

Kim Komando, the syndicated radio "digital goddess," said on last week's show that there will be some killer laptop deals coming in November. I wouldn't be surprised if Wal-Mart has some of them.

I believe it was Komando who alluded to a 15-inch screen with 2GB of RAM and Windows 7 Home Premium for around $250. Check fliers in the Sunday editions of your local papers in the coming weeks.

If you could get a deal like that, you could buy Office outright. Get the Student Edition. Microsoft winks at the "student" requirement, and it's cheaper.

I think you need 2GB minimum RAM and a dual-core processor.

Forget McAfee. There are several good, free anti-virus programs. My current favorite is Avast! Vista and Windows 7 both have excellent built-in firewalls, so there's no need for a third-party one.

There are also good, free anti-spyware programs. Malware Bytes is my current favorite.

For what you want to do, I think you'll be paying too much if you go over $500 or so plus taxes -- $600 on the outside.

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Just about any laptop nowadays can do this. $850 is too much for what you want (I am looking in that range because I plan to edit videos and maybe play 3D games).

I suggest first decide on what size screen/case you want. Then limit it down from there to a style you like. You should do very well for about $500. Thanksgiving usually starts sales as well, so keep eyes open.

Amazon and Dell are good places to buy, but check out models in the local stores.

(My price did not include software... if you are using it for business you may need Word/Excel... if it is for personal use, consider OpenOffice for free.)

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Also, I use AVG Free and Windows Defender (Free) for virus/malware.

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

How could all the anti-virus/spyware stuff be free? How does Avast make any money? Is the free stuff effective?

Boglenaut...what is OpenOffice? I just need Word and Excel, nothing more. If I could get that free, great.

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Open Office

Has version of Excel-Like, Word-Like, PowerPoint-Like, Access-Like software.

For anything professional, I would stick with Microsoft. But for personal use I use OpenOffice. I do have to admit I like the Microsoft products better, but not by much. You can save/import/export to/from the MS Office formats.

http://www.openoffice.org/

Eureka · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 584 Location: Illinois

dkdoy · Joined: 13 Jun 2009 Posts: 122 Location: oregon

Bought a Toshiba laptop about 6 months ago, would not buy it again. Already shipped it back for service and am still having some problems with it. If bought one now I would buy a HP or Apple.

Avo · Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Posts: 195 Location: California

norookie · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 241

Eureka · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 584 Location: Illinois

TJAJ9 · Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Posts: 374 Location: Philadelphia, PA

You can definitely get something you need for much cheaper than $850. I bought a Toshiba in August for about $330 and it does everything you want to do and more--it's also used to play World of Warcraft (and it runs great).

I don't think you should spend any more than about $500-$550 max. BTW, that's on the high end for what you need. $400-$500 should be the average price for the kind of laptop you're looking for.

Eureka · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 584 Location: Illinois

I should mention that this 2005 Toshiba laptop, for which I paid about $700 (much more capable units are cheaper now), is the best money I've ever spent on anything.

When I bought it, I thought it would merely supplement my desktop computer. But I really started to like the mobility. I can use it anywhere in the house, take it anywhere when I travel. Basically, my entire life is on this thing, and I almost never use the desktop comp. I will never buy another desktop.

Fletch · Joined: 04 Jun 2009 Posts: 98 Location: USA

I recently switched from "Avira plus Microsoft Windows Defender" (both free) to Microsoft Security Essentials (free) which includes the Windows Defender program along with an anti-virus program and am very happy. Very easy to setup and use, very low on system resource use. I occasionally use SuperAntiSpyware and Malware Bytes to double check for spyware. I also use the built in Windows Firewall. I am running Windows 7 on a 5 year old Dell desktop.

I dumped McAfee even though I had a free 15 month subscription to their internet security package ... it was a resource hog and slowed my computer considerably as it did on my son's brand new Dell laptop which has a much faster CPU than my old desktop.

Fletch
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Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

You are all a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for all the comments!

Couple more questions:

To cover anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware, anti-everything-bad-for-my-computer, what combination do you all recommend?

- Windows Defender + some anti-spyware?
- Just Avast? (from what I understand it is anti-spyware + anti-virus)
- Just AVG Free? (from what I understand it too is anti-spyware + anti-virus)

What do the paid versions protect against that the free ones do not? Should I be concerned that I'm not getting enough protection with a free program?

On the computer side, I am leaning toward an HP. I've heard only good things from most people. How about Dell? Any experience, good or bad, with Dell?

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Bob B · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 241 Location: Bucks County, PA

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

Bob,

So you're telling me I don't even really need anything except AVG or Avast? That'll do the virus + spyware for me? And if I want, then a spyware program like Malware Bytes too...is this because the AVG and Avast aren't great at spyware?

Sorry all, this is a virgin area for me!

arthurb999 · Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 94

If you have windows 7, MS has a free AV/Spyware program called windows serurity essentials. That with open ofice... you should be good to go software wise.

