wilkes

A dual-core processor, 4GB of ram (rather than 2), and 64 bit Windows have the potential to boost performance quite noticably if you do "heavy lifing" like editing large photo files, video editing, audio mixing, etc.

If you don't...if you're just doing general computing...surfing the web, watching the occasional streaming video, doing e-mail, then it really doesn't matter that much. Even inexpensive processors these days can handle things like decoding of high definition video on-the-fly.

AMD Athlon II (and the older Athlon 64x2) processors pack a lot of power for general computing at a very low price...and these are dual-core processors.

Thanks for all the ideas folks. I got a little pissered with Best Buy, as the clerk tried to sell me a 2,000.00 laptop and I did not feel that necessary.
The laptop I use is an HP with a webcam and every bell and whistle imaginable, lots of stuff I have never used and probably never will. I had previously owned two Dell laptops, and I too had heard that service was not good these days.
I finally chose another HP today at Office Depot that I think will do the trick. It has everything but the webcam.
Appreciate all you guys for pitching in.

I agree with pk, and will add that if you are only running office apps then a single core 350mhz P2 will work just fine, and they stopped selling them in stores around 8 years ago.(please don't try to buy one).
It really depends on what you will want to do with it. If you plan to use Microsoft Office and web surfing then $299 will be just fine. If you want to do CAD or sound projects then the $2,000 might not be good enough.

Dell used to be the best. Their customer service is terrible now. Absolutely don't advise DELL at this time. This is coming from someone who learned by owning over 10 different Dell systems (including laptops) in recent years. HP has been reliable, except for their idiotic automatic system update system. I would say go with HP, Toshiba, or even some of the Acers for a Windows-based laptop right now.

Dell is the best...they now have 1 for 299.00

p**n!?

"I want a good machine, but I do not do the gaming."

Okay, I'll ask the appropriate question.

What will you be doing on this laptop, on a regular basis?

Well first never buy anything at Best Buy, well maybe CD's, but you wind up supporting their store. The $299 computer was a netbook, slow and small. If you want good laptop for good price, you buy AMD x2 processor or Intel Core 2 Duo processor NOT Intel Dual Core processor. The Intel Dual Core is junk whereas the Core 2 Duo is the best on the market with the exception of the Intel Core 2 Duo Quad Core. I was always AMD fan until recently. At Staples right now they have a Acer AMD x2 laptop for $379.98. You won't beat the price. It will probably not be in stock, don't let them talk you into different laptop, get them to find one and get in in for you.

If I were looking for a laptop, I would begin with reading the reviews from PC Magazine. They have historically been a reasonably reliable source of info ...

http://www.pcmag.com/catego...

I've bought a lot of stuff at Best Buy, but I do the research on my own first. The salespeople there will often lead you in the wrong direction. And don't ever buy the extended warranty - huge waste of money 99% of the time.

If you buy anything at Best Buy, be aware of their return policy.
They slap a 'restocking fee' on returns.

A good suggestion was to ask the guy the runs a website that doesn't have anything to do with laptops about which laptop to buy?

...whatever. Make sure whatever you buy can support at least 4gb of memory, has a 5 cell or larger battery (or you'll forever be plugging it in), has USB and PCMCIA/PCCard slots. Other than that, they are all a crapshoot - you can find both positive and negative reviews on ANY model laptop, just stick within your price range, buy whats on sale, and as much as you can afford and you'll be happy with anything. If not, return it for another model.

I would also like some advice on this as well.... I do a lot of photography so I need quite a bit of memory.

ant... you seriously need your attitude adjusted! No one asked for your two cents if you have nothing better to say. I think they made a pretty good suggestion.

airwolf41
Jason , here on GO wiikes would be a good person to ask. Since he does this sites.

And I personally drive a '92 Ranger, so if you ever need advice on purchasing a Ferrari, just let me know.

FYI - No geek is a geek in everything.

I shopped around also, and got some ideas, and figured out what i needed, and then ordered it from HP. Also they have good deals at this time of year,and online coupons.

Bought my first laptop 13 or 14 years ago and I used to obsess over specs, etc. The last couple I bought off the shelf, one at a big box store the other at Staples here locally. If you're a basic user the special order process is prob not necessary.

Look at what's on the shelf: write down prices, differences in processors, memory, etc and take the info home. Write it out in a form you can compare them more easily. Make a decision on what's acceptable. Then watch for sales. Can't imagine you'd need to spend more than $600 on the high end to take care of what you're wanting.

Jason , here on GO wiikes would be a good person to ask. Since he does this sites.

Thanks for that ScottieBoy. I hate to order anyting unseen. Can I go into a store and get what I need?

Log on to the HP web site,you can build your computer to meet your needs and price range.

Shopping for a new laptop. I want a good machine, but I do not do the gaming. I also want to spend what I need to spend, but do not want to mortgage the house to get it. LOL
Yesterday I went to Best Buy where they have one advertised for 299.00. It was a Toshiba, When I ask the clerk about it, he told me it was a single core processor and I would not be happy with it.
He proceeded to show me laptops that were 1,000 to 2,000. I left the store confused.
What kind of advice can you guys give me on brands, models, or whatever that is good for everyday use for an adult. Something that would work for download of lots of pictures etc, but not a gaming laptop. I appreciate your input. I posted on the tech site, but did not get any info as yet, so I figured you guys might be good enough to offer some suggestions quicker, as I am going back to look this afternoon,