I AM TAKING A COURSE ONLINE FOR A REAL ESTATE AGENT AND I AM WANTING TO PURCHASE A LAPTOP DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHAT TYPE OF LAPTOP TO USE? I AM TRYING TO BUILD MY OWN COMPUTER FROM DELL AND NEED TO KNOW WHAT EXTRAS I CAN ADD THAT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS.
ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Depends on what you'll use it for. If it will be taken on the road often ideally you'll want small and light with along battery life. That's going to mean a laptop with a "mobile" CPU as opposed to a normal CPU that gets really hot and sucks the battery dry. But if the laptop will be your only computer you might want something with a decent size screen and keyboard.

I've had lots of laptops, and I prefer the "pencil eraser" pointer to the thumbpad but you might be the opposite.

A CD or DVD burner is really handy, but an internal drive makes the laptop bigger and heavier. Built-in wireless is really handy but a wireless card will work fine.

I've yet to see any real estate specific software that requires much power.

------------------
Jason in Dallas
Telecom Sales and Service Manager
RE license coming soon

I know Dell is offering some really great deals. I have bought two laptops with them along with 5 desktops.

I tried getting a better deal from some of the local computer shops and none of them were able to offer a better deal then what dell offered.

------------------
Real Estate Web Design

NAR also have a discount arrangement with Dell for Realtors.

Go to www.Realtor.org and get the special Dell URL for Realtors.

I saved about 300 bucks on my last laptop by using it.

Compare both though, sometimes their specials are better deals.

------------------
Jim Lee, CRS, ABR, GRI, e-PRO
Realty Executives Associates
Knoxville, Tennessee
http://www.KnoxvilleMLS.com
Jim@KnoxvilleMLS.com
1999 REALTOR of the year, Knoxville Association of REALTORS

I am not an attorney, I am not your attorney, and I am not giving you any legal advice. This response is only given for informational purposes and should not be construed or substituted for legal advice.

Jim,

I did not know that, thanks for letting us know

------------------
Real Estate Web Design

maybe upgrade a keyboard with a caps lock botton

if its strictly for real estate just go cheap p4 or better. stay away from "centrino moble" or whatever, just a way for intel to sell their expensive wireless chip set you can buy dirt cheap.

Also pick what you want and find someone in the IT business and ask them if the system might be "bottle necked" anywhere.

good luck!

ps. check ebay, i got my brand new in box inspiron 5100 with all upgrades (15", 40gig, 512ddr, etc) was $1600 from dell.com, ebayed it@$1100

[This message has been edited by XstudioX (edited 11-15-2004).]

For new, I just get the cheapest I can find. The cheapest these days is better than the average good laptop 2 years ago, and even those still work.

Today, I bought a no-name brand (GQ or something) for $649 from Fries Electronics. 15", 40 gig, 256Meg RAM, 2.4 GHz.

I still have my Toshiba from 1.5 years ago (for my assistant) with same specs except a little slower. And that Toshiba cost me over $1.5k.

I agree with Lula on this one. I needed a laptop fast (couldn't wait 2 weeks) for a previous business venture. I bought an AVERATEC (I guess no name) at staples for about 800 and used it "on the road" for months. I considered a dell but to get the same size (very small and lightweight) would have cost around 3x the price. I am a big fan of Dells (Own one now and have owned two others) but for the price I couldn't justify the higher cost. I don't use mine for presentations, so if that is what you are looking to do, a bigger screen may help that but powerwise and featurewise I don't see much need to go overboard. For "presentations" I did have an old Dell 133mhz (yep, very old) that would do anything I wanted to do with powerpoint.

