Download the Tom's Hardware App from the App Store
The reference for current tech news
Yes No
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Laptops & Notebooks > General Discussion > I'm 46 and getting ready to go back to school, online, I do not have a lot of c

I'm 46 and getting ready to go back to school, online, I do not have a lot of c

Forum Laptops & Notebooks : General Discussion I'm 46 and getting ready to go back to school, online, I do not have a lot of c

Word :    Username :           
 

can someone help fill me in on what's best

Reply to tayobond
Register or log in to remove.

well, first always check your postings before actually posting them, a preview is a great tool.

Second, it depends on what you will be doing online. In fact, the most important thing for you will be internet bandwidth, not the computer itself. You will want something in the 10-30Mbps range (whatever is available in your area and fits in your budget).

For most classes an old Pentium 4 will do the trick if all you are doing is text and the occasional power point. But if you are doing constant power points, or other multimedia work then you will want a newer more modern computer, perhaps something in the Core2Duo to Core i3 range. An i3 is the most that you would ever need for school work unless you are doing full production work, and if that was the case then your school will provide the system specs required for your work. I would also suggest having 2-4GB of ram so that you can properly multi task.

The only other thing I would highly suggest is to have either a single large screen, or multiple monitors if your budget allows. When doing research it is handy to have multiple pages up, so the more screen real estate the better. I have a 27" monitor and have found it invaluable for large projects (and rather fun for games too).

Best of luck!

Reply to CaedenV

If would be smarter/faster if you would fill this out. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] top-buyers Then we could help you find a laptop to suit you and explain the spec decisions if you want. All I get from your post is online schooling which only requires a basic low end laptop.

 

10-30Mbps? I've been gaming on a 1.5 for the longest of times with no issues. Online classes isn't even that much, I've done a couple.


Message edited by k1114 on 02-08-2012 at 04:57:02 AM
Reply to k1114

if the classes have video chat (and a growing number do) then he will want some real throughput. As you know, gaming isnt about throughput, it's mostly in latency, so that's not exactly the best example. I always suggest having ~10Mbps available per network user, that way even if everyone is on at the same time you generally have more bandwidth available than the websites you visit can send your way. Besides 1.5Mbps DSL is not that much cheaper than 10Mbps cable or fiber... though it does depend on the area. In my area 1.5mbps DSL goes for $30 plus a landline, while 25Mbps cable is only $40 and without the phone requirement. given the costs (and the fact that I have never had to own a land line), it really dosn't make sense for most people to stick with DSL.

Reply to CaedenV

Unless you live in a decent sized city you are pretty much stuck with one or at best 2 internet service providers. The sad fact is due to sprawl the US ( I am assuming you are from the US too ) has pretty crappy broadband in most places. I live just outside a city of 150,000 and have exactly one internet choice. 3Mbps ATT DSL. And thats as fast as it gets ( OK I could get the slower plan ). I jumped for joy back in 2006 when they upped my speed from 1.5Mbps. One day we are supposed to actually get 6 Mbps :ouch:

It's either that or go back to satellite internet like in the good old days. Or dialup. 10-30Mbps is dreaming in most places.


Message edited by anort3 on 02-08-2012 at 06:34:19 AM
------------------------------ i7 2600K @ 4.5/P67A UD4/Scythe Mugen 2 Rev B/OCZ Vertex 2 120GB/2xWD 640 Blacks/Antec 1200/Samsung 23in LED LCD/EVGA GTX 460/2x4GB GSkill Ripjaws X DDR3 1600 7-8-7-24/Windows 7 Ultimate x64/Corsair 750TX
Reply to anort3

We just need to wait for more info. Most do not do video, none of mine did. And 1.5 can stream hd. My area is actually similar to yours, 1.5 is $25 (15 with landline), 24 is $45 but you save money where you can and don't buy what you don't need. I'm near a city that is pretty big on tech, dell is literally 5 mins away. But most people aren't in an idea location.


Message edited by k1114 on 02-08-2012 at 07:39:57 PM
Reply to k1114
Register or log in to remove.
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Laptops & Notebooks > General Discussion > I'm 46 and getting ready to go back to school, online, I do not have a lot of c
Go to:

There are 201 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Latest best answer
Delete admin password
By Saga Lout, 13 days ago:

Hello and welcome to Tom's Hardware Forums. We are not supposed to offer password help...

They won a badge
Join us in greeting them