Is this deal good for a poor person looking for a laptop ?

[IslaScotts]

Actually Linda said that she would only get on the internet at campsites with internet access. She will not be using GPS software. She will be using something like mapquest.com to find directions and save pics of the maps to their next campsite. She said she would be looking up campsite info and checking her email. So, no I don't think she needs a lot of speed. She will be using a browser, the built in picture viewer from the OS, and possibly an email client like outloook or outlook express. Even a laptop from 8 years ago could handle this. The one she listed would be more than enough to handle what she wants to do.

[Velocity]

you might want to reconsider. On tigerdirect they offer refurbished laptops for little more than $400, yet with better specifications than the ones you have listed, plus you get 3 months warranty.
I bought one of these more than two years ago, and it still works great.

Here is one example:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Sku=E400-W4605

[littleFella]

Originally Posted by IslaScotts

She will be using something like mapquest.com to find directions and save pics of the maps to their next campsite.

Mapquest.com? Really? Is that what she said?
And I'm sure you can quote her. No?

[IslaScotts]

No I can't quote her but I would be willing to bet 5 bucks that is what she is talking about.. getting directions from a url within a browser. You can ask her.. and if she says something other than a url (using a browser) to get the directions I will put 5 bucks in your paypal account.

[littleFella]

You gambler you
We'll see what she says, and you keep your $5 regardless. Save towards more RAM

I could throw in an extra $5 for you (also regardless) but I don't have a PayPay acct. Do I need one to pay too?

[IslaScotts]

Hhahaha that was totally awesome about the RAM, I got a good chuckle out of that one. And what is hilarious is I am so not a gambler, last time I bet anything was maybe 5 years ago.. hehehe. But the 5 bucks I could have lost will go towards my new laptop, don't know about the RAM part though How about a dual battery? >nudge nudge<

[Linda in NY]

Thanks everyone,
I'm learning alot, thanks for ALL the opinions. To clear up one point, as far as maps and directions, I'll be going to the AAA dot com website, and campgrounds to check for phone numbers for reservations, availibility and maps to the actual locations of campgrounds, attractions, the NOAA site for weather updates, etc.

As far as email, I'll be using my yahoo email account so I can check that there through the browser. And my husband uses Outlook but we have a pop server deal with my yahoo, so he can check his email through my yahoo.

Keep going, I'm learning alot.
Linda

[sfod_d223]

Finally: as an alternative if money is an issue: have you considered getting a flash drive (cost: about $10 USD for 1 GB), and setting it up with browser, email program and such like. This can then be plugged into any PC computer, anywhere (e.g Internet cafes, public libraries, computer clubs), and in effect, that computer becomes YOUR computer. Plus the host computer can handle most of the security issues, which is easier for you.

Worth a thought? [/quote]

I did the jumpdrive thing this summer while I was homeless. It was a nice trick I learned while I used the public library for access. The only problem i had was being limited to only 2 hours a day. But when your homeless any time spent indoors is nice.

[Lamaan]

Originally Posted by sfod_d223

I did the jumpdrive thing this summer while I was homeless. It was a nice trick...

Thanks for the endorsement. I use my flash drive for shuffling my files around different computers, without having to worry about whether the software I need is on the computer I want to work on.

Yesterday, I discovered PortableApps.com/, which has free software that acts something like a mini-operating system: it installs a startup program, folders and a range of useful applications and utilities on your flash drive. When you insert the flash drive in a computer, a menu of your applications and files appears (that is, the ones on your flash drive), so that you can choose what you want to do. The available applications include office, browser, email, various communication programs, music, art, web design, and more. Utilities include compression, backup, and antivirus.

I installed everything on a 1G flash drive, but it is a tight squeeze. I should have bought at least a 2G drive.