J

If your still looking, the "no namebrand" laptops are a gamble. Sometimes you win big, other times you win headache after headache. I would disagree with the above recommendation to stay away from the "centrino" mobile notebooks. While the centrino notebook itself might be a lark just to get the full wireless setup. The processor and chipset are simply the best performance/battery life that you will get for a laptop. They will last twice as long as your say "cheap p4" and will in your case, (no offense)do EVERYTHING you need. As mentioned above, there really isnt' any intensive real estate specific programming, so unless your planning on playing some Doom 3, a no name brand whitebook is probably the route to go. Asus makes the best whitebooks on the market, they are reliable and fully upgradable. Building computers myself, that would be the route I would suggest. You can save yourself a lot of money, and get everything you still need.

http://usa.asus.com/wheretobuy/WTB_Notebook.htm

That is a link to Asus site showing it's online reseller partners. In the name of frugality, that is what I recommend. Just my two cents.

I just bought a IBM R40 Thinkpad on ebay last week. I haven't received it yet (let's hope I Do) but I was sold on IBM a long time ago. Now China is getting their hands on IBM Laptops so their future is up in the air. Ive heard Compaq's are bad and personally Im skeptical of Emachines- but people say they are fine. Ofcourse stay away from fujitsu/acer etc....

Why is Dell so hyped-up these days? I guess it could be because we live in the USA, and I do support U.S. goods- but I think there is a slight superficial "Fad" going on with Dell's. I'm sure they have some good qualites- but Im tired of hearing about those machines.......

With all this hype does dell actually out-perform most Laptops??

Montanaland - Dell is no Alienware (A high speed, graphics intensive computer), but for general home/small business computing, it is the best just shy of actually building your own, if you actually know what you're doing that is.

Here are some specs you will want to look for:

-512MB RAM
-at least 2 Ghz processor
-as lightweight as possible (trust me, if you're lugging it around all day it makes a difference)
-a comforatable for you screen size
-a cd burner is helpful sometimes, especially if it is a multi-purpose computer
-USB ports are a must!
-check into getting a docking station with your laptop, so then it can be used as a desktop as well as a laptop.

You may want to check out Vaio...we just bought a laptop from them and it is really smooth looking (we use it for presentations).

Edit: Wi-fi really helps a ton too, especially if your office is already wireless, or if you are in airports (or other locations that offer wi-fi access) alot. Cords do become a hassle. Also look into getting a USB Flash drive - these can transfer data fast and more efficiently than a CD)

I know your talking Dell, but I believe that Apple is the way to go. They used to be for designers and developers in the past, but they have made huge strides with their computers.

http://www.apple.com

There are more expensive, but work much better. I made the switch about 6 months ago after a lot of pressure from our designers and programmers and have not looked back since.

Apple just works.

I suggest going to an Apple Store and asking them what they think....

Just my thoughts.

Steve

I once had a Panasonic Toughbook (rugged field laptop) and I miss it very much. Imagine James Bond 007 opening a sleek laptop in the jungle and you get the picture.

Having been a network admin for my office before getting my license, this is the criteria I use for laptops for us:

-Intel Mobile Pentium 4 processor for
front line agents needing graphics capability and
using their laptop as their main machine.
Good cooling system as this cpu overheats in a
laptop case
-Intel Centrino for those not requiring the added horsepower or who will be using their laptop alot while disconnected from power.
-1 gig RAM, PC2700 on a 400-533 mhz bus
-For Mobile Pentium 4 users - min 3 ghz cpu
-For Centrino users - min 1.8 ghz cpu
-Min 128meg video RAM
Preferable ATI Radon chipset
-CD-R/RW with DVD-R/RW since we are almost paperless office
-15.4" ++ WXGA monitor
-Min 3 USB ports accessible from front or side
-Windows XP Pro (no Home as the networking is too limited)
-Norton Anti-virus corp edition
-Office XP Pro
-Wireless networking? Must have onboard 802.11g
-Docking station or port replicator for all who
have an office desk
-Weight? We only consider it an issue if the
person will be flying. Otherwise, we found that
the laptop sits in its case on the floor of the
car so we don't waste the extra money.

