Electronics

[scooter36]

Guess it's time to join the world.My compaq that is 13years old just can't keep up anymore. That's only one I ever owned. Using my sons I pad for now but he was it back soon. Any info would be great of what to buy or stay away from. Anything on the Q that's any good? Almost 60 years old and feel really stupid when it comes to electronics. Thinking desktop. Back is totally fused. Can't look down much. Thinking $500 or $600 or less to spend.What's a good name and etc. Who has good deals?

[Nuttmeg]

You may want to look for a Toshiba Laptop at Best Buy. Some computers sold by the company have over 500 reviews. You could even consider buying an iPad. Talk to your son about this. You could have a tablet feel like a laptop with the additional of a keyboard case, a Zagg or Clam Case products.

[glb613]

You didn't post how you use a computer. While 60 is hardly old, you might be better off with an iPad since you've been using one for a while.

[LilacTree]

You need to do a lot of research. A lot. Perhaps your son can help you with that?

[Kathlen]

My usual routine is to go to Best Buy or Staples and buy the cheapest one. Technology changes so quickly - I spend as little as possible on a new computer.

ETA: I'm 71 and have used PCs for years - I used to train users back in the PC Dark Ages. My mother was 81 when she got her first one.

[gardenman]

Depending on what you use a computer for, you might also want to look at the Google Chromebooks (starting at $199) or the new (coming in March/April) Asus Chromebox ($179) that works largely like a desktop. Since you're using a 13 year old computer now, I'm assuming you're not using much state-of-the-art software on it now and mostly use it for e-mail and web surfing. If that's the case then Google's Chromebooks/boxes might be the best option for you. For $500-$600 you could get the Asus Chromebox, their wireless keyboard/mouse, and a good sized monitor (23" or even a bit bigger) and still be under that budget.

Here's a link to the Asus Chomebox if you're interested.

http://promos.asus.com/us/chrome-os/chromebox/

[Lynnj]

Buying a new computer nowadays is a lot like buying a car. There are so many different brands and varieties of computers, just like there are cars. If you asked a question on a board...what kind of car should I get, you would get many different answers. Asking what kind of computer to get will be the same. As you would to buy a car, do your research to decide what will work best for your individual needs.

[Kachina624]

I love my iPad so much that I'll probably never own another computer. It's so nice to kick back in my recliner and check email, shop, surf the web or play games. I never even open my laptop anymore. I have a clamp with a Velcro strap on the back that holds the pad in the palm of my hand so even holding it takes no effort.

[Jordan2]

I have a Toshiba that I've had for about 4 years. I've had nothing but trouble with it and will never buy another Toshiba product again. I had a HP and liked it very much. I might be in the market soon for a new computer myself. I'm not sure though that I would like the Windows 8. My niece has it and doesn't like it at all. I'm waiting to see if something else will be available soon.

[knmt]

I've had Toshiba laptops for almost 20 years. They've all had daily heavy use and I've never had a problem with any of them. As to the specs, it depends on what you want to do on the computer which will determine how much memory, disk size you will need. I found the last laptop I wanted at OfficeMax since they had a really good price. No matter where you purchase it, it's a good idea to "google" the computer you're thinking of buying and check customer reviews. See if Amazon has it and if there are any customer reviews on the model you want.