my parents might get me a labtop. i dont know anything about them. can u tell me how to care for it and use them and stuff...\n\n\nthank u so much
206179
You laptop should come with a care and instruction manual. When it comes to actually operating it, it won't be much different than using the computer you are on right now. Just bear in mind that you need to keep the battery charged.
650274
I suggest you figure out what you are going to being using the laptop for and how much you have budgeted.  If it will only be used an hour or so every few days and you only plan on browsing web pages and doing e-mail an old refurbished laptop for $300 might work fine.  If at the other extreme you are a gamer and need a very fast CPU, lots and lots of RAM and a graphics chip then $3000 might be required.  If you travel all the time the battery life and size might be the most important consideration.
267128
It's an interesting topic, one to get student's thinking.\n\nI can see a laptop being useful, not the other items.\n\nI plan on going back to school and want to buy a laptop for a few reasons. One, taking notes cramps my hand severely (carpal tunnel acts up with a lot of writing). I can type way faster than I can write, with no hand cramps.  I also need to do research papers, and again, taking notes in the library is time consuming and hand cramping.  \n\nI also plan on taking online classes, and having a laptop will let me log in and take the classes at home, in the library or when I travel.  My desktop computer gets used by other family members, is not portable, so I need my very own computer.\n\nSince all papers need to be typed, a computer of one's own is very, very useful. \n\nYes, you can do all the above without a computer, and when I went through school and got my BA in the years, bc (before computer), I used a typewriter and had to retype things, splice them together, type again, use whiteout, cut and paste using scissors and glue (literally).  The computer makes all that obsolete.\n\nLaptop, definately. \n\nipod?  nah.  just put music on the computer. and buy a computer that plays dvd movies too.\n\ndistracting?  Anything can be distracting, even something like your own thoughts. Distractions will always be available, it's a matter of self-discipline.\n\n\nHave fun with your paper.
135237
Got Parents ??? Use them, thats why they're there. Otherwise talk to a trusted adult. Don't rely on your friends for misinformation.
402320
Sure, I'll just let my kids go without Christmas presents this year and send that laptop right to ya.\n\nSeriously, if you get even a part-time job, and save all your earnings, you'll have enough to buy yourself a new laptop in no time.
554700
If you have room, get a desktop. You'll have more power and more memory in general, plus it won't fry if you drop some crumbs on it.
560055
Dear friend,\n          See i will tell you something about computer. They are just like small kids need to handle them very carefully and think what they think. I mean to say that just see that your all programs are installed properly, talking about software they need to be updated and talking about hardware just clean u system once in a week. and try to understand them. rest if you have any problem email me i will help u Hardware and Software
120285
Howdy there!\n\nIt depends -- I bought 2 laptops in my life.  The first one in around year 2000, and the second one in 2005.  The 2005 laptop costed only $1200.00 and had great battery life, and very good specs.  I am very satisfied that notebooks are becoming a very viable solution for even home purposes.  Even cheaper laptops are quite nice.\n\nIf you are interested in hooking a MASSIVE amount of kids up with a computer that can do alot of things -- made for education -- look here: http://laptop.media.mit.edu/\n\nIf you are just an average joe, let me tell you a few things to look for in finding you the perfect laptop...\n\nFirstly, at this day and age, it's hard to find a bad laptop to do the basics -- what I mean by this is: Pretty much every computer on today's modern market will fulfill your basic educational needs.  Here are some specifications you should look for, as a mininum.\n\n- Pentium 4 Processor OR Pentium M (centrino) If you travel without the laptop plugged in.\n- 512mb of ram (I don't know how big your schematics are, but 1gb of ram offers you alot of freedom.\n- USB and ports VGA - You want to make sure this laptop can have a real mouse extended to it for when your working at home. A VGA Extension is great for dualscreen work or working on a bigger monitor.\n- Monitor Size - 14.4" + at least. WSXGA, or WXGA+ because you NEED to have a monitor with flexible resolutions.. For this WSXGA and WXGA+ fit the job perfectly.\n\nI think you should check out some of these review sites.. And if it all possible: SEE the model that interests you in REAL life, then look online for the best deal. If move swiftly, you'll have a laptop you love, and a great deal -- I am very confident that you will succeed. :)
192228
it's very important that the hard drive be thoroughly "cleaned" first.  I don't mean to blow out the dust -- I mean to erase all the data, and possibly reinstall Windows if you think the computer may be useful to someone.\n\nSchools may accept them, or possibly Goodwill.  There are companies that will accept computers and related hardware and give it to charities for you.  If you let us know the general area where you live (Toledo, Phoenix, Glasgow?) someone may have more specific ideas.
