topic Time for a new laptop in Electronics

Time for a new laptop

Goodie2shoes — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:10:00 GMT

My 14 " HP laptop is probable over 10 years old, bought it from QVC but I can't even find it listed in my items purchased over the years. It is running slow and shuts down for no reason. It has served me well I must say but I am now looking to replace it. Any recommendations would be appreciated, rather HP or other brands. I just want to get an idea of what to look for and what has worked well for anyone else. I may end up getting another HP but is there anything better since I have had this one for so long. Thanks

Re: Time for a new laptop

NicksmomESQ — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:26:11 GMT

I bought another 15" HP laptop before Christmas . I got it in Costco.They offer a more updated model at a better price.They also include an extended warranty & lifetime support for the life of the laptop.Oh, & you have 90 days to return it if you don't like it.

I had bought one 2 years ago in Costco for my son. Suddenly, the mousepad stopped working.I pulled out my extended warranty & I had another year left on it.I made a phone call & after filing a claim they decided to reimburse me for the full amount I paid for it.They said it was cheaper than repairing it.That's how I came to purchased this one.

I love Costco!!

Re: Time for a new laptop

10000thnickname — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:36:17 GMT

I love Costco too. I got a 17" LG Gram there last spring. They are so good about everything.
I love my Gram. It is light as a feather. They have a smaller version too.

Re: Time for a new laptop

queendiva — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:41:49 GMT

Depends what you use your laptop for.

I know nothing about computers! I asked a knowledgeable friend for his assistance in this area. I just need a computer for the basics. He found an Acer for me at an electronics store (not a big box store) in July, 2018 for $350.00 and set it up for me, I am pleased with the choice. No need for me to spend any more.

He thought it was such a great deal, based on the specs, that he bought one for a family member of his, too.

Re: Time for a new laptop

Still Raining — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:42:50 GMT

Just remember to backup before it dies.

Re: Time for a new laptop

SilleeMee — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:50:01 GMT

I bought an Acer Chromebook convertible laptop/tablet. It's a hybrid with regular web browser features and also has Google Play so I can use it like any other android tablet. The screen folds over on itself so it a tablet that way. Chromebooks need no antivirus and updates are smooth and never cause issues like you have with Windows. It's the best for me. But if you need a device to do some heavy lifting then go with a regular laptop. Chromebooks are made for people you just need a device to surf, shop, do emails and social network stuff. So user friendly.

Re: Time for a new laptop

Alison Wonderland — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:54:24 GMT

When purchasing a computer, I always start with what I need to do with it.

Is my computer only used for web surfing, sending email, shopping, etc, or do I need to create documents?

Do I need the MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc) or can I use Google Docs or another cloud-based service?

What kind of files do I work with and how much RAM and storage do I need?

Do I need it to be fast and powerful with a new processor and a solid state drive?

Do I want to play games or watch movies?

Do I need to travel or use it away from home and does it need a longer battery life and to be compact and light weight?

Do I need a DVD drive?

Find out what matters to you and as you answer those questions, you build a plan for the kind of computer or netbook you need. Some people spend a LOT of money on a computer that has all kinds of power they never use. You can save yourself money or headaches by figuring out will serve your needs and starting from there.

Re: Time for a new laptop

Goodie2shoes — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 21:19:46 GMT

@Alison Wonderland

Thanks for your information. I typed a detailed response but it did not post for some reason. Basically the info you provided will help because there are only a few additions that I need. No office needed, don't play games ( I use my tablet)

Re: Time for a new laptop

Alison Wonderland — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 21:52:17 GMT

@Goodie2shoes wrote:
@Alison Wonderland

Thanks for your information. I typed a detailed response but it did not post for some reason. Basically the info you provided will help because there are only a few additions that I need. No office needed, don't play games ( I use my tablet)

If you don't need office, you may want to consider a Chromebook instead of an entire computer. I have one and it works for almost everything I want to do online.

Here are the downsides to my Chromebook:

Little incorporated storage. I can't download a lot of media onto it. I have a cloud for that, so it's mostly not important, but if I'm traveling and without wi-fi, I can't keep a lot of photos, movies, or music on the Chromebook.
When I lost my job and needed to submit resumes to people, not having a full version of Word was a big issue. I had Google Docs and a web-based version of Word, but it did not have all of the features of Word and would do weird formatting things to my documents. Not what you want when submitted a resume!! I had to use computers at the local library to create and submit my resume.

Aside from that, it's done everything I've needed it to: boots up crazy fast is small and light, and has great battery life. It was one of the highest-rated Chromebooks at the time I bought it and it cost me just over $300. Now there are even newer models that cost less than that.

Re: Time for a new laptop

SilleeMee — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 22:33:47 GMT

If you are considering a Chromebook, this will answer some of your questions:

https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/3265094?hl=en

: Time for a new laptop

amyb — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 22:45:12 GMT

...following this thread, I'm interested too. I have a 10 year old Toshiba, and Toshiba doesn't make laptops anymore. Best laptop I've ever had, miles better than my old two Dell's, which were nightmares, as was the customer "non-service". I quit them years ago...never again!

