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Topic: Notebooks, Digital Cameras & Printers (Read 1 time) previous topic - next topic
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Notebooks, Digital Cameras & Printers
Yahoo Message Number: 47638
Being somewhat inexperience with the newer technology for the subject items, we would like some input as to what we should purchase.  We will be using the notebook for web surfing, email, MSword, Excel, editing pictures, maybe GPS, backing up on a CD and playing DVDs.  We need a basic digital camera and a printer that is not too large that can print pictures plus normal documents.  Help!
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
Re: Notebooks, Digital Cameras & Printers
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47645
The Canon PowrShot S1 IS is not basic, but if you are spending a bit more than $300 for a camera you might take a look at it.

best,  paul
 
Re: Notebooks, Digital Cameras & Printers
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47659
"Being somewhat inexperience...We will be using the notebook for web surfing, email, MSword, Excel, editing pictures, maybe GPS, backing up on a CD and playing DVDs. We need a basic digital camera and a printer that is not too large that can print pictures plus normal documents."
 There are hundreds of choices in laptop computers, so what follows is only one opinion.
But it's consistent with what experts like Walter Mossburg of the Wall Street Journal, the editors of Business Week, and the editors of Consumer Reports say, which is this: if you want a computer that's easy to use and that you will waste a minimum of time maintaining (as opposed to doing the things you want to do), get a Mac. If you want a computer that will not be infected by viruses, worms, Trojans and other malware, get a Mac. If you want to edit pictures, get a Mac.
 Much excellent software (e.g., iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, iDVD, etc.) is included on every Mac, and the entire MS Office suite is available for Mac. Map laptops start at just under $1,000.
The only weak point is GPS usage, where the choice of Mac software is limited (Route 66 USA and some topo software). Although you can use a Mac laptop for GPS navigation, and I did so for years, I've found that I personally prefer a standalone GPS, for reasons previously discussed.
 On the other hand, if you just want the cheapest laptop available, get a PC--you can't beat the prices of the low-end units. But then, if "cheap" was your main criterion, you'd be driving a Fleetwood, not a Lazy Daze. ;-)
 For cameras, again there are many good choices. For beginners, I recommend Canon's PowerShot A85. It's compact, affordable, and delivers excellent pictures. It can be used as a fully automatic "point-and-shoot" camera, but also gives you the option of switching to manual or semi-automatic mode if you want to control shutter speed or depth of field.
This model sells for under $250. It has a 3:1 zoom lens, which is adequate for most people. If, however, you expect to be taking images of distant wildlife (birds, etc.), you may want to consider Canon's PowerShot S1 1S, which sells for about $360. It has a 10:1 zoom lens that'll get you a lot closer to the subject...but it's considerably bulkier than the A85.
 Printers: for RVing use, I've found nothing that beats Canon's i80 (about $225). It's extremely compact, amazingly fast and delivers excellent quality with both photos and text.

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"