Computer illiterate/laptop

[smallwoods]

Dont get a Macbook! you just end up paying 3 times the price for exactly the same hardware - doesnt really make sense does it?

[scooterdan]

We have just bought a Macbook over a "Windows" Laptop......and IN MY OPINION they are far superior, in speed, quality , design and ease of use.

Dan

[lynsteve]

there are some good deals on lappys at HN at the moment, BUT, do cross check with the likes of Dick smith and Myers. We did that on the lappy and it was $225 cheaper at Myers, with the Tv's, one was cheaper at Myers the other at HN.

Stevo

[PhilC]

Mac = more expensive, but it'll just work
Windows = cheaper and will have a wider variety of games, windows 7 ain't bad - we have it on 3 machines and I can't complain

[GaryP]

I would recommend the cheap Acer on sale at HN at the moment, it comes with Windows 7 and after cashback I think it comes in at $798, alternatively and for probably a better made machine although a slightly lower spec Dell online are offering a standard home laptop for about $699 with all of the usual bits and Windows 7.

Macs are good, hardware is usually well made although quality has slipped lately. They are relatively easy to use but can be very fussy on working with certain peripherals, especially the latest version of OSX. Many drivers still don't support it properly. I wouldn't recommend a Mac for general use unless you had a specific need for one as more software is readily available for PC, you should also find it cheaper and easier to get support on a PC when things go wrong. (Whatever people say both Mac's and PC's both go wrong, a Mac used to be slightly more reliable but with latest version of Windows and OSX I don't reckon there is a lot in it!!)

Cheers

Gary

[orrelljet]

Hi Lindsey.

If you're looking for something with a good-sized screen a reasonable specs, Acer have a pretty good entry-level model for just under $700, in most stores (was previously closer to $800).

Officeworks | Acer 5742-372G32Mn Notebook

If Harvey Norman have the same model, they will pricematch Officeworks...

In any case, I'd definitely recommend you look for a laptop with one of the newer Core processors (i3, i5, i7) as the performance/value ratio is excellent and are a definite step up from the Core 2 Duo chips.

Justin.

[orrelljet]

...Have given up taking the tower back as it comes back having more problems than before...

If you want some help with the tower, let me know :)

J.

[wesandmel]

What ever you decide to buy remember to claim 50% back when you do your tax returns next time around. You can claim it back through eduction tax refund for your child.

If im wrong please say, but this is what i was able to do in this years tax returns.