I have a laptop currently, but the problem is that I can't move it around due to a product default that compaq had refused to fix and will not fix. If I plug/unplug the AC adaptor, the jack inside breaks and it costs me $200+ to fix for something that only takes 5 minutes to fix and I lose my laptop for weeks. The laptop (other than its size is great) and is running smoothly and w/o any problems (other than fear of AC jack breaking). So now I need a new laptop for school b/c I study in the library and need something to type up m day's notes on. Additionally, I need it to take my finals on b/c writing exams for 3 1/2 hours is not fun. I will mostly be using it for e-mails and notes so here are my requirements: Budget - $500-$700 (prefer closer to $500 b/c I am on a tight law school budget in an expensive city w/o a job) Built-In Webcam - My family is still in LA so I dont get to see them for like 4-5 months. This would be a great feature for me. I have thought about getting just a regular webcam, but the thought of having to carry it around w/ me to the library does not sound very pleasing. Outside of the budget/webcam, I am very open. Portability is high on my list b/c I have back problems and law school books are heavy. I have found some decent (i think) Acer w/in my budget: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9180236&type=product&id=1218046802791 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9173217&type=product&id=1218044029374 I also have found some macbooks for $600+ on craigslist, but I don't know if craigslist is something safe for a laptop purchase. Any/all help and advice is appreciated b/c I hate shopping and don't have much time. I also prefer to get this ASAP b/c my notes are piling up. If anyone else knows any nice deals online, i would appreciate that. Thanks
Ok, here is also a MacBook deal I found online. Good deal? intel core 2 duo 2.0 ghz macbook 13" white 80 gb hard drive, 1 gb ram, combo drive, isight webcam integrated and wireless internet and bluetooth in great condition, 14 months old no apple care left and no box. osx 10.5 intalled. The battery was replace six months ago so holds a good charge. Price is firm cash only and local pick up please. http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/sys/1015503253.html She sent me an e-mail and says there are no scratches/cosmetic damages and that I can inspect it if just to make sure.
Honestly, I wouldn't think it would be hard to meet those requirements right now. Core 2's and DDR2 RAM are dirt cheap, now that the i7 and DDR3 are out. I would caution you on the Acers that their screens usually suck. But other than that, not much to add...
The problem with the AC interface is pretty common; I used to see it on Fujitsu laptops a lot. IMO it's a design fault and the manufacturer should fix it free. I would hang on to the laptop and see if there's a class-action suit in the future. It's one of those fixes that's easy and fast if you have the skillset, in this case, soldering. If not, it costs you $200. You could also look on ebay to see if you can get a motherboard for it, but again, that's an easy/hard fix. Putting a motherboard into a laptop and then putting all of the screws, wires and components in properly so you can get the case back on is no easy task. Everything has to be perfect or you run into issues. As far as laptops go, you can't go wrong with a Dell. Go to their small business site and look at the Vostro line. They aren't pretty, but they're good for your money. Macs are sexy these days, but you need to look at functionality before you buy, especially if there are Windows-only law apps you will need to learn. Also, be VERY leery of any deals on Craigslist. If they want to use a proxy 'shipping' company to handle the deal, back out. There are tons of phishing scams out there. And when you buy used, you usualy don't have the warranty, which is super important with laptops.
To check the battery for yourself, click on the little apple in the upper left hand corner of the screen, select "about this mac", select "more info", select "power", See what the "full charge capacity (mAh)", is. If the battery is in really good shape, it should be 5500+. If it is significantly lower, than expect that you will have battery problems. That being said, if the battery is only 6 months old, if that value is low, Apple should replace it. Also check the cycle count.
Thanks for the advice everyone. It looks like I am leaning towards getting a MacBook from Craigslist b/c I have found some pretty good deals. If all else fails, I might go for the Acer, but I am not sure I want to deal w/ Vista since I have heard so much bad things about it. One of my friends told me the Black MacBook is better than the regular white one so I searched for some of those. ------------------------------------------------- It has 2gb ram and a 2.16 mhz processor. It's also got a superdrive, camera, bluetooth and wifi with a 160 gb hd. Price - $600 (might go lower) -------------------------------------------------- 180 GB 7200 RPM hard drive 4 GB Ram Mac OS X Version 10.5.6 Price - $600 ---------------------------------------------------- Is there any way to know how old the Mac? Is the serial on the bottom (letter followed by 4 numbers) indicates how old it is?
get a dell precision workstation from dell business outlet. half the price with same 3 year onsite warranty and durability.
