Any new computer will be exponentially faster than your old

by brionic , Friday, January 27, 2012, 08:38 (4632 days ago) @ uncowboy

one. Computer "generations" are three years, so depending on how old yours is, it may be an antique.

There are "easy" fixes you can make to your existing system to increase its performance, like updating all drivers, clearing out all the crap and bit rot that builds up over the years, and blanking and reloading system software. These may be a pain for someone who is not computer savvy, though, and again, if your computer is more than five years old, may not be worth your time.

My experience is that most big electronics and office supply stores will have a good selection of notebooks. In the $500 range, you are looking at entry level machines, all of which will do everything you need them to. Processor speed is irrelevant for your use... all the new ones are fine... hard drive size may be important to you... you can always buy a bigger external drive, but the internal drive is the fastest way to access your data.

My suggestion would be to check Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples, etc., and check what they have in the price range you're looking at.

Here are some reviews from CNET. Take them for what they are worth.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptop-reviews/?filter=100021_10194779_&tag=columnSpan.0

Here's a guide from them:
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptop-buying-guide/?tag=column2.0;buyAdvice