478351
trust me on this. HP Compaq (theyre one company) is CRAP. my brpther has an hp laptop, hes had it for less than a year but hes had 2 reformat (completely erase ) the hard drive and reinstall xp twice already as for compaq ive used compaq computers before and they are a pain in the @$$ my advice to u is get either a dell (that battery thing wasnt their fault it was sony's), toshiba, fujitsu siemens, or acer.
50258
Buy her a "grounded-free pass" from her parents, to be used on a one-time basis for a "minor unintentional infraction" when and if needed!!!    Make up a lil' creative pass (i.e. a get out of a minor fraction pass on your computer) say what it is for on it, dress it up nicely, put the dollar value on it, have her parents agree to it/sign it, etc., etc.   In short, get everyone involved in the deal/fun.   Fork over the money to her parents and leave it up to them as to what they want to do with it and how and what to spend on.   It's totally creative, memorable, will make everyone laugh and talk about it for years, and will get you liked by everyone, etc.    Just a word of caution:  If you think her parents do NOT have a sufficient enough sense of humor for this sort of fun then forget it and do something else instead.
254270
Get a fairly affordable one with about 30GB memory, i have a Dell laptop since my uni days, still going strong. Laptops are also much handier, you can lug them around to the library with you, and back to your family home. I think thats the best option.
473545
First of all, you need to to know what are the functions you want in a laptop. In other words, you must know what will you be doing with your laptop. \n\nOf course, if your budget is not a major problem I'm sure the salesperson can help you in choosing the right one for your needs. The first laptop I bought doesn't have the function to burn music into the disc so I have to buy an external CD burner. \n\nSo, you should shop around, read about different kinds of laptop and its functions or ask for opinion from friends who are well-versed in computer.
354248
Don't worry about it and don't lower yourself to their level.  Get something small for the grandparents from your kids. Stick to your budget or what you can afford.  If someone doesn't want to get you a present chances are if they were made to pick something out it would be crap anyway.
311940
I recommend a Dell Laptop (their tech support is cool! and they have a HUGE student discount). I would recommend that you volunteer for a community service organization for 20 hours a week, like Boys & Girls Club or Adult Literacy Campaign, instead of getting a job. If you need a job, apply in retail (NOT FAST FOOD!) As for a car, I recommend Saturn vehicles. They're the safest on the road, very affordable, and have nice stereos in them. For a sport I recommend martial arts or gymnastics (even for a guy!). Competition is very heavy in most sports, so pick one that you can actually get something out of! As for cellular service, I use Sprint and I love it.
62741
this site I found is complete with all the answers on laptop computers and contains tons of information on specific subjects and detailed eplanations of problems frequently associated with laptops, and buying a new laptop computer, really helpful.\n\nhttp://imedia.atspace.com/laptopanswers.htm\n\nI really hope you find this site useful.
676691
Nowadays, I believe computer basic skills are typing letters/book, spreadsheet, email, and Internet. If you have a computer that can do all of them, you should be good to go.\n\nFrom your description, I would say get a basic to medium kind of laptop. The reason is you want to buy a laptop that can last for at least several years...and more important thing is RELIABILITY factor.\n\nAbout the internet, even though you don't need it right now, I would say consider to have it in your laptop. Maybe next year you decide to have one, and you dont have to upgrade your laptop. Just a thought...\n\nKeep in mind, when you buy a laptop, you want something that:\n\n1. has good support --> very important\n2. dependable --> very important\n3. has capability to perform typing letters, budgeting (using spreadsheet), and email/internet. Photo viewing is optional.\n\n\nYou can shop around based on the following spec as starting point:\n\nPentium 4 or Pentium Centrino (if you want wireless internet capability or be mobile)\nRam min 512 MB (I have seen some sell for 256 MB for less price, do not fall into it. 256 MB is just way too slow)\nHD min 20 GB\nEthernet port (this is for wired internet, definetely you want to have it for future use)\nScreen min 14 inch (feel sorry for your eyes if they have to stare at small screen while you are typing 100 or more pages)\n\nHope it helps...