Laptop for my Parent ~ $500-$600

abrinkma on 21/08/2013 - 17:49

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a computer for my parents, they have an OLD Pentium III or IV desktop, that desperately needs replacing.

They aren't after anything special just use it to browse the internet/emails/facebook/Skype but (as with their last computer) they want it to last a while. Mainly to be used at home, but they do travel a little.

I've had a quick look and this is what I've come up with, am I on the right track or should I be considering something else?

All help is much appreciated.

ThinkPad Edge E330 Laptop - 13.3" 1.8Kg
$599

Lenovo B590 - 15.6" 2.5Kg
$599

Asus Ultralight X502CA-XX004H - 15.6" 1.86Kg
$522

  • CPU: Intel 3rd Generation Core i3-3217U 1.80GHz
  • OS: Windows 8 64bit
  • RAM: 4GB DDR3
  • HDD: 500GB SATA
  • Graphic: Intel HD Graphics Integrated VGA
  • Screen: 15.6? LED Screen
  • Expansion: USB3.0Instant On1.86kg Wi? 11NCard ReaderHDMISpeaker,Mic.Webcam*Mini D-Sub
  • http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=11387
Computing 13.3inch 15.6inch ASUS Computer Laptop Lenovo ThinkPad

Comments

  • zelda707 on 21/08/2013 - 18:19
    +1

    if it's just for for basic uses i doubt you will need an i5

  • scrimshaw on 21/08/2013 - 19:22
    +3

    The Edge is a decent laptop, but I find the touchpad a little frustrating to use.

    Get something else from MSY. For a traveling laptop, it's best for it to be lightweight (ditch the DVD drive).

    If you need a DVD drive, there is a JB Hifi Factory Scoop on offer ($25 bucks)
    http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/computers-laptops/computer-ac…

    As for specifications, the CPU isn't all that important for a Facebook machine so I reckon you should go for the slightly lower end version of the ASUS, Asus Ultralight X502CA-XX075 for $479 via MSY.

    What I'd do is replace the hard drive with a 240GB Solid State drive (Samsung preferably). It's really optional but it does vastly improve the user experience of any laptop.

  • Daabido on 22/08/2013 - 07:22

    That's some nice research on available options. In reality, your parents won't give two cents about specs.

    Bigger screen will always be appreciated over a smaller screen. Find out if they have ever used the DVD drive on their computer and then you will know how valuable it is. Finally, if they are used to Windows 7 or Vista or XP, then the Windows 7 machine might be more user friendly than the Windows 8 machine. Though this should change slightly with the update that MS is bringing out shortly.

    Don't save 700 grams just to give them a smaller screen and if they do use a DVD drive, don't make them use an external because it will never be used. I have been through this process many times.

  • scotty on 22/08/2013 - 14:09

    Agree with both zelda and scrimshaw —

    • For basic use, i3 is fast enough.
    • Ditch the DVD and go for light weight ones. You'll find people use it a lot more when it's easier to carry around.

    And don't buy from Lenovo's website unless there's a discount coupon (which comes around almost every week).

  • abrinkma on 25/08/2013 - 15:26

    thanks for the help everyone, picked up one from the Dick Smith deals https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/114358

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