Shopping for a new computer questions

Smokeeater 38

I thinking about getting a new computer and I have some questions about some of the options that I may want. I'm thinking about a laptop, I've always had desktops at home, but have used them at work.

What is the difference between a DVD burner and DVD/CD-RW Drive? I would like to be able to put stuff on to CD's and watch movies on my laptop.

How does the Wireless Internet work? Do I have to have certain software or hardware? I know that lots of hotels are offering wireless connections can I hook in to any of them?

I'm not looking to get the top of the line. I just do word processing, PowerPoint and Internet surfing, nothing that needs to have super fast or large processors.

Feel free to let me know what else you think I may want in one or what to stay away from. Plus, any good deals you know of.

Thanks

n/a

DVD burner will burn DVD&cd DVD/CD-R-RW will only burn CD's

Wireless INTERNET is good if you travel alot and stay at motels that offer the service. For at home you will have to set up a wi-fi system. Most laptops now have built in wi-fi INTERNET so no special thing is needed there.

I recommend buying a little more system than you think you will need. just so as you grow it will accommodate you.

fishkiller41

www.a1000.com Is where i buy all the parts i need to build my own. They will also custom build whatever you want,and do it for about 2/3 the money you'll spend in the superstores.They will ship anywhere as well at the lowest shipping rate possable.Hope you'll giv'em a look-see..
Jeff

spurgemastur

Most wireless cards are now 802.11b and 802.11g compatible. Make sure you get dual compatibility.

You don't need a DVD burner unless you want to burn DVDs.

Stay away from Compaq and HP. I don't know any happy customers of those brands. I'm happy with my Dell. People with Sony's seem to be happy with them but I've never owned one.

It doesn't sound like you need much computing power but the software companies are terrific at upgrading their software so that next year's release is incredibly slow on last year's computer. Buy a little more than you think you need.

Don't skimp on the RAM memory. More memory is the cheapest way to improve performance.

And finally, if you anticipate using a laptop on the road, upgrade the battery. Many computers ship with batteries that are just about worthless.

gagirl

Just got a Toshiba Tecra Tablet a couple months ago. Jeeze do I love this thing!!!! It is the only computer I work on now. Guy who works for me got one right after I got mine. Check out Toshiba Direct I got great service and have a wonderful computer too.

n/a

I have a laptop that I bought from Fry's Electronics. It is there house brand and it works real good and was very cheep. If you have one of these stores near you check them out.

Frogbert

Here's a link you can select where you might get agood deal on that Toshiba and where you can really learn a lot about what's available by surfing around. They have a lot of educational material that answers these questions you have.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/

I bought my refurbished Gateway from them and they treated me right.