Hi, I'm a student and a single mum who when it comes to computers has no idea and I'm sick of being taken advantage of by sales people who tech talk at me until I'm blurry eyed.

What I want is a light weight mobile computer that I can web surf and do basic word processing on (i.e - uni assignments). I would like a disk drive as I have no idea how to put data/products onto the computer without one and I don't want to spend my whole time trying to figure out how to work my computer instead of doing uni work... anyway thats my problem. I hope you can recommend a light weight portable computer that suits my needs without breaking the budget.

Cheers bernice

Re: which notebook/laptop

Hi Bernice, it would seem that almost any notebook would suit your needs. So simply shop around and go for the cheapest one you can find. Most notebooks do not come with disk drives any more, but you can buy one separately from a computer store and plug into the notebook (they won't cost very much).

However, for the same price (or even cheaper) you could buy a USB thumb drive instead. These are small gadgets that plug into your notebook and let you save documents, just like a floppy disc. They will work with almost any computer and can store thousands of documents without running out of memory. They aren't complicated to use and require no computer knowledge at all.

Re: which notebook/laptop

Bernice,

As Howard says above, but also check PC World reviews of notebook/laptop/netbook and if still not sure also compare other PC mags write-ups.

It can be very confusing, but stick to what you have decided that you want, and then add just a little more as a bit of 'future proofing' without going over the top. You might find that one of the new netbooks will fit the bill (or even a 2nd hand one from a reliable reseller in your area/city)

Allan

Re: which notebook/laptop

Hi Bernice,

Good advise from the Mod... :)

Keep in mind however that there is a type of 'scaled down' device on the market at the moment called a Netbook (rather then notebook). While they are inexpensive and good value for what they are designed for, you may find it uncomfortable when typing out your essays as the keyboard is smaller (as is the rest of the machine).

We recommend brands such as Asus, and Acer in such situations as they have great ban for buck systems, and good warranty policies in the event anything may go wrong. Both have a number of service centers around the country or include pick up in the event of also. Which makes life so much easier.

HP, Lenovo and most of the other brands have a number of 'pick of the bunch' systems as well.

It doesn't seem like you will be doing anything too special, so you will just require a basic system around the 1000$-1200$ mark (give or take) and MS Office Home and Student (version) should cover it.

Most good stores will also provide an Anti Virus for you which is included. You will need to make sure that it included a full 12 months cover - many will say it has Anit virus included however it will only be trial (typically 30 - 90 days) which will end up costing you more money in no time. Same with Office in this case also.

As mentioned by Howard, it is extremely rare that you will see a notebook include a disk drive (floppy disc). Most 'Notebooks' will have a CD type drive. You can use a USB flash drive, which you will simply plug into the usb port (on the front or side) of the notebook, and just like a floppy disk would work, you use the usb flash drive in the same way. Holds hundreds of times more then that of a floppy disk and is far cheaper then the same would be for floppy disks.

If you look after it - this type of notebook should last you a while to come!

Dont let any 'sales person' ever rail road you into a sale. Make sure you have a budget in mind and stick to your guns!

:)

* Notebook. * Anti Virus (Included with 12 months cover) * MS Office (Home and Student version may not be included as the cheaper notebook typically dont carry much margin for the store to cover the cost of a office suite. This is the cheaper version of Office but 'should' cover your requirements for uni- unless you require publisher, or access programs).

Hope this helps.

Michael. MB Information Technology Solutions. www.mbinfotech.com.au

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