Walmart laptop $268

[marty]

buy it repartition it and install ubuntu

+1

Ubuntu - Good idea! This is for a 50 year old female with almost no computer experience. Ubuntu is perfect for someone who doesn't know what a apple is and has no windows experience. [She does eat apples while looking out the window]
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Insta ... quirements

Ubuntu
Recommended Minimum System Requirements

The Recommended Minimum System Requirements, here, should allow even someone fairly new to installing Ubuntu or Gnu&Linux to easily install a usable system with enough room to be comfortable. A good "rule of thumb" is that machines that could run XP, Vista, Windows 7 or x86 OS X will almost always be a lot faster with Ubuntu even if they are lower-spec than described below. Simply try Ubuntu CD as a LiveCD first to check the hardware works.

Ubuntu Desktop Edition

1 GHz CPU (x86 processor (Pentium 4 or better))
1 GiB RAM (system memory)
15 GB of hard-drive space (or USB stick, memory card or external drive but see LiveCD for an alternative approach)
800 by 600 screen resolution
Either a CD/DVD drive or a USB port for the installer media

Internet access is helpful

Marty goes to Walmart............
Will wipe out every trace of windows and install Ubuntu. Next question will probably be why is there some problem with the hardware? Here is a list of computers that are guaranteed to work perfectly with Ubuntu. This HP Compaq Presario is not on the list.
Certified for Ubuntu http://www.ubuntu.com/certification/

Walmart computer has Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Which version of Ubuntu should I install?
Ubuntu 11.10 - Latest version 32-bit (recommended)
Ubuntu 11.10 - Latest version 64-bit
Ubuntu 10.04 - LTS - Long-term support 32-bit (recommended)
Ubuntu 10.04 - LTS - Long-term support 64-bit
or a older version of Ubuntu?

[Ypedal]

horrible idea.

50 year old clueless ( no know how of PC's .. i am not saying idiot here.. lol ) user should be given the standard, what everyone she knows uses, what facebook will work with and what she can ask help with from anyone sho has touched a mouse instead of always calling Marty !.

The ubuntu users are those geeks who like " different " and will figure weird stuff out on their own.

[marty]

Ubuntu is good for geeks and idiots too. Think Mozilla Firefox is Mozilla Firefox weather you are using Windows or Ubuntu.
Just got back from Walmart [They just built a bigger Walmart and shut down the old Walmart] Nice polished concrete floors. Computer sales man was very helpful and showed me a different computer for $10 more. Same white, black, red, Compaq box. All the Walmart computers were in locked cabinets. Computer sales man explained that someone stuck the wrong key in the lock and broke it. He was unable to get the $278 computer out of the cabinet. He had no knowledge of the difference between the $268 computer and the $278 computer. I bought the $268 computer.

Nehmo found this link:
Compaq 15.6" Presario CQ57-439WM

I can't figure out how to find either the $268 computer or the $278 computer I don't see them when I search the Walmart web site.

Might return the $268 computer and buy the $278 computer if I can figure out what is the difference.

[marty]

Found the $278 computer. Search in Google looks like this:
Compaq Presario $278 site:walmart.com
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Compaq-15.6-2 ... A/15657958
CQ56-219WM
EDIT 2/28/12 wrong part number delete all specifications

Marty goes back to a different Walmart to return the AMD and buy Intel for $10 more.

[marty]

Update. Was searching for the wrong part number. Just got back from Walmart. They got the locked cabinet open. Paid $278 and got:

Compaq Black 15.6" Presario CQ57-339WM Laptop PC with Intel Celeron B800 Processor and Windows 7 Home Premium

The simple style and essential features you expect from Compaq are more affordable than ever! The new Compaq Presario CQ57 enhances your life with full PC performance for projects and entertainment, with features you find in laptops costing much more like HD video support and Altec Lansing stereo speakers. Get integrated Wi-Fi to connect anywhere a hotspot is available. A built-in setup manager walks you through this process, plus how to transfer files from your old PC, backup your data and much more. A large hard drive holds plenty of documents, homework, music, photos and videos. It's all yours now at a price so low, it's almost unbelievable. Why pay more for peace of mind? Get brand name quality, now at a price you can afford.