I have a T40 IBM Pentium M (Mobile) it comes with most all the items bglines mentions. Stick a 512mb ram upgrade in it. (1024 total)

It gets 4-hour battery life.

My personal laptop is a Sager NP5680. (Similar to Alien ware) 2.8ghz P4 128mb video.

Battery life is 2 hours tops if you go with the highest power management options. (Makes it seem like my t40 cause of limited power)

Dell is good. I would not buy a used one though.

If you get something other than a Mobile laptop you will be fine. Buy a power inverter to plug it in and charge it in your car. Get an extra battery in case you do a presentation where there is no plug.

Other than that look at bglines post it is dead on.

I too build and upgrade.

Look for a laptop with a smart bay. That way if it is a bargain you could upgrade easily.


And most importantly check out www.pricewatch.com this is a wholesale website. You will get a laptop for far less than retail. But, be careful and look at the user reviews on the wholesaler.

This is an old thread. I'm upgrading now, so wanted to see if anyone had updated opinions. I heard I should get a Tobisha or Sony. I really don't want to spend more than $1500 right now since I don't really need one, I'd just like to get a pc since I only have a mac powerbook.

I just bought a new Dell laptop. It's the Inspiron series. It cost me about $900 after the NAR discount. It has the wireless wifi set up, and it works wonderfully for me.

I love my Dell Inspiron 5100 I've had it for over a year, bought it on ebay for $800. I've NEVER had a problem with it, it's my main computer... we have a desktop, but it's considered my hubbys. I love it for powerpoint presentations to clients, and I've got wireless internet, which is fabulous! Just make sure it has enough RAM.

Wow...those two Dell computers sound great. I forget that we get a discount. I'll definitely look at it.

Make sure it has at least 512, a full gig is better. As for a processor, at least a pentium 4 3.0 ghz or equivalent AMD xp. That will keep it useable for the next couple of years....

Want an INEXPENSIVE deal got to Tiger Direct.

www.tigerdirect.com

Tiger has IBM refurbs for like 300-500 bucks. You can upgrade the ram very easily. Check Pricewatch for the upgrades. Link is below.

Also

www.pricewatch.com
www.discountlaptops.com (High Power Notebooks)

I know there was a knock on the Centrino Notebooks but honestly it sure is nice to have everything integrated in your notebook and have support from IBM rather than an aftermarket vendor you would purchase a card upgrade from.

This 1.5 Pentium M with 1 gig of ram is fairly responsive on SiSandra Pro 2k4 versus any other 1.5's. Benchmarks around the same as a 2.0 celeron D. (533 fsb)

In layman's terms it is much more responsive in turning data than a normal 1.5.

Wow. I thought I did well buying my new Sony for $1200.

I have an IBM laptop which was sold to me new from a reputable dealer, but it has had so many problems, I think it was a product return and resold to me, because it took a long time to get it running right. Having it has taught me a few things I should have considered:

1. Any new computer is most susceptible to problems right out of the box because the operating system and security software need to be updated. So make sure your security software is up to date BEFORE you connect to the Internet, and that if you're using Windows, that it has the latest build of Windows XP installed on it. In fact, I'd make whoever you buy from SHOW you that they have installed all the latest updates.

2. Spring for a fast computer. It will help with security updates, downloads, email, listing photos, searches, etc.

3. Consider how the laptop screen looks when you're looking at it from an angle. Sometimes reviewing listings on your laptop calls for a very viewable screen.

Good luck!

1200 does not sound bad for a Sony Dee.

Good Laptop made with high end parts.

Brand new too! I bought it from http://www.pcmall.com. They have a lot of good deals on a name brands as well as off brands. It came with a docking station that is supposed to be worth $200 or so.

I bought the Soney with only a 256mb of ram so I can buy a 512GB stick. I think it was only $45 or so for the ram from http://www.oempcworld.com/

I'm surprised that there aren't many Tablet PC fans here.

