Computer for teen

[FiveHole12]

Re: Computer for teen

So- went to look at the different options, had almost surely decided on the Dell - Studio Laptop with Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor - Black
Model: S1555-018B until I spoke with my bro just now who has a nephew who had an absolute horrible experience with the Studio model. 2 failures and gave up. Anyone have any input?

We recently trashed two Dells for 2 students... two year old machines. The battery connection came lose inside the machine so the laptops wouldn't recharge or run off electric power. Turns out the connection was connected to the motherboard... not fixable. Buy a new mother board, which is about the same as buying a new computer, and the same problem may occur down the road.

So we bought new laptops, made by HP... good machines, still running strong for 4 years now, double the time frame of the Dells. Dell wouldn't help in replacement with the motherboards, could care less we got a whole 2 years out of them. Dell may have fixed this problem since, but they wouldn't give us the time of day with the problem... so we're done with Dell forever here, FWIW.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Computer for teen

Sadly I had the same type of experience with my HP(s). I went thru 4 befpre I gave up. That is why the service plan was so awsome.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Computer for teen

(No more HP for me!)

LOL... we have differing opinions.

Personally, I have owned Mac's since 1987, and have run my company on them since that time.
We had to break down last November and by a slow-poke Windows machine for the company because of some specialty software that would only run on Windows. Thankfully, we only use that machine for that service alone (and I won't go near it ).
You want a good 'puter? Buy a Mac. My Mac laptop travels daily and never skips a beat. The desktops are faster than lightning.
I still have my original 1986 MacIntosh Plus stashed away somewhere in a box. Still ran like a champ when we shelved it.
The kids get the cheaper Windows machines because, well, I have three kids, and I ain't that rich.

Edit: Have owned many Macs since '87... have always been an upgrade, never a replacement for a machine that went down. Worth the extra money to me. My wife is wondering when I'm gonna trash all those old Mac's I have stored away... "Never! They still work!"

 

[leswp1]

Re: Computer for teen

Everything I have here is not Mac based. Too much to switch.

 

[Boosh]

Re: Computer for teen



It'll keep him from downloading too much porn, and its cheap

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: Computer for teen

It'll keep him from downloading too much porn, and its cheap

 

[zamboni crash-test dummy]

Re: Computer for teen

Have you looked at Dell's website? The classic way to buy a Dell is through their site, and you may find other models that you like better.

And on that note, here's my 2 cents: a lot of big companies have discount programs with Dell. My current employer and previous employer, for example. Check with your HR department - if they don't offer one then maybe someone you know works for a company that does.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Computer for teen

And on that note, here's my 2 cents: a lot of big companies have discount programs with Dell. My current employer and previous employer, for example. Check with your HR department - if they don't offer one then maybe someone you know works for a company that does.

Thanks, that is a great tip. My 'company is < 10 no joy there. My bro works for IBM. ditto.

Spent some time finding reviews last night. The model I am looking for has not much at all. THe previous 'Studio' models had either raving reviews or stories about the crash and burn like my bro nephew. There were enough of the complete failure stories to give me pause but the newer model with the larger screen had nothing but good stuff. Now I am more unsure than ever

 

[hockeyplayer1015]

Re: Computer for teen

Thanks, that is a great tip. My 'company is < 10 no joy there. My bro works for IBM. ditto.

Spent some time finding reviews last night. The model I am looking for has not much at all. THe previous 'Studio' models had either raving reviews or stories about the crash and burn like my bro nephew. There were enough of the complete failure stories to give me pause but the newer model with the larger screen had nothing but good stuff. Now I am more unsure than ever

It's really worth looking around hard for deals and thoroughly reading reviews from various sites, since it's a pretty big purchase.

I have a Fujitsu Lifebook, have had it for almost 2 years now and not a single problem. Came with pretty much more bells and whistles than you want, but I'm pretty sure they have more basic models.

Newegg and TigerDirect might help you get a wider assortment of choices as well, and I'll add that Newegg's customer service is top notch and often will replace anything no questions asked more often than not.

edit: just got a Newegg specials email, and this was one of them. Only 2 reviews on there right now, but might be worth some research, as Lenovo (IBM) makes really nice laptops, and it looks like it has the essentials you wanted. Only 'downside?' might be it has Vista Business 'downgraded' to XP Pro, which many will say is probably an upgrade. So it might not be great for longevity depending on how long MS plans on supporting XP with updates.

 

[leswp1]

Re: Computer for teen

Thanks

 

[leswp1]

Re: Computer for teen

Bought the laptop. Ended up with a Sony. The Dell model I had been looking at turned out to e brand new but the last model was a nightmare when I asked around and looked it up on a few sites. Toshiba had great prices but HUGE screens. Limited by shipping and sales tax if I didn't do a store model which added sig cash.

Thanks all for your help!