Want to buy a Lenovo but I'm computer clueless.

I know nothing about processors, graphics, operating systems, etc. I will use it for internet, uploading pictures but I don't do much editing. The only programs I'll install are MS Office and Quicken.

I'm looking at the refurbished ThinkPad R61E, R500 and the G530, G550, IdeaPad Y510. Is one of these better than the other? Do any of them come with card readers? Thank you for taking the time to help me.

Edited to add the above selections are in my price range, under $400. Can you watch DVD's on any of these? I don't travel with it very often and wireless internet is a must. Should I be looking at a netbook?

 

LOL, if that's all you do, buy a T43 with the ATI Mobility Radeon X300 graphics card, it does a fine job even for occasionally playing games that were modern in it's day (2005/early 2006). However if you are looking for a more multimedia laptop with a card reader and a few more mainstream oriented features, go for a Z61m or even just a Z60m considering what you do will most likely not require a multi core CPU, but you get a better graphics card that will make short work of the things you intend to do on it (ATI Mobility Radeon X600) as well as a 6 in 1 card reader like you were asking about. If you want it to look real nice as well, you can look for one using brushed titanium as a lid. Are you mobile however? The Z series was quite thick at 1" thick and also heavy but was alright for ocasionally going mobile as in a Starbucks or Panera Bread, but weighing that off these can also be found quite cheaply on eBay.

 

Thank you for your reply. I will check out your suggestions.

 

Given that your needs are pretty modest, any of the notebooks you've listed can more than meet your needs. The T43 is a fine machine and would offer ample performance, but since it's used it probably has no warranty. Since you're an admitted novice you should probably have a warranty, which will get you software support in addition to the warranty. I don't think you need a dedicated GPU like the X300 anyway.

There's a bunch of R61e, which probably offer the best quality of the three you listed, in the Lenovo Outlet right now for less than $400. This will get you a warranty, which you can extend if you like any time it's under warranty. This one seems pretty decent. It's only a Celeron, but again your needs aren't that great so it's probably more than sufficient. Since you're not moving it much you probably don't need much battery life I'm guessing?

It has a combo drive which will play DVDs. I don't believe the R61e have a card reader, probably to keep the price down. You certainly can add a PC Card slot reader. They're pretty cheap on eBay. It's what I got for my R60 because it was not offered with a card reader either.

The only thing I would point out about the R61e is they don't have a trackpad. It only has the pointstick, which is a no-go for some. If you like them or plan to use a mouse, great, but you may wish to be aware of it. Otherwise it's a fine machine. Good luck and welcome to NBR. Feel free to hang out and contribute where you can.

 

I'm curious, what made you decide you wanted a Lenovo?

Impressive that you managed to find notebookreview.com forums if your "computer clueless"

 

Definitely you got in the right place. Lots of people very knowledgeable.
The R61e is a nice choice but it lacks touchpad as posted above. However a Thinkpad is better than a Ideapad.

I dont recommend getting the T43, does machines tend to be noisy and hotter and of course without warranty.

 

You should go to "What notebbbok should i buy" and fill the FAQ. Filling the FAQ wold help quantify your needs.

If i were you i would first decide on the display. Display size in general tends to decide the bulk/size of the laptop and will limit your choices.

 

Personally I would say go for the cheapest or best looking/feeling PC for you, as many have said (and so will I) any of those will do what you need to do and then some.

 

My suggestion is: don't buy a Lenovo unless there is a specific feature you are looking for. My experience is Lenovo has the worst service compared to other laptop vendors.