New home use laptop

[RK]

Hey All - little help?

So my wife is shopping for a new laptop, and she's completely wound around the axle about what to get. Seems every one she looks at gets terrible reviews from someone or other.

I use whatever pile of dump they hand me at work, so I haven't shopped for a laptop in years, so I'm not much help.

Here's what she's looking for:

- checking email, web surfing,

- creating and printing docs (basic text docs, nothing heavy duty)

- sorting/storing photos (but no heavy photo editing, but lots of space is good)

- no real need for high end video or gaming (she has an iPad for videos, etc)

- 14" screen or better

Any suggestions? Anything to definitely stay away from?

Thanks -

RK

[upnorth]

Low end HP, Dell, Acer or IBM. HP or Dell seem to have the better support when you call.

[MuskieJunkie]

I wouldn't get hung up on brands. All of them except the Panasonic tough book come from China. And all of those from China come out of one of 3 plants.

I would just scan the Sunday morning ads and buy whatever is on sale that day.

IMO there is no reason for the average person to spend more than a few hundred bucks on their home computer.

[CAMAN]

When they make/sell as many as they do there will always be a few bad ones made. The best thing to do is take each review with a grain of salt and really only stay away from something if the same issue keeps coming up or customer service is a major complaint. Otherwise I've had good luck with all major brands. Just buy what fits your budget and your needs.

[PK3]

An Asus may fit the bill.

[delcecchi]

A friend of ours got a Chromebook and really likes it. Light and comfortable for actually having on your lap. You do need wifi but for what you describe it might be a possibility.

[Whoaru99]

I agree with the recommendations of inexpensive. For what you're doing even the entry level computers these days have way more horsepower than you actually need.

[DTro]

Whenever I need a toss around laptop at home (every 2-3 years). I just find whatever is on sale at the time. Each one has usually been cheaper than the last and performed better.

[Invader440]

Might also want to check on refurbished laptops. I bought a refurbished Compaq Presario with a 250gb hard drive for $319 two years ago which I use when I go on long sports charters (school bus driver) or when I go to my parents house. I do recommend getting one with wifi built in. Comes in handy when traveling.