I'd say grab the cheapest laptop you can find... "slowest" dual core and 2BG RAM.

Bob B · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 241 Location: Bucks County, PA

HearDoc · Joined: 31 May 2007 Posts: 412 Location: New England

tomander · Joined: 28 Feb 2007 Posts: 13

Microsoft has a new free program available that replaces Defender and includes virus protection. It is called Security Essntials. I have not tried it yet but you can download it here http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/[/url]

mksanjay · Joined: 09 Jul 2008 Posts: 148

bearwolf · Joined: 18 May 2008 Posts: 635 Location: Oklahoma

Gekko · Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 2904 Location: USA

IMO the Dell at Walmart should be fine for your needs.

enjoy!

soaring · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:02 am Post subject:

the main difference between paid versions and free verisons in most cases are AUTOMATIC updates. Also the free programs have little phone support.

You need to be sure you are willing to learn the different free programs and update each one at least once a week.

IMO you should have a hardware firewall such as Linksys WRT54G. Once connected it stops the majority of intrusions into your computer from the internet by other trying to get in your computer. Except what you bring into the computer yourself from surfing and downloading.

I would never use McAffee since in many cases it hogs resources. It is true you can only use one software firewall too.

I have used ZoneAlarm free firewall for many years without incident.

If you download these or other software from the internet only do so from www.download.com. That is a CNet web site assuring downloads are virus free. Of course you can download from the specific site if you are sure it is not a phishing site. So not to worry about phishing always do it at download.com, IMO.
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theduke · Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 259 Location: NC

Check with your internet provider on virus protection. Many offer free virus protection, they don't want their customers getting nasty bugs.

Materials Guy · Joined: 19 Nov 2008 Posts: 28 Location: Pittsburgh

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

How about processors? Do I need an Intel Dual Core?

What about AMD? Or some of the others?

HearDoc · Joined: 31 May 2007 Posts: 412 Location: New England

Gekko · Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 2904 Location: USA

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Has anyone bought from Newegg?

arthurb999 · Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 94

I have bought parts from newegg.... great site... fast shipping.
Go for it.

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

Lots of people are saying <$500 should do the trick, but I'm having a hard time finding anything that cheap after including MS Office and tax.

I'm stuck in the $700-900 range.

Where are you all finding everything I'd need for <$500?

maximus · Joined: 21 Mar 2007 Posts: 84 Location: NJ

Bob B · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 241 Location: Bucks County, PA

Boglenaut · Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 729

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

Another thing I absolutely need is a number pad. I can't use the row at the top, it drives me nuts.

What do you all think of this HP:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/web....60t_series

I would get it with the Intel Pentium Dual-Core Mobile Processor T4400 (2.2GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB) and 3GB memory and 160 GB hard drive.

Would this processor be good enough, or would the Core 2 Duo be necessary?

ryuns · Posted: Fri Oct 30, 2009 11:36 am Post subject:

I think that computer would be great. But don't let the need for a number pad dictate your decisions. I'm the type who requires a number pad too, but it might be better to find the size of computer you truly want, and if they don't have number pads, then just attach one via USB, ( http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UT....h5u3x2kc_b ) or just buy an entire separate keyboard and attach wirelessly or via USB. This might be more ergonomical anyway. Laptops aren't the best for ergonomics since you're either typing with hands too high or tilting your head down too far, or both.

(This was my 1,111 post!)

Ryan
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Valuethinker · Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 10937

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

Valuethinker,

So the HP machine I listed should be adequate?

Alto Astral · Joined: 08 Oct 2009 Posts: 51

Have you considered a pre-owned laptop? I got my Lenovo on craigslist. You don't necessarily need a dual-core processor. A 1.6GHz Centrino with Windows XP will work fine. 1GB RAM is good enough if all you do is email, internet and docs. For the number-pad you can plugin a USB keyboard. You could pull this off at a very good price.

Bob B · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 241 Location: Bucks County, PA

pochax · Joined: 21 Oct 2008 Posts: 162

Eureka · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 584 Location: Illinois

Laptops loaded with Windows 7 just went on sale last week, and holiday deals haven't really started yet, so we're in a whole new marketing universe than we were two weeks ago. There WILL be deals, though.

I would suggest perusing insert ads in the local paper the next few weeks.

There are advantages in getting a laptop from a retail store rather than online: You can see what the screen looks like (they do vary as far as reflective (sharper picture) and nonreflective (less reflection). Keyboards vary tremendously in feel and change from model to model.

Though you can use both an external monitor and external keyboard with a laptop, it's unlikely you will.

Valuethinker · Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 10937

Keltset · Joined: 18 Sep 2008 Posts: 11

Triple digit golfer · Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 800

OK friends, I think I've tentatively narrowed it down to three choices.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/As....Id=9555992

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/To....Id=9553896

The above is only 32 bit Windows 7. How is it different from 64 other than having 32 less bits? Smile

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP....Id=9545138