Clueless when shopping for a laptop, HELP!

2muchcoffeeman · 05-31-2012, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyseternalangel

I'm not sure what you mean by "no need for antivirus or any of that nonsense"

If you mean you don't need anti virus software, then you're wrong. Viruses these days can get past the firewall as they appear relatively harmless but infact can spy and corrupt your entire system...... so you need to have active programs that look for the little buggers or you'll end up in a world of hurt.

And if you mean the pre-loaded crap that comes with most laptops.. it's really easy to clean that off.

kindredspirit is a Mac snob, which is fine. Macs are excellent computers both in terms of hardware and software, and they don't ship with the crapware that most Windows vendors stick you with.

But even Mac snobs need antivirus software:

New Mac malware epidemic exploits weaknesses in Apple ecosystem | ZDNet (story about the Flashback exploit for Java which took Apple months to fix)

1 in 5 Macs has malware on it. Does yours? | Naked Security

The Mac�s Malware Problem Just Got A Lot Worse & Okay, Maybe This Mac Security Problem is Real (stories about MacGuard/Mac Protector malware/phishing scam amalgam)

CLaPorte432 · 05-31-2012, 06:20 PM

I have an HP and I love it. My battery lasts for approximately 4 hours.

redpony · 05-31-2012, 07:07 PM

The best place to find reviews that I have found is Product reviews and prices, software downloads, and tech news - CNET not just for laptops but for most electronics. They also have freeware downloads and I also recommend AVG, its free and seems to work well. I purchased a new laptop last fall, an HP and I love it!
Posted via Mobile Device

Prinella · 05-31-2012, 07:24 PM

Also take into account the size and weight of the machine. If you're going to lug it around uni get something LIGHT. Frequently these days the lappy stays home it's just too darn heavy! So I take my iPad.

Yes I'm a Mac fan but have no issues with pcs whatsoever. I'm looking at a MacBook air ATM. The customer support is AMAZING and the extended apple care is a must!

Size is another factor and there's a big range with laptops, will this be your main computer or just a mobile workstation?

RAM as has been mentioned minimum 4gb

Hard drive space is another biggy.

I have a compaq at the moment and it's done quite well for the last 5 years.
Posted via Mobile Device

jinxremoving · 05-31-2012, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redpony

The best place to find reviews that I have found is Product reviews and prices, software downloads, and tech news - CNET not just for laptops but for most electronics. They also have freeware downloads and I also recommend AVG, its free and seems to work well. I purchased a new laptop last fall, an HP and I love it!
Posted via Mobile Device

Windows users should get Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free and in reputable AV tests show that it's right up there with the big guys who make you pay for their Anti Virus software. :)

2muchcoffeeman · 06-01-2012, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jinxremoving

Windows users should get Microsoft Security Essentials. It's free and in reputable AV tests show that it's right up there with the big guys who make you pay for their Anti Virus software. :)

It's better than the competition, actually (and I thought I'd never say that about any MS product). It uses less of your computer's resources (processor, storage, memory) than its competitors and does the job just as well.

redpony · 06-01-2012, 07:44 AM

Oooooo!! Gotta try it,sounds great! Thanks for the info
Posted via Mobile Device

Bobby Lee · 06-05-2012, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~*~anebel~*~

I recently bought a Sony VAIO Core i5 and I love it. I use it for all my work and school stuff and also run horseshows on it. It is the only computer I use, including running Abacus (finite element modelling program) and I have no issues with it. I got it on sale too :P The one that I have comes in black, white and pink and I have the pink one :)

I have the same one (not pink lol), yeah its ok but they are a bit more expensive.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search