topic Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE! in Electronics

Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

eddyandme — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 20:45:40 GMT

After my third HP laptop bit the dust, I bought the $199 Target special, which is really a notebook computer I've been told.

This now has run out of space - guess McAfee takes up a lot of room and Windows10 is constantly updating.

I only use this for facebook, Q-forums, paying bills and sometimes surfing the web. I no longer want another HP as I've had bad luck with their products and found their customer service horrible!

Can someone give me your takes on what to look for in purchasing a new laptop? Space issues appear to be a main concern and would like something faster than dial-up (not the case now with the issues I'm having.:womanfrustrated).: Also, any brands you've had good luck, a/k/a service with? I want to keep it under $1000, in the mid-range would be great.

Thank you. Your advice is much needed and will be most appreciated.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

lovesrecess — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 20:55:54 GMT

I would get an iPad if that is all you are using it for. U can also go to the apple website and buy refurbished MacBook Air laptops that have warranties and are fabulous. Have bought three for gifts and one for myself. I had had nothing but frustration with HP...poorly made, IMHO. I would never buy one from Q...the tech support they tout when selling HP or Dell is nonexistent. The learning curve for Apple is not very steep.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

sarahpanda — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:01:02 GMT

@eddyandme I basically use my computer for the same things you do and ''I have seen the light'' !!! I've had all kinds of laptops and had an ACER CHROMEBOOK 15 stashed up under my bed for a couple years, as a back up . I recently decided to use it and it's the best thing since 'sliced bread!" I'll never go back to anything but a Chromebook. The guy @ Best Buy told me for what I used the computer for, a Chromebook was the best choice for me. I love mine !!!!

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

eddyandme — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:05:59 GMT

@lovesrecess wrote:
I would get an iPad if that is all you are using it for. U can also go to the apple website and buy refurbished MacBook Air laptops that have warranties and are fabulous. Have bought three for gifts and one for myself. I had had nothing but frustration with HP...poorly made, IMHO. I would never buy one from Q...the tech support they tout when selling HP or Dell is nonexistent. The learning curve for Apple is not very steep.

Gotcha, @lovesrecess ! My prior two HP's were from the Q and I vowed never again!

I shall check Apple. Thanx.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

Toot1920 — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:08:45 GMT

I agree with @lovesrecess, I would get an iPad. I use mine for everything. I’ve never had a laptop and rarely use my desktop. It’s so much easier to use and take with you. Plus, if you have any questions, you can always go to the Apple store, doesn’t matter where you purchase it. Or call Applecare. But it’s nice to go with your device and have a person help you. They have classes there along with a lot of libraries.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

eddyandme — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:09:15 GMT

@sarahpanda, I'm not familiar with Chrombook. Is it a system similar to Windows?

I did have an Acer years ago; screen was too ting, but Acer is a good brand. Thanks!

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

sarahpanda — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:14:11 GMT

I am far from a computer expert - but I've been told that it does not have Windows on it. I've also been told that it is much less likely to be 'hacked'. Maybe you can get more information on it if you go to Amazon.com and type in Acer Chromebook. I need something ''simple'', yet efficient for my needs and it certainly fits the bill for me !

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

eddyandme — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:14:15 GMT

Good to know about gettinghelp, @Toot1920 . A BFF has the Ipad and keeps her HP desktop 'cause she has a hard time paying bills on it. Thanx!

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

sarahpanda — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:23:50 GMT

@eddyandme Also, if you ''google'' - "What is a chromebook", there is more of an explanation for you. If you live near a Best Buy or the like, you might want to go in there and let them explain it to you.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

Scooby Doo — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 21:53:14 GMT

Funny you should post this now. I'm having issues with my Dell and I'm trying to decide what to do with it. My DD swears by HP and suggests I buy a new one because she thinks they're better than Dell. A computer tech says he will give me a new solid state drive 250 GB and new windows 10 for $180. Oh, what to do........

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

SilleeMee — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 22:11:26 GMT

I would also recommend a Chromebook. They are maintenance-free and they come with their own built-in security. No more Windows updates that mess things up and no more need to worry about viruses and malware. CBs are so easy to use that many schools use them as their main electronic devices. Just make sure you buy a brand new one because they have an expiration date for getting updates to keep it secure and operating properly. The older a CB is, the sooner it will expire. Be aware of that.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

glb613 — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 22:14:04 GMT

@eddyandme wrote:
After my third HP laptop bit the dust, I bought the $199 Target special, which is really a notebook computer I've been told.

This now has run out of space - guess McAfee takes up a lot of room and Windows10 is constantly updating.

I only use this for facebook, Q-forums, paying bills and sometimes surfing the web. I no longer want another HP as I've had bad luck with their products and found their customer service horrible!

Can someone give me your takes on what to look for in purchasing a new laptop? Space issues appear to be a main concern and would like something faster than dial-up (not the case now with the issues I'm having.:womanfrustrated).: Also, any brands you've had good luck, a/k/a service with? I want to keep it under $1000, in the mid-range would be great.

Thank you. Your advice is much needed and will be most appreciated.

I've owned computers since 1995 and have never run out of space. I'm not sure what you bought since you haven't shared that information. When I read how you use a computer, there is no way you should be out of hard drive space. Unless you bought a computer with a very small Soild State Hard drive, you should be fine. My first thought is how much malware do you have installed. When was the last time you did any maintenance, run scans and delete your internet cache?

