Suggest a computer...
 

I will be in need of a computer to replace my current laptop soon. I'm currently working with a Compaq Presario CQ57, WalMart special. It works fine, and took an upgrade from Win7 to Win8 without issue. The only reason why I need to replace this one is because I plan on moving it to the gun shop soon since it has all my gun files, electronic books, catalogs, etc.

I'd like to stick with something in the same line, perhaps another Walmart special.

What's your thoughts...my main requirements are that it be under $400, laptop, Win7 or higher, 3+ USB ports, card reader, and decent enough to last about 4 or so years.

Are you planning on using engineering software, like CNC stuff or Solidworks?

What is the critical thing you need to do?

Aside from buying a Mac, what is the critical thing?

man anythings better than a compaq. imo stay away from compaq and hp. asus has some pretty badass machines for not too much

Basically, I need it to be able to play online videos, serve as a music server over wireless network, internet surfing, and be able to remotely operate the one in the gunshop when needed.

Lots of refurbs on the Best Buy website.

Asus are indeed tempting when you look at the specifications vs price at the moment but they don't feel like they'll last long - acer seem to me to be a better budget buy

if their laptops are anything like their mobos , they have me sold. acer ..... well i guess they have made a comeback. havent really tried any of their new stuff

I've recently bought an Aspire v3-771 that agreed doesn't feel like a Toshiba of old or an IBM toughbook but feels a bit better than my old Dell D610 (and that had lots of Toshiba stuff in it). The irritating thing with it is that the USB ports are all on the side, none on the back so a wired mouse is really irritating to use. I bought a wireless thing with a little blob that sticks in the USB port as a solution.

I've also just bought an acer smart phone to take advantage of the free navigation software you can get (I'm trying nav free first). This was dirt cheap for a SIM lock free machine (90 euros) and also this has the feeling of quality {for these disposable electronic items}.

I'd like to think I'll get 10 maybe 15 years out of my purchases but these days past about 4 years and you are skating on thin ice. Things just aren't made to last anymore - just look at Renaults and Citroens.

Ditto :)

I just handed this Walmart refurb $258 Gateway laptop off to my daughter.

Gateway Refurbished Black 15.6" NE56R41u Laptop PC with Intel Dual-Core B960 Processor and Windows 8 Operating System: Computers : Walmart.com

This one is out of stock now, but they have similar HPs for under $300 that are slightly better. (click on refurbs under laptops on their site)

It is as new. Not a mark on it and will do her business just fine. I used an Amex credit card so I think I will have 180 day warranty on it, but once confirmed working I don't think failure is likely. Nice thing about WM is you can toss it back to them if you don't like it.

My last HP would get so hot I could heat my room in the winter.

He's a busy man, he doesn't have all day to stand around and wait on his computer.