Is this laptop a good gift?

My mom currently has a gateway Desktop PC, with 256MB DDR2 RAM, a 15" monitor, (No clue on GPU, it sucks...), And running Windows XP...Well...I wanna get here this for Christmas, except downgrade it to XP since she can't really use 7 that well =/How do you guys think this will work out? Good gift, or no? (She doesn't want a desktop, I asked -.-)EDIT: All she uses the computer for is internet/minor gaming (like pogo.com) So....overboard maybe?

I would not recommend an i7 laptop, too much heat in too small of a chassis. I'd suggest an i3 or an i5. Also research carefully on whether or not people have previously downgraded the chosen model to XP or not, a lot depends on the availablity of XP drivers and with laptops that isnt something you can guarantee. Additionally read up on general information regarding laptops, SOME HPs laptops have heat issues.

LoonylionI would not recommend an i7 laptop, too much heat in too small of a chassis. I'd suggest an i3 or an i5. Also research carefully on whether or not people have previously downgraded the chosen model to XP or not, a lot depends on the availability of XP drivers and with laptops that isn't something you can guarantee. Additionally read up on general information regarding laptops, SOME HPs laptops have heat issues.

Ohhhhh......she leaves it on CONSTANTLY so heat would be BAD...I'll keep looking and ask here again -.-Damn...i've reviewed 6 so far, but none are compatible with XP because of lack of drivers. =OWanna help me pick one for her loony? ANYTHING is better than what she has >.>

hmm well assuming it just sits in a room and doesnt go anywhere, she'd probably want a so-called 'desktop replacement'. These laptops are large as laptops go, so they arent easily portable, and battery life isnt too good, but they have the benefit of large screens (usually around 17") and often full size keyboards (mine even has a separate numpad built in), which is of great benefit to people who type a lot. With laptops you generally want slower processors because they produce less heat. You want a dedicated GPU (ATi or Nvidia, or possibly S3), but nothing fancy. Dedicated is important because integrated drags the performance of the machine right down. I'll look around. I would say avoid Dell and Acer.

Replying to #4

Ok....i'll try to look for a "desktop replacement" at the same time as you :PYou think this one would be good?

...Are you kidding me? That laptop for someone who just browses the internet? And downgrade to XP?
You just want to get her a bloody notebook for that. $400 notebook and she'll be more than happy.

Replying to #6

She wants a big screen...and if possible, a non-flat keyboard...She may just get a desktop cuz she can't use flat keyboards >.>

you could always get a monitor and a USB keyboard/mouse to use with a notebook

Replying to #8

Well ya see, the main issue is, she doesn't wanna move her big ass piece o' shit.... I don't see how we got XP to work on it...or the manufacturer for that matter >.>
Anyways, she needs a laptop cuz she doesn't have enough space, and won't throw it away >.>

Your mother is difficult and stubborn. She doesn't like Windows 7? She doesn't like flat keyboards? She wants the features of a desktop on a laptop because she refuses to get a desktop?

Replying to #10

She doesn't give a shit about the features >.>
Did i ever say features mattered? :oIt could be a laptop with the worst intel integrated, and a 1.16 GHZ processor (All better than her current)and she wouldn't give a shit >.>

Replying to #11

Get her an alienware, they never over heat

eMachine is an okay brand, jus' look into the specs first. They offer lite stuff from what I am aware of.

Replying to #13

I heard eMachine and Dell Laptops aren't very good

Get her the shittiest overheating laptop you can find. Then get her a big fan and a cooler pad + those usb heat suckers....Profit!

lewis9191 · #14I heard eMachine and Dell Laptops aren't very good

Nope, they aren't...I just get the cheapest and I am content with it. Besides those brands are mainly used for offices and daily routines, so nothing really hardcore for a gamers needs.I know that they lack the hardware refinement and speed.

Tomoka · #11She doesn't give a shit about the features >.>
Did i ever say features mattered? :oIt could be a laptop with the worst intel integrated, and a 1.16 GHZ processor (All better than her current)and she wouldn't give a shit >.>

... Features as in the size of the monitor, etc.
You don't get 21inch screen laptops.

eMachines are a joke, they're utterly horrible.

lewis9191 · #12Get her an alienware, they never over heat

Seriously? They are renowned for that...

Replying to #19

Exactly what I was going to put.I would suggest a Netbook, a mouse, keyboard, and monitor. Not hard to get and a lot cheaper than that. Or just a netbook with a really large screen.I have an Acer Aspire One. It's a piece of shit, but it serves it's purpose for school work and what-not.