Cheap, reliable and easy to use notebook. Any suggestions on brand name, and model no.?

Question

I want to buy a notebook for my mom that is very simple to use, cheap and reliable. Not too fancy. I am an average 'computer geek' and my mom doesn't know how to use a laptop.

Hence, I am looking for a laptop that can store pictures (good/reasonable hard disk capacity), can play songs with good sound (speakers), can connect to the internet wirelessly, has the slot on the side that can be used to connect to the TV and nothing too tech (because that is all my mom needs). Also, it should have a good DVD drive so she can burn picture albums and stuff like that. It should have a fast processor, thats pretty much it. Doesnt matter if it cant run high graphics games. Nothing heavy duty.

And yeah, it should have a good keyboard and should be sturdy. Nothing fancy in its looks, or the screen or any latest technologies. Just reliable and easy in its workings, (and preferably, no VISTA; or a better version of it), with minimum junkware (spyware, adware) on the computer and upgrade messages. Decent battery life about 2-3 hours. Easy to install software, no license agreements and stuff like that.

My budget is from $500 to $800. I personally dont like HP because its prices are way over the top, and dont offer that much. I like the Dell Vostro 1400 series; but as my brother already has this, would like some other choices as well.

Answer 1

Im reading "easy to install software, no license agreements and stuff" and i can easily say no such thing exists. Or nothing that works well and that i haven't come across of. Everything usually has somesort of legal notice, etc. I think If you go to Best Buy (not sure) you should be able to find one that works with your budget.

Im not sure though, i'm no computer geek.

Just make a list, ask the geek squad or w/e for help, and hope for the best.

Answer 2

A dell Inspiron would be good for you.  The only problem is that no company will offer XP on the computer.  If you do get a Vostro, you may be able to find somthing called "downgrade rights."  This allows you do downgrade to XP (it's an upgrade to me) and then upgrade (downgrade to me) back to Vista whenever you want.  Also, if you want my opinion on specs, here they are

*Intel core 2 duo 2.0 ghz or more

*320 gb hard drive or more

*2 to 3 gb of ram a.k.a. memory (no more than 3 if you intend to stay with XP)

*CD / DVD Writer optical drive

*Dell Wireless 1505 Wireless-N Mini-card

*Verizon Wireless built-in cellular mobile broadband (not required but helpful)

*9 cell battery (suggested but not required)

*Logitech V220 Cordless Optical Mouse

*Creative Labs T10 Speakers

Answer 3

acer aspire 5920g which is the best gameston ever and cheepest