Here are some posts from a Tablet PC forum:

"I have been in real estate for five years and currently using the HP TC1100 and love it. I take it everywhere and use it as a computer but also as an extension to my PDA (Pocket PC Phone). Because of the size and weight I use it for showing property, writing contracts and note taking - exactly what it is designed for. Because of the internal wireless connection I have established a T-Mobile Hot Spot account to access the internet for propety searches or emailing/faxing contracts. I have also subscribed to and use an wireless aircard for those times I cannot access the internet via "Hot Spots".

Clients are very impressed with the portability and ability to perform all real estate task on the run. No more running back to the office to write contracts, counter offers or search the MLS. You truly have an office on the go no matter where you are. It's grab and go time."

And...

"Hey Folks,

Buying an M205 has allowed me to transform my Sacramento area real estate business into a paperless operation. I now have all my contracts, disclosures, etc, available for review and signing on my tablet pc.

In addition, I now provide my clients with a USB Keychain Drive at the start of a transaction and all client documentation is copied to the drive as we move along towards the closing.

After the transaction is completed, I provide my clients with a CD or DVD containing a pdf file of all their documents ordered from start to finish. It includes a nice web interface that auto launches when the disk is inserted.

I have made arrangements with both lenders and title companies to work with electronic versions of documents as much as possible. Some hardcopy is required, but the amount is very small.

My clients love this service and I enjoy provding it! Guess my new motto should be "Sell or buy real estate through me and save a tree"

Just one more reason to love tablet pc's"

How are you printing essential documents? How are your clients signing?

i can do all that with my dell laptop and my treo. don't need to have a tablet pc. lol

You can sign directly on the Tablet and Efax documents.

There are portable printers as well...if needed.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/evaluation/about.mspx

http://www.hp.com/sbso/solutions/real/what_table_can_do.html

http://www.quepublishing.com/articles/article.asp?p=102213&seqNum=8&rl=1

There is a premium over regular laptops, but if you're in the market for a new one- a Tablet is well worth a look.

What do you store on your USB drive?

And how big of one do you use?

dean, i don't understand what a tablet pc is offering over a laptop? all hte things you are mentioning i can get with a regular laptop as well. i'm not trying to be a smartass, i'm just trying to understand what the huge difference is

Kassie,

The tablet allows you to write as you would on a notepad, and sign documents directly in digital form.

This is from a website asking what people do with a Tablet PC:

==========================================
Chris Sterns, a realtor in Irvine, California, is on his second Tablet PC. His first, the HP Compaq Tablet TC1000, proved too slow for his needs, so he upgraded to a HP Compaq Tablet TC1100 with 1GB of memory. Sterns uses the convertible Tablet PC with a wireless modem that connects him to AT&T Wireless's third-generation, high-speed Edge network.

"I'll never go back to a notebook," Sterns declares. "This baby gets a workout and gives in return."

Sterns says a Tablet PC has made his dealings as a realtor "almost paperless." Using the tablet, he makes appointments, annotates documents (such as offers and counteroffers) using digital ink, shows photos of properties to clients, and sends and receive faxes from almost anywhere.

As an example, Sterns cites an incident in which he met with a client to review a counteroffer from the property seller's agent.

"While we were driving away from the property, my client and I began discussing the terms. Once we settled on the terms and conditions, I pulled off the road, pulled out my Tablet PC, and wrote up a counteroffer on the spot."

Sterns filled out a form, which the client initialed and signed using a stylus on the Tablet PC's screen. From there, Sterns wirelessly e-mailed the signed form as a PDF attachment to the seller's agent. The result? Sterns' client got the property--and successfully negotiated $3000 off the asking price.

"Needless to say, my client was impressed and grateful," Sterns adds.
=========================================

Hello There. I was just reading through this post and thought I would add this link to Dell that many people don't know about. They have what they call "Dell Outrageous Deals" and I have sure seen some. In fact I recently purchased my laptop from this link. The content on this link changes often so it's good to keep checking back.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/outrageous?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd