Help with a computer for my parents?

[elwesso]

So my parents are going to be upgrading computers.. Essentially they use it for the internet and other basic stuff like MS office.

They want a laptop, but get a docking station to go with it so they can use it as a desktop if they type out a long email or something like that...

Any suggestions? I would probably buy from TigerDirect unless someone has a better idea.

[Otto.]

Price range?

[elwesso]

probably up to about 700 or so.

[Acecool]

1) A laptop is only an extension to your desktop.2) The lifespan of a laptop is 3 years... after 3 years get rid of it because it will let you down!

[AZ89two4Tsx]

I would get a Dell or Asus.

DO NOT GET HP. Seriously, please don't. I've had two of their laptops, less than a year old, one has already shat on me and this one is on it's way.

[Jesda]

I assume they arent going to do any accounting work, otherwise a built-in numeric keypad would be important if they do anything in Excel on the road.

Avoid:AcereMachinesHPWhy? Heat and power connector issues.

They'll be tempted by brand new Toshibas for $350 with 900MHz Celerons, but they're sluggish and hot.

Does screen size matter? If not, I like this:http://www.microcenter.com/sin...23832I've seen it in person and like how thin and light it is with a display large enough for primary use, but people the age of your and my parents might not care for an 11.6" LCD.

It has netbook-like specifications but the keyboard is large and comfortable like a standard laptop. And unlike a typical netbook the mouse buttons are in the right place.

Asus also makes several portables in the same category with 11-12" displays for roughly the same price. Actually, they'll be happy with anything from Asus.

Dell is a mixed bag. Check out the Vostro series for something cheap and dependable. Inspirons tend to be preloaded with garbage and empasize style over quality.

[Infinitiguy19]

I can vouch for what Jesda said after multiple owning Compaq/HP laptops. Yet its sad because Compaq first invented the laptop.

The less software installed the better. So when you get a computer and don't want all the trash that come with it check this out: http://www.pcdecrapifier.com.

[Dattebayo]

Dell is a good brand for people who do random everyday computer stuff.

I like the Studio XPS 8000, but it runs about $900.

[szh]

Wes, here is an awesome one for $849 from TigerDirect:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/app...email

Z

[Philipio]

Brands I highly recommend: Dell, ASUS, Toshiba, Sony. The latter two being laptop brands obviously.

Like others have said, HP specifically have a ton of issues. I work in the computer repair industry for a major company and see more hardware problems with HP than anything else.

[marlin29311]

I'd say Lenovo, but you're likely going to be over budget to get docking capabilities.

[elwesso]

OK i just talked to them, and I think what they are going to do is get a new desktop and get a netbook down the road..

Any recommendations on desktops?