Compaq 15.6" Presario CQ57-339WM Laptop PC:

Key Features and Benefits:

Intel Celeron B800 processor
1.50GHz, 2MB L3 Cache

2GB DDR3 SDRAM system memory (expandable to 8GB)
Gives you the options for surfing, video conferencing, documents, basic photo editing and simple computer tasks

320GB SATA hard drive
Store 213,000 photos, 91,000 songs or 168 hours of HD video and more

SuperMulti DVD Burner
Watch movies, and read and write CDs and DVDs in multiple formats

10/100Base-T Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN
Connect to a broadband modem with wired Ethernet or wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi signal or hotspot with the 802.11b/g/n connection built into your PC

15.6" HD BrightView LED-backlit display
Intel HD Graphics with up to 762MB total graphics memory

Additional Features:

HP webcam
2-in-1 memory card reader
3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x headphone-out, 1 x microphone-in, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 x VGA port
6-cell lithium-ion battery, up to 5 h 30 min battery life

Software:

Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Edition (To learn more about the features of Windows 7, click here)
Microsoft Office Starter 2010: Includes reduced functionality versions of Microsoft Word and Excel, with advertising. PowerPoint and Outlook are NOT included. Purchase Office 2010 today and get the most out of your new PC. (To learn more about the features of Office 2010, click here)
Norton Internet Security 2012 (60-day)
Backup and Restore options built into Windows allows you to create safety copies of your most important personal files, so you're always prepared for the worst

Support and Warranty:

1-year limited PC hardware warranty; 30-days free limited software support
Restore discs are not included (unless specified by supplier). We recommend you use the installed software to create your own restore and backup DVD the first week you use the computer.

What's In The Box:

Power cord
6-cell lithium-ion battery
Quick Start Guide

Cost $10 more. The box is way lighter then the $268 computer. Will open it in the morning. Got to go to sleep now.

[RallySTX]

So the 278 dollar unit has the cam built into the laptop, has twice the CPU memory, twice the hard drive space on a faster drive, better graphics, and longer lasting battery. Not bad!
Brian L.

[marty]

So the 278 dollar unit has the cam built into the laptop, has twice the CPU memory, twice the hard drive space on a faster drive, better graphics, and longer lasting battery. Not bad!
Brian L.

Re: cam built into the laptop. Camera! I can look at myself looking at the computer.

[marty]

anything running win7 needs at LEAST 3gb of ram, if you plan to use it as a media centre, it needs 4+

if you run XP it's not so bad but let's face it, xp is getting old ( but reliable !!.. still runs my home pc.. but my laptop is win7 ) ..

Ypedal - As per your request I went to Newegg and bought 2 - 4GBs pieces of RAM $20 each
2 x ($19.99) Kingston 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1333 Laptop Memory Model KVR1333D3S9/4G
Hope it is the right type? I have bought the wrong ram on eBay before. Those of you looking for a investment, I recommend that you don't buy RAM. Predict that what cost $20 today will be worth 50¢ in 5 or 10 years.

RAM FOR SALE 2-GB (PC3, 10600, 1333-MHz) HP part number 621565-001 $10 with Free Shipping to anywhere in USA

Will go into Uninstall Programs and remove all of the free trial programs

Will forget about Ubuntu for now. If its not broke. Don't fix it.

Thanks all for the suggestions and advise.

[RallySTX]

Afteer checking the links myself it seems previous info was a bit off. The 279 dollar unit doesn't list a cam, but the 369 dollar lists a built in webcam, so yes it should allow you to see yourself work. Unless of course it's on the wrong side of the lid. The hard drives are close in size, but Sata will be faster.
Brian L.

