Re: Which New Notebook To Purchase - Help
- From: "Kevin" <webman6@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2006 19:27:23 -0800
"Quaoar" <quaoar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:D6idnccy0O-mjLbZnZ2dnUVZ_tydnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sam wrote:
I am helping someone to determine which Notebook computer to purchase,
for use in the preparation of starting a new business (wine store). The
plan is to use the computer for putting together a business plan and then
beginning the initial setup of QuickBooks Premier (Retail Edition for
2006). I don't have any experience with notebooks but do have more than
an average understanding of desktops.
Initially this person wanted to spend only $1000.00 for the new notebook
but I convinced her to increase the amount to $1500.00. My suggestions
were as follows: CPU 1.8GH minimum, HD 60GB, CD/DVD Burner, Windows XP
Home, Reinstallation CD for windows, 1GB Ram memory, 15.4 inch Ultra
Sharp Wide Screen SXGA with Display with TrueLife, Wireless Networking
Card, Video Card of 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon (or something similar), and
Hardware and Accidental Warranty of at least one year with At-Home
Service. I also recommended that the following software be installed
when she receives the computer: NAV 2006, Sunbelt CounterSpy, BoClean,
and SpywareBlaster (and maybe ZAPRO).
My initial concern about the notebook is whether it will have enough
power to run the various software programs, especially QuickBooks. I am
thinking maybe the CPU should be as a minimum of 2.0GH?? I am hoping
that the 1GB Ram memory will enable the software to run faster that a
snails pace. She will also need to print off of the laptop as well,
since at this point she does not have a desktop. Regarding the brand and
model, my initial suggestion was Dell since my last three computers have
been with Dell and I have been happy with the purchases and support
overall. So I may be a bit biased as to what my experience happens to
be. However, I can remember some comments about the IBM laptops being of
high quality, but suspect they may be rather expensive.
Any suggestions, recommendations, and comments would be very much
appreciated as to computer manufacturers, models, hardware
specifications, etc. I realize that the notebook is a different animal
compared to the desktop and so don't want to mislead this person. Thanks
for any help, Sam.
IMO, you have somewhat over specified (read $$) for general office
applications. For example, the ATI graphics is unnecessary, 512MB RAM is
sufficient. Your vision of notebook computers as "slow" is a few years
old.
Q
I would take that $1500 that you have for a budget and use it to purchase
both a desktop and a laptop computer. You can easily get both from Dell as
they are currently running some very good specials. Your friend can then
take the laptop home to do work on when needed.
Look at the Dell Small Business website and check out the Dimension 9150.
Currently offered at $879. Bump the RAM up to a full 1.0 GB and you can
still stay well under $1000 for the system, and that includes a 19 inch LCD
monitor. I would also consider the Dimension 5150, starting at $659. I
would try to configure either machine with a dedicated graphics card and
minimum of 512 MB of RAM.
Then look at their laptops. They are currently running the Inspiron 6400 at
$749. The other poster is correct in that most of the current laptops are
perfectly capable of running applications like QuickBooks without a
dedicated graphics card. But, if you are going to spend $1500, buy the most
machine you can get for that money.
Also do not forget to check out the Dell Outlet. They have some incredible
deals there and that $1500 could get you a couple of very good systems.
As far as security software is concerned, I would not use anything from
Symantec. In fact, you don't have to spend a dime to get very good security
software. You can use the free edition of AVG Anti-Virus, the free version
of Zone Alarm, Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware. All totally free of
charge and all very good.
.
- References:
- Which New Notebook To Purchase - Help
- From: Sam
- Re: Which New Notebook To Purchase - Help
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