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Laptop help - Anon

Posted: Jul 28, 2011

After being driven out of my house to a motel for 5 days last week due to the heat (94 degrees even with a small a/c, I think the time is here to get a laptop. I discovered the motel does have internet access. It's supposed to be 100 tomorrow.

I need suggestions in choosing. Since I have to have Windows XP, I'm limited to getting a refurb online. There are lots out there, but mostly Dells, with widely varying models and prices. I know I want something with a few USB ports, a port for my headset, and a power cable.

Anybody have any recommendations on brand, model, and reputable online dealer? I know you guys will have answers for me!

Thanks.

I would recommend a Toshiba - (SM)

[ In Reply To ..]
They are very reliable and they have some basic models with a lot of features. I would also recommended getting one with a video out port so you can hook a full sized monitor to it. You can also hook a standard keyboard and mouse to the USB ports and not have feel "cramped" when working. Make sure it has at least 3 USB ports if you want to do this; 1 for the keyboard, 1 for the mouse and 1 for the foot pedal.

I have been working on a laptop for a couple of years now with this setup and I have had no problems. It rarely even occurs to me that I am working on a laptop.

Oh, also don't forget that your computer needs to have an internal wireless card or an Ethernet port for your Internet connection. You can buy a wireless USB device on e-Bay for as low as $10 but one of those obviously will take up a USB port, so keep that in mind.

Good luck!

Exactly - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Thanks! This is exactly what I want. I've only heard good things about Toshiba, but it seems like Dells are Everywhere when looking for something with Win XP. I don't like Dells!

I definitely want the ports as you describe them - so I can use my big ergo keyboard, mouse with a magnifying button, foot pedal, etc. I won't be using this as my "main computer," but it will be nice if/when I have to abandon my ungodly hot house for a nice cool motel!

Thanks for taking the time to help me!

You can buy XP - on e-Bay sm

[ In Reply To ..]
You can buy an XP Upgrade for about $50 and a full version for about $150. The upgrade works with any version of Windows from '98 on up. So, if you have an older version of Windows, just format the hard drive, install the old version of Windows it and then install the XP upgrade on top of that. Just make sure you run Windows Update right after the installation to get all the security upgrades and service packs. If all that is too much tech stuff for you, take it to your local computer repair shop and they will do it for a fee, which of course depends on the shop you take it to. Hope that helps.

Upgrade - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
My problem isn't upgrading to XP, but downgrading to XP. All the new computers have Win 7, but I can't use 64 bit OS. Even the "fancy" Win 7 where you can choose between 32 bit and 64 bit doesn't work all that well with DocQscribe, so I'm forever condemned to buying refurbs with XP.

I know what you mean - mine came with Vista

[ In Reply To ..]
The day I brought my laptop home from Best Buy, my son wiped the hard drive clean to get rid of Vista. Then he installed an old copy of Windows 98 we had laying around from an old computer. Then he installed XP from an XP upgrade disk we bought on e-Bay. The XP Upgrade disk was more than $50 then but it was still worth it rather than having to deal with Vista.

I hope all of that makes sense.

Of course, It would be easier to just buy the full version of XP for $150 because there are less steps involved in installing it. You could install that copy of XP on any machine, old or new. A lot of people do not like Vista or Windows 7 , so downgrading to XP is actually pretty common.

anon - I have an HP, came with XP loaded with an option - mtme

[ In Reply To ..]
to upgrade to Vista if/when needed/wanted. I have had no problems whatsoever with my HP. I can plug in ro internet or not. I can work off battery or plug the laptop in.

Batteries - there are 6, 9, and 12-hour batteries. They rechage every time you are plugged in to the wall socket. BUT like anything, they have a life limit and my 6-hour battery lasted a year of using/recharging before I needed a new one. I never bought one, I just plug in - but that's me.

Ports - I have enough for keyboard, mouse, etc., but if you need more, there are adaptors to give you more ports. I, myself, will be getting a separate number pad device so I can get rid of the keyboard and still have a number pad, and the one I want comes with 2 extra ports on it.

I would go with dual-core - it runs smoother. go to some store and have them explain that one because I cannot. All I know is, with all the programs I need to have open to work this zoo - much better operation. that, and more than enough memory.

I keep my computers a long enough to outdate myself - HP is solid and lasts, plus, the refurbished ones are really sturdy because they were built to begin with for the businessman, not the "kids" in school.

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