Expert: Bobbert - 1/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I'm looking to replace my desktop computer with a laptop but I'm not tech savvy. My Grandson keeps talking MAC but I'm currently unemployed and can only budget for between $500-$1000 and also need a compatible printer. I need something with that would have Microsoft Office (at least 2007)because I need to upgrade my work skills.  Also looking for tech reliable support.  What can you suggest.

ANSWER: More or less anything on the current market in the $500-$650 range will suitable handle your needs (I'm seeing mostly office tasks). Honestly, I'm tempted to ask why you need to upgrade if you only need to run business applications, as it doesn't require any extensive processing power or specialized hardware. As far as Office 2007 goes, I don't believe in spending $350+ for such an application, and support open source alternatives, look at OpenOffice.org as an alternative (it provides full compatability, and saves quite a bit of money).


In relation to the suggestion to go Apple, honestly its personal preference, as there is no real benefit to OS X over Windows XP/Vista, regardless of what the sales people will tell you. Basically, no single operating system is perfect, each one has its own problems or issues, so stick with whichever you're most comfortable with.

-bob


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Bob, the reason I need a new computer is I have a desktop with Windows Millennium and I want to change to laptop.  As far as  Microsoft Office 2007 because we I am applying for a job the first thing they ask me is am I familiar with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) and I am not. OpenOffice.org would not help me for up dating my skills and getting an administrative support position.  Are there any laptops that you particularly like that would suit me needs, how is the tech support and what printers are compatible.  Like I said before I am not tech savvy.  Thanks again

Answer
My point is, there is no difference in skillset between the two, if you're able to operate a word processor, you're able to operate a word processor, be it Corel WordPerfect, OpenOffice.org, Microsoft Word, or Sun StarWriter. Hence, why spend the extra money? The same is true for spreadsheets and more or less true for presentation software (there are some trivial differences between OpenOffice.org Impress and Microsoft Powerpoint (and Apple's Keynote, all three are quite popular)).

Upgrading the operating system on a desktop is no problem, if that is an option you'd like to entertain. However, if a laptop is your need/desire (for mobility or otherwise), generally anything in the ~$500 range will suit your needs, as nothing you've listed is neccisarily compute intensive, nor does it require any specialized hardware. Printer compatability isn't really anything to be worried about, as nearly everything will connect via USB.

Of recent, my favorite portable is probably the Asus Eee 1000 series, however at 10" its probably smaller than most people would like to work with. You may wish to consider a larger notebook (as opposed to a netbook) from Asus or another brand (I'd look at Gateway or Acer), although I wouldn't exceed ~$750 in general, as you're looking at overbuying at that point.

-bob