New Computer User's 1st Computer

Brother-in-law needed advice on his 1st computer. Yes , believe or not, there are still people with absolutely no computer exp.

All he reaaly needed one for was internet,i.e ebay, craigs list, etc. and e-mail. No flashy graphics needed here.

So I steered him into buying the Sager NP2095 w/ specs below. Figured this model would suit him fine !

Display: 15.4" WXGA LCD with Super Glossy Surface (1280X800)
- Processor: Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T3400 / 1MB L2 Cache, 2.16GHz, 667MHz FSB
- Video & Graphics Card: Intel GMA X4500HD Integrated Graphics with Share Memory Architecture up to 256MB
- Operating System: Genuine MS Windows® VISTA Home Premium 32/64-Bit Edition[+$20.00]
- Memory: 3GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 1 X 2048MB + 1 X 1024MB[+$25.00]
- Primary Hard Disk Drive: 250GB 5400rpm SATA 300 Hard Drive[+$20.00]
- Optical Drive: 8X DVD±R/RW/4X +DL Super-Multi Drive & Software
- Wireless Network Card: Intel Wi-Fi Link 5100AGN - 802.11A/B/G/N Wireless LAN Module
- Primary Battery: Smart Li-ION Battery Pack (6 Cells)
- Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office Ready with Free 60-Day Trial
- Warranty: Sager 1 Year Limited Parts and Labor Warranty with Three-Day Shipping Both Ways Paid

All for less than $700 bucks ! Pretty good deal I think !

 

Since its a first time computer user

I recommend to either:
- get a sub-$500 notebook PC that is fully loaded (at BestBuy)

... but from my experience with those that have NO experience with computers, Windows is very confusing to them, as well as not getting enough support when they want answers.

Or, seriously consider a MacBook or desktop Mac..... since it really is more user friendly and Apple support is spot on good for any level of computer experience.

whats the total budget?

a MacBook start under $1000

 

Thanks for the reply Gophn, but already ordered it !
Main reasons being a netbook would have been to dainty for this guy !
Priced out simular notebooks at Dell and went over 700 bucks ! Can't say what I really think about HP in a public forum !
Always checkout Bestbuys stuff when I'm in there, problem is taxes!

Anyways the build quality on my 5793 sold me on reccommending Sagers !

In other words, for $664.00, I think he got a dependable machine !

 

it should be fine, as long as he understands some of the basics for Windows.

maybe get him a copy of "Windows for Dummies" books to brush up on the basic usage and terminology.

 

was there a question here?

 

For example when using vista you will have a sudden urge to kill yourself.

This is the most important part of the vista experience. You must "customize your vista experience". You can either use a gun that is laying around...and remember to make sure its loaded and the safety is off. Or you can just drink some drain-o.

Ahh I'm just joshing you...you'll be fine xD

 

You better put the latest build of Windows 7 on there for him. Up to 7077 x64. Something better by the time you get the system. No sense in learning two OS's. It even took me a while to change from Vista to Win 7. The experience will be better that way.