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

eddyandme — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 23:06:49 GMT

@glb613 wrote:
@eddyandme wrote:
After my third HP laptop bit the dust, I bought the $199 Target special, which is really a notebook computer I've been told.

This now has run out of space - guess McAfee takes up a lot of room and Windows10 is constantly updating.

I only use this for facebook, Q-forums, paying bills and sometimes surfing the web. I no longer want another HP as I've had bad luck with their products and found their customer service horrible!

Can someone give me your takes on what to look for in purchasing a new laptop? Space issues appear to be a main concern and would like something faster than dial-up (not the case now with the issues I'm having.:womanfrustrated).: Also, any brands you've had good luck, a/k/a service with? I want to keep it under $1000, in the mid-range would be great.

Thank you. Your advice is much needed and will be most appreciated.
I've owned computers since 1995 and have never run out of space. I'm not sure what you bought since you haven't shared that information. When I read how you use a computer, there is no way you should be out of hard drive space. Unless you bought a computer with a very small Soild State Hard drive, you should be fine. My first thought is how much malware do you have installed. When was the last time you did any maintenance, run scans and delete your internet cache?

All I know, @glb613 , this is the cheapest laptop computer HP makes. I went to 'computer school' at the town's SrCtr last wk. Explained my prob - I've never had this problem before. I have McAfee thru Verizon which McAfee had to re-install 'cause when I switched to Verizon's it did not load - Verizon had to have McAfee install it and that's when the guy said I need more space 'cause almost out.

It took so long to install it, he called me back couple hours later when installed!

Everytime I'm on keep getting messages Windows needs more space for updates. But, it won't let me remove even temp files. It's got all my previous Windows versions on here which it won't let me uninstall! The people at the computer class told me that because the updates from Windows never succeed, it keeps trying over and over. The kid finally found another way into this system and shut-off the Windows updates - this took up the hour class and I'm to go back this week. But, that was on a Thurs p.m. and by Sat the 'fix issues' began again. Somehow, thought the updates were shut off Windows over-rode that and it's begun all over again.

There's no viruses - even McAfee thoroughly went through everything. It's gotta be all that old stuff and I can't delete it, nor can I stop the updates. Just can't take it anymore! It's a viscious cycle that keeps repeating itself. And, one of the people who run the class, explained to me that I only have the space of a tablet on this model, so don't see an end to this problem.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

SilleeMee — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 23:31:55 GMT

You'll never have those kinds of Windows problems on a Chromebook. That's the beauty of it. @eddyandme

I do own a large HP desktop pc and it's where I keep most of my files. But for everyday surfing and email, I use my CB.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

NYCLatinaMe — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 23:42:44 GMT

@eddyandme You may want to consider a Mac Book Air. Is a full computer, small in size, with good hard drive size and ability to transfer data with flash drives. I had PCs for years, and they lasted at most 3 years. The macs cost more but last years and years, the operating system upgrades as needed over WiFi without having to buy a new computer. Much better value. And I don’t use any anti-virus software, don’t need it. Have access to my music and photos. You can add more apps. Good luck!

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

ScenicMaine — Sun, 14 Jul 2019 23:58:12 GMT

From reading these posts & the recommendations for using Chrome Book, the questions I have are .. why does Chrome Book seem more functional & without the problems of the other well known brands?

I'm curious as I may need to purchase soon.

You'd think the other computer brands would learn from Chrome Book ..

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

Nuttmeg — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:04:53 GMT

Goldenlock,brought a simple computer with a small amount of storage maybe 32GB,and 4GB. of memory.

I would buy an 128 GB iPad with Apple Care. A new tablet not a refurbished product.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

glb613 — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:14:01 GMT

@Nuttmeg wrote:
Goldenlock,brought a simple computer with a small amount of storage maybe 32GB,and 4GB. of memory.

I would buy an 128 GB iPad with Apple Care. A new tablet not a refurbished product.

I must be really out of the loop if you can buy a computer with only 32 GB of memory. That's not enough memory to do anything. Now a tablet, that's a different story. Mobile apps use only a fraction of hard drive space as regular computer programs do. Do youself a favor and up your budget so you can get a machine you can acutally use.

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

Toot1920 — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:29:23 GMT

@eddyandme, does your BFF have a problem paying her bills on her iPad or her HP desktop? I have paid bills on both my iPad and my desktop which is an Apple Mac Mini. I pay bills through my bank via online banking. It’s easy to do on both devices. If I had to get rid of one, it would be my desktop. Another place that you can get answers about the differences in devices is Best Buy. They are pretty knowledgeable and will price match, even with Amazon. Good luck on your decision!

Re: Need Advice on Laptop Purchase - PLEASE!

eddyandme — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:54:52 GMT

@Toot1920 wrote:
@eddyandme, does your BFF have a problem paying her bills on her iPad or her HP desktop? I have paid bills on both my iPad and my desktop which is an Apple Mac Mini. I pay bills through my bank via online banking. It’s easy to do on both devices. If I had to get rid of one, it would be my desktop. Another place that you can get answers about the differences in devices is Best Buy. They are pretty knowledgeable and will price match, even with Amazon. Good luck on your decision!

I think she just has a tablet, @Toot1920 . She can't pay bills on it for some reason that's why she keeps her desktop.