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I need a new computer for my home business. I admit, I really don't know much about computers. I am looking for a simple computer to do video conferencing (Skype) and just write/print/e-mail simple documents. That's it. Recommendations? What would you recommend for very basic use? Right now, I'm using an old Dell (XPS M1210).
Aside from it being old and slow with a tiny screen, do you like your current laptop?
What is your budget?
Yes, it's fine, just old and slow (and missing several keys but that is not the computer's fault!). My would prefer to stay under $1000 (anything under $500 would be cool) but I have not bought a computer since 2006, so I really do not know what reasonable prices are.
Heck, any laptop will do then. Just look for a display size you want (15.6" is typical) an Intel i3-i5-i7 processor (the higher the better, but more expensive) and at least 4GB RAM and you should be able to find it in/around $500. I like Lenovos and Toshibas but everyone have their preferences. Check out each manufacturer's outlets as well to save even more $.
When you start a search and get results, look to the left and change the time frame to a week at most. The majority of the deals there are gone in a few days.
I have seen some really good deals at staples.com so you might wish to check their weekly flyers. If you join their rewards program then they sometimes also have $100 or more off coupons in their emails. My wife and I have bought quite a few laptops from them over the years.
Laptop or Desktop?
If laptop, then how large a screen. Bigger is easier to use, but nastier to carry around.
You really don't are about processor speed.
You do care about memory (4GB and up).
You should really care about screen quality as it is what you actually look at.
Windows 7 or Windows 8? Or maybe time to consider a Mac?
laptop? I'm a fan of apple laptops (of course - maybe the macbook air?) but they're not exactly cheap, but then cheap laptops aren't very reliable IMHO.
Windows 8 is something you should try in shop before hand btw, most people hate it. Windows 7 is still around but mainly on business laptops.
Last edited by archineer; 09-06-2013 at 11:58 AM..
I need a new computer for my home business. I admit, I really don't know much about computers. I am looking for a simple computer to do video conferencing (Skype) and just write/print/e-mail simple documents. That's it. Recommendations? What would you recommend for very basic use? Right now, I'm using an old Dell (XPS M1210).
what is your budget? if you are thinking about to save some money also then go for discount coupons, it will help you.
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Think fundamentals first
