Regardless of the systems spec, you should get to handle the thing- Does the screen hinge break/bend if you hold the thing out horizontally by the 'top' corner of the screen - does the mousepad work well for the prospective user, or would they do better with a trackball is it to be used for music/video entertainment - if so are the audio controls easy to access with the thing shut - where do the earphones plug in
The thing needs to be carried around all day - so size, weight battery life and robustness (especially the hinge) are priorities - but watch out for easily operated CD drive opener -they break easily if they cannot open/shut because they are obstructed by their case, or the users clothing. Also check for cooling vents/heat dispersal areas of the case - not much good if they are obstructed when the thing isn't on a desk/tabletop. Then perhaps add in a large screen - for use as in-residence TV/display, - full size keyboard, TV tuner, and mouse - together with wireless USB connector - perhaps it's better to avoid wireless around the campus, unless the campus provides net connectivity for students. Also - add in a separate battery and charger - weighty to carry perhaps but for a full day probably worth it. And - a reasonable laser printer - mono will probably do Not sure a RAM DVD is needed with a large hard drive, I'd say stick to writing session type DVD's as backups - 1 a day, usually written to -RW media so they can be re-used . also - perhaps a weekly + or -R as a permanent record. Not forgetting a couple of images of the system for when it gets wiped by the friendly room-mate/visitor Re card reader - USB devices are fairly cheap - perhaps better to consider Firewire and number of USB connections to be more important - as would be a good webcam - I use an AIPTEC videocam that does VGA video - includes sound, 5Mp stills - shame about the shutter speed, and only 4x digital zoom - but it will also function as stand alone video or still camera to 1Gb SD card and for only £70 (remember UK exchange rate for IT kit £1.4 = $1.00) Sometimes the boardwork from lectures may be the key to a whole session - and a good MP3 recorder with directional mike a real blessing Then - what firewall, AV and 'office' applications will you use/ install Picture management, DTP, JimB ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rich Koziol" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 11, 2006 6:56 PM Subject: New Laptop suggestion? > Hi All, > > I have no feel at all for what to get, or not to get. I know it's a silly question, but I have not shopped for a long time. > > This is a "going to college" GP laptop, for a young lady, with no extreme requirements. Should be <$1000 and should have DVD burner and multi memory card reader, WiFi adapter. I think cordless mouse would have to be bought separatly. > > Rich -- ---------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is your picture included in the Official Win-Home List Members Profiles Page? http://www.besteffort.com/winhome/Profiles.html If not, write to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