[auraslip]

I have a $250 wal-mart laptop for school.

a) It's a great deal for the price and works fine.

b) It's memory footprint out of the box is twice the size as a fresh install of windows 7, so be prepared to wipe the hard drive and re-install everything.

c) It overheats while compiling code. Don't expect to run games on it. Keep it cool.

[dodjob]

horrible idea.

50 year old clueless ( no know how of PC's .. i am not saying idiot here.. lol ) user should be given the standard, what everyone she knows uses, what facebook will work with and what she can ask help with from anyone sho has touched a mouse instead of always calling Marty !.
The ubuntu users are those geeks who like " different " and will figure weird stuff out on their own.

really??!!! I could not disagree more...
When it's the last time you used Ubuntu? ^^ Really... since Unity and the "software center" Ubuntu is to be the easiest OS on the "market".
The time of drivers self compiling and strange modification of the kernel is since years forgotten. Ubuntu is an OS completely dedicated to the user interface. It's simple, mac look- like and really fast.
In the Linux community Ubuntu is not very well loved because of it's constant "main-stream" direction.
There is no possibility for simple user to break anything, there is no "real" virus and it doesn't "get slower" with time Try it.. it's free
Gruß,
H.
PS: My mother is using Ubuntu for two years now without ANY kind of problem. And she, until her 64th birthday, never used any kind of computer. She can now read mails, news, check her recipes daily and listen to some music

[Ypedal]

researching.... ubuntu vs windows

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbksYQPckyY

[Ypedal]

and then you get stuff like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqHs6AE4G-U



basically.. " ubuntu is better.. yay... " .. but no real reason why. other than cost.

the laptop comes with windows on it already.. no paying extra.

Will ubuntu support digital camera X plugged in usb, autodetect, driver support, etc etc etc ? ( i'm asking.. i dont know.. )

what other benefits will a newb get from ubuntu ?


more stuff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6uFxxlKa4g

[Ypedal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEb1eIKS ... re=related

[dodjob]

LOL
is it a windows fan boy running Ubuntu in a VB and comparing it to W7?
Trust me, If your computer is about 2years old max and own a dual core min. there is no problems.. really none
Windows and ubuntu are actually not to be compared. They are simply different.
Windows has the capability to run nearly every program available OOTB and specially "specifics" applications for professional use and games.
Ubuntu is a good lookin' simple system for no worries everyday use. <-- And that's exactly what a 50years old will need, 5 icons, lots of colors and a very easy to use. No existential question every 5 seconds
Gruß,
H.

[Ypedal]

if/when she calls her service provider for help getting connected to the internet ?... .. call uncle Marty !
( actually. most wireless and home internet is plug and play nowadays.. so " hopefully " it works automatic )..

[dodjob]

like you said, if the box is connected... there is NO problem

[e-bike-is-fun]

Don't mean to plug..... Just good experiences.

Have received in good condition many tools & electronics.

Ship packing is lacking, all things (20 + items) arrived intact.

Check out this site for stuff, yes Laptops too.... I like Acer....

Poor pictures & descriptions, do your homework.... Right click.....search

http://pawnmart.com

$1,850 retail 2y.o. Trek for $175 delivered, not bad.

Skil, Delta, Pioneer, Singer.... no problems with charges or delivery.

Have fun

[e-bike-is-fun]

anything running win7 needs at LEAST 3gb of ram, if you plan to use it as a media centre, it needs 4+

if you run XP it's not so bad but let's face it, xp is getting old ( but reliable !!.. still runs my home pc.. but my laptop is win7 ) ..

Sorry... No. But, I think that's what the computer market wants everyone to think.

As a user-developer with MS products since 3.1, I have not paid for any MS product ever, because I tweak & share back.

Sorta a geek of code. Girls perplex me, code is simple.

Win 7 runs on my hardware @ around 400meg w/torrents & a VLC movie playing, whilst online. 17% cpu.

It's at least 5 years old....

I only use GUI to manipulate. Search & study what to do to reduce resources.

My geek is with hardware compatibility. I am sure, Win7 can run just fine with any hardware that XP runs on.

[shock]

Micro Center has a much better laptop, with intel processor for $279.

Probably won't last long at that price, but it is a nice system for the money.

http://www.microcenter.com/search/searc ... 692+186650 [link 3-10-2012]

Personally I just snagged a HP mobile workstation 8510w on ebay for $279 a couple weeks ago. This model was never sold to consumers, only corporate as evident by the magnesium lid, fingerprint scanner, and 1920 x 1200 screen. Its a few years old but it absolutely demolishes new laptops in the same price range. For starters it has a NVIDIA Quadro FX 570 video card with 512 memory, certified to work with autocad and such. Core 2 duo and 4gb of ddr2. This laptop was about 3 grand new. That's how I roll though, would rather have a 2008 Ferrari than a 2012 civic.

Good luck with your laptop purchase!

[darkshirikens]

Dude let me tell you first hand compacs suck but with enough tweeking it will be just fine cause with most electronics it all depends on the hands that is using it I worked at Walmart and used just about every electronic they use and sell there and or advertised and i don't buy crap to save money best you know what your gonna do with it and best treat it like a women you like and it will last i say the brand compac is almost up there with Hp quality and thats a good price but first thing you need to do is upgrade the ram and if you know anything about a computer do the regular checks and cleaning your hard drive blowing out the dust of and stay organized and learn things about your system i think thats all the advice i can give to keep you system running like new ive had my computer for 6 years still fast and running good and not a problem that i couldn't fix yet nothing serious yet
good luck just make sure if you get it from Walmart check your computer thoroughly cause Walmart cares about the sales they make and sometimes the employees just want to get the jobs done and don't do it the right way the first time or just very over worked and damage things during the packing and shipping process

[marty]

Dude let me tell you first hand compacs suck but with enough tweeking it will be just fine cause with most electronics it all depends on the hands that is using it I worked at Walmart and used just about every electronic they use and sell there and or advertised and i don't buy crap to save money best you know what your gonna do with it and best treat it like a women you like and it will last i say the brand compac is almost up there with Hp quality and thats a good price but first thing you need to do is upgrade the ram and if you know anything about a computer do the regular checks and cleaning your hard drive blowing out the dust of and stay organized and learn things about your system i think thats all the advice i can give to keep you system running like new ive had my computer for 6 years still fast and running good and not a problem that i couldn't fix yet nothing serious yet
good luck just make sure if you get it from Walmart check your computer thoroughly cause Walmart cares about the sales they make and sometimes the employees just want to get the jobs done and don't do it the right way the first time or just very over worked and damage things during the packing and shipping process

Edit by Marty with ......,,,,,, + CAPITALS:
Dude let me tell you first hand compacs suck but with enough tweeking it will be just fine cause with most electronics it all depends on the hands that is using it. I worked at Walmart and used just about every electronic they use and sell there. [and or advertised] I don't buy crap to save money. Best you know what your gonna do with it and best treat it like a women. You like and it will last. I say the brand compac is almost up there with Hp quality and thats a good price, but first thing you need to do is upgrade the ram. If you know anything about a computer do the regular checks and cleaning your hard drive, blowing out the dust, stay organized, and learn things about your system. I think thats all the advice i can give to keep you system running like new. Ive had my computer for 6 years still fast and running good and not a problem that i couldn't fix yet nothing serious yet. Good luck just make sure if you get it from Walmart, check your computer thoroughly cause Walmart cares about the sales they make, and sometimes the employees just want to get the jobs done and don't do it the right way the first time, or just very over worked and damage things during the packing and shipping process.

gOOd adVice Darkshirikens!

[shock]

HP owns Compaq...