Time for a new laptop

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

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

NicksmomESQ · ‎08-19-2014

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!!

10000thnickname · ‎12-05-2010

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.

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

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.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

Just remember to backup before it dies.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

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.

Alison Wonderland · ‎02-05-2018

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.

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

@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)

Alison Wonderland · ‎02-05-2018

@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.