Hi. I need to get a laptop this week. It will be used to surf the internet, check email, and use programs such as word, excel, and other accounting programs. All the new and cheap laptops that are out in stores right now come with 512MB of memory and Windows Vista. I have heard that Vista requires more memory, at least 1GB to not have the computer go slow. However, is 512MB enough if I do not use the computer for games, music, and video...? Also, if anybody knows of a good deal (at most $600) for a laptop online that comes with XP, that would be great. Since I am getting the laptop for a family member, it would be easier on me if it was XP as I would not have to try and explain how to use an operating system that I have not yet used.
I have heard the same thing about Vista, truly 512 will be a little slow anyway, even with XP. Mine has 512 and XP media center and is surely not the fastest on the internet, then again i am doing that wireless which slows me down a little. As far as the programs you will be just fine. In my job i use Word and Excel every day, and use it on my laptop all the time with no problems. here are some stores you should check out. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=32&name=Notebooks-Laptops http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=17 http://shop1.outpost.com/template/n...0rQRh3X1gwjT5Zp6X2KG0!-1716371412!-1746867504 i pretty much buy all of my electronics at one of those 3 (mostly Newegg.com)
Vista runs fine whit 1Gb ram, but 512Mt Isn't enough. You can buy laptop with 512Mt ram and upgrade it to 1Gb easily so you shouldn't stare at the ammount of ram when you're buying a laptop.