Was skeptical at first, since I didn't think of Toshiba as a computer company, but I bought it, as my boyfriend had had such good luck with his...he's on his second one, only because he actually broke the monitor of his 8 y.o. one, not because it gave out. I would have updated mine if I'd known they were going out of the business. I've considered HP for next...but am curious on all new things out there...so I'm posting mostly to be able to see the suggestions here!

Re: Time for a new laptop

Tangocash — Fri, 10 Jan 2020 23:50:50 GMT

HSN is showing a new HP right now. 683-186. It's a 15", solid state drive, not a hard drive, 3 year customer support. $429.99.

Re: : Time for a new laptop

Nuttmeg — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 03:13:17 GMT

@amyb wrote:
...following this thread, I'm interested too. I have a 10 year old Toshiba, and Toshiba doesn't make laptops anymore. Best laptop I've ever had, miles better than my old two Dell's, which were nightmares, as was the customer "non-service". I quit them years ago...never again!
Was skeptical at first, since I didn't think of Toshiba as a computer company, but I bought it, as my boyfriend had had such good luck with his...he's on his second one, only because he actually broke the monitor of his 8 y.o. one, not because it gave out. I would have updated mine if I'd known they were going out of the business. I've considered HP for next...but am curious on all new things out there...so I'm posting mostly to be able to see the suggestions here!

TOSHIBA still makes business computers. You can find your favorite products at "Dynabook.com"

Re: : Time for a new laptop

Nuttmeg — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 03:33:08 GMT

@Goodie2shoes

I like Dell small business laptops Vostro 15 - 7590. The basic computer has good components, a one year on site warranty, and security software for 12 months.

I read expert reviews and watch YouTube videos.

My favorite tech site is notebook check. net.

Re: : Time for a new laptop

apple1964 — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 13:30:11 GMT

DO not order any device with QVC or HSN they sell older devices with bloatware that you will never need or use. Buyer beware!

Re: Time for a new laptop

software — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 15:01:35 GMT

Maybe you just need a new battery.

Like @amyb I have an old Toshiba that I love, I will cry when it dies.

But to answer your question, if your laptop gives you everything you need, look up & make note of all the specs & all the software & external devices you use.

Find something comparable or better.

The next laptop I buy will have a backlit keyboard.

Re: Time for a new laptop

Abrowneyegirl — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 17:12:57 GMT

I hate buying new computers. Our computer guy tells me what to buy based on our use and needs but it is still confusing.

The one thing he is clear on is buy direct. Not via Best Buy, QVC, Target etc. One of our computers came with a flaw and he had to work directly with DELL or HP whichever IT support and he said it we had bought it anywhere but direct we would have had to send it back. Computers bought direct come with white glove support - I was not aware of this difference.

Re: Time for a new laptop

glb613 — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 17:40:55 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I hate buying new computers. Our computer guy tells me what to buy based on our use and needs but it is still confusing.

The one thing he is clear on is buy direct. Not via Best Buy, QVC, Target etc. One of our computers came with a flaw and he had to work directly with DELL or HP whichever IT support and he said it we had bought it anywhere but direct we would have had to send it back. Computers bought direct come with white glove support - I was not aware of this difference.

Your manufacture's warranty is the same no matter where you buy the computer. There is no reason you would have needed to send it back because you bought it at a retail store.

Re: Time for a new laptop

Abrowneyegirl — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 20:05:12 GMT

@glb613 wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I hate buying new computers. Our computer guy tells me what to buy based on our use and needs but it is still confusing.

The one thing he is clear on is buy direct. Not via Best Buy, QVC, Target etc. One of our computers came with a flaw and he had to work directly with DELL or HP whichever IT support and he said it we had bought it anywhere but direct we would have had to send it back. Computers bought direct come with white glove support - I was not aware of this difference.
Your manufacture's warranty is the same no matter where you buy the computer. There is no reason you would have needed to send it back because you bought it at a retail store.

I did not say anything about the difference in warranty.

The difference was the Tech support provided by the manufacturer is vastly different.

Re: Time for a new laptop

glb613 — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 21:01:47 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
@glb613 wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I hate buying new computers. Our computer guy tells me what to buy based on our use and needs but it is still confusing.

The one thing he is clear on is buy direct. Not via Best Buy, QVC, Target etc. One of our computers came with a flaw and he had to work directly with DELL or HP whichever IT support and he said it we had bought it anywhere but direct we would have had to send it back. Computers bought direct come with white glove support - I was not aware of this difference.
Your manufacture's warranty is the same no matter where you buy the computer. There is no reason you would have needed to send it back because you bought it at a retail store.
I did not say anything about the difference in warranty.
The difference was the Tech support provided by the manufacturer is vastly different.

You get the same tech support during the warranty period. I recently bought a new Apple Macbook Pro from Best Buy, purchased Apple Care from Apple and I have the exact tech support as people who bought the computer directly from Apple. You can do the same with other companies. You don't have to buy directly from the company to get the same tech support.