The Bobcat Nation

I'm going to need a new computer shortly and am looking to get a laptop. I would love some suggestions or input on what I need before I go get hosed by the sales staff.

I mostly use my computer for photos, photo editing, internet and some word processing. My son has several games, but I think I'll look into a used computer (non-internet) for him to use for that.

I would love any advice you might have about how much memory and power and all that I would need. Like I said, my usage is fairly limited, although I know the photos can get bulky after awhile. Service/repair is also an issue, since I live in the middle of nowhere.

Thanks in advance!

In terms of RAM, Hard Drive Space, all that I will let someone else make recommendations, but I saw this article yesterday and thought I should share before you start getting the "Don't by this brand or that brand" information from everyone.

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-993855 ... tag=blog.2

I've used a Dell Inspiron 6400 for the past couple of years and it's worked great, no problems whats-so-ever.

However, today I just got a new Dell Latitude D830. I haven't even opened it up yet so I can't say if it's just as good.

I have an Apple Macbook and really enjoy it. I am by no means anti-windows, but I do prefer the Leopard OS put out by mac. Mac's are quite a bit pricier, but their very user friendly and quite mult-functional. JMHO.

I personally like hp...but toshiba is makin a nice product now.

You can get the basic Dell Vostro (their business model) for under 500 dollars. They have 14.1", 15.4" and a 17" model (starts at $650).

I have the Vostro 1400 (14.1") and so far am very happy with it. There aren't as many neat features on the laptop itself, like media buttons and what not, but as far as the best bang for the buck, I couldn't find anything better than the Vostro (at least this time last year).

If you use your computer for photo editing mainly, you could get away with:

1 gig RAM on Windows XP
2 gig RAM on Windows Vista

Try this:
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/ ... wksd&s=bsd

Mac Book hands down no comparison.

Thanks everyone, for you responses so far.

One thing - I've never used an Apple, but I must say their products intrigue me. Everyone I know that uses one, swears by them. How hard is it to go from using Microsoft/Windows to the Apple operating systems? Will I have to take a class, or can any monkey figure it out?

WSSMommyCat wrote:Thanks everyone, for you responses so far.

One thing - I've never used an Apple, but I must say their products intrigue me. Everyone I know that uses one, swears by them. How hard is it to go from using Microsoft/Windows to the Apple operating systems? Will I have to take a class, or can any monkey figure it out?

When I bought mine they offered to transfer all of my files from the PC hard drive and 52 classes on the Mac system and products. This was at a cost of $90 and was well worth it.

I have found thae trick to operating a Mac is simply ditching everything you've learned about Windows OS and retraining your brain to think differently. Once you ditch the Windows way of thinking the Mac OS is a no brainer.

[quote="WSSMommyCat"]Thanks everyone, for you responses so far.

One thing - I've never used an Apple, but I must say their products intrigue me. Everyone I know that uses one, swears by them. How hard is it to go from using Microsoft/Windows to the Apple operating systems? Will I have to take a class, or can any monkey figure it out?[/quote

i dont think it will be worth it to purchase a mac. You can find a similer laptop for less running windows xp (avoid vista)

honestly - they are all the same performance/features...ect