May 25, 2007
Alice in Computerland
Written by Kimberly Logan in Jaunty PostOkay all you computerphiles out there. I’m in a bit of a quandary and could use a little help.
I have been in the market for a new laptop computer since Christmas. Though I have looked around and gotten some recommendations from people, I am not really sure what it is I need to be looking for. Of course, I know less than nothing about computers, so I am inclined to get one with all the bells and whistles just to make sure I have everything I need for the forseeable future. But I hate to spend the money for that if I can get by with something that does what I want, but costs a lot less.
First of all, I rarely use my desktop computer–and more than likely wouldn’t use a laptop–for much more than typing up my manuscripts and surfing the internet. So I guess I need Microsoft Word and an internet connection. Apart from that, most of the programs that came with my desktop have been pretty much wasted, so I don’t need too many of the extras. Not too complicated, right?
Well…here’s the thing. While I’m not a big PC gamer, I do enjoy playing the PC versions of The Sims, and the most recent additions of this game take a mega amount of memory and a more expensive, graphics intense video card. So I think I need a bit more than your standard laptop. I’ve heard a lot about the Dell XPS, but heaven knows that is way more expensive than the Dimension, and I wonder if I even need to go that far, just so I can play The Sims. Sigh. What’s a gal to do?
So, anybody with any advice out there? I feel like Alice lost down the rabbit hole, since I am totally clueless about this kind of thing. Resident computer experts, speak up! 
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Shana Says:
Can’t help you, Kim. My laptop was one I got from my school district years ago. It’s a Compaq and not that great, so don’t buy a Compaq. I’ll be interested to see what kind of recs you get.
ladydawgfan Says:
Talk to the computer graphics department at your local university and tell them what you need. Ask them for advice - they love to give it.
Another suggestion: if there is a school of architecture anywhere near you, go online to their website to see what the requirements are for incoming students RE computer technology. Most architecure schools, mine included, require the purchase of a laptop with enough graphics capability to handle the design software, which should be more than enough to handle the Sim software you like to play with. It would give you a good idea to start with, anyway.
Clarisse Says:
I would make one non-techy suggestion. Try to figure out where you will be using the computer. If you will traveling with it, consider one with a smaller screen size. I bought a Toshiba 17″ laptop last year and while it is great for working around the house, it gets really heavy to lug it onto planes, etc. On the other hand, if you are only going to use it at home, go for the pleasure of a big-ass screen size.
Kendra Says:
When I took my laptop in for some repair, I asked the expert what brand I should get next time. He pointed at his shelves of laptops to be repaired and said that 80% of them were Dells. He also sees lots of Toshibas with problems. He rarely sees HPs or IBM’s laptop. (It’s called something else, not IBM.)
Margo Maguire Says:
Hmmm… My kids all took HPs to college and had problems. They replaced them with Apples -> NO problems whatsoever.
I’ve got a Dell Inspiron (really small screen - 12″ I think, and only 4 lbs) and I’ve had no trouble at all. I love it. It’s got tons of memory, but I had to pay a pretty shiny penny for it. I would say that now is probably a good time to look - Holiday sales will be all over the place.
Kimberly Logan Says:
Yep, I figured with the holiday weekend there would be some good sales. That’s part of why I held out this long, Margo. I looked at a few at Christmas, but I just couldn’t quite make up my mind about how expensive I needed to go. I hate to spend money on something I don’t really need. And Clarisse, I’ll probably pack the laptop along on occasion, so I’ll keep size in mind.
Thanks for the suggestions, ladydawgfan. I never even thought about the local university, and that’s a great idea about the architecture/school of technology computer requirements. You’re right. Anything that could handle their design software should probably be fine for Sims. Thanks!
Sigh. I am so obsessed. I have to wonder who else has ever made a computer purchase with Sims compatability uppermost on their list of important requirements.
Lois Says:
Well, I would go to Best Buy. . . if they have the same type of people working near you as they do here, they are incredibly helpful, and won’t try to sell you something more expensive that you don’t want or won’t need. I got my new laptop the day before Election day (you know, this past one, not the one less than two years from now LOL) and with me, I look for all the bells and whistles and all the good stuff. In the end, I probably won’t need it all, but I’m a computer geek, associates in computers (although more than 5 years ago now! LOL), so I always look for the stuff. I might need it later.
So it’s a little hard for me to think of what someone wanted to get if you don’t want all the bells and whistles. LOL And yep, I love Windows, and never had a problem with it throughout my years on various computers.
So I don’t even think of Apples. . . well, I do to eat, but that’s something else. 
Lois