The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

[lawlorlane]

Hi, hope you lovely guys can help :confused: .................. My son has now saved up £300 for a laptop but we are having trouble working out the best one for him to have regarding all the specs - If I give you a lowdown on what he will use it for could you please give me some guidance..................

He is 9 years old - likes to use the paint and word programmes - plays games (msn games, so nothing to drastic!) - does surfing (homework research, club penguin and wwe sites!!!:D ) and likes to talk to his cousin in Australia using skype. He would prefer a webcam (he will be monitored closely when using it)
He is quite a whizz on the computer for such a young lad and has shown me a thing or two on word, lol:rotfl: . My only problem when searching for good deals and looking at specs is not kowing what he will need for his type of useage.

If anone can help I would really apprciate it.
TIA :D

[JDPower]

what about this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toshiba-Satellite-Pro-A60en-Refurbished-laptop-2-8Ghz_W0QQitemZ110329646072QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Co mputing_Laptops_EH?hash=item110329646072&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1300%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318
Not very good at all, poor/outdated spec and poor quality (I used to have one one)

[patel1977]

Just in a process of buying a laptop but cