xp via WindowsKB.com said:
I am able to refund it within 14 days of purchase.
I intend to use it for just mainly for basic use like yearbook class,
which
needs internet and other little projects, like reports and such. No
videos,
games, or any other major graphics thing.
--
XP
Message posted via WindowsKB.com
http://www.windowskb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/windows-vista/200707/1
Check that there's no restocking fee within that 14 day period... that can
be a pretty stiff charge.
If budget is the most important thing here, I think you'll be fine with that
spec, regardless of the shared video RAM issue. I think you'll need to
allocate at least 128MB RAM to get Aero fired up. And... not really... I got
Aero working on a laptop with 512MB RAM and 64MB shared video RAM... but the
video card must support Aero in any case. So if you allocate 128MB RAM to
video, that will leave you with enough RAM to do the simple tasks you've
listed.
No doubt, though, that more RAM is better. You might want to see how much it
would cost you to upgrade to 2GB's RAM when you buy the laptop. Oh yeah... I
didn't look at the spec link you posted, but you may want to know, if the
spec sheet doesn't disclose it, how the 1GB RAM is delivered. Is it 2 512MB
sticks, leaving no free slots to add more RAM? (Meaning, if you ever decide
you want to upgrade to 2GB's RAM... you'd have to buy 2 1GB's sticks to do
that... and sell your 2 512MB sticks on eBay for next to nothing. If,
however, the laptop is delivered with a single 1GB stick and you have a free
RAM slot, then to upgrade to 2 GB's RAM would only require purchasing a
single 1GB stick. Depending on the vendor, it may be as cost effective to
buy the extra RAM now, rather than later.)
Another thing... don't rush out and buy a laptop just because this or that
vendor is having a sale. Make sure you really investigate the hw, especially
if you want to run Vista. Just because the laptop comes with Vista Home
Premium is no guarantee that the video card supports Aero. (Most likely it
does, without doubt, but these days it's up to the consumer to "do" due
diligence prior to purchasing just about anything more complicated than a
toaster. At least imho.) And if you're buying this from Staples... well, I'd
take anything the salespeople on the floor tell you about computers and
Vista with a shovel-full of salt. Maybe even a truckload...
Good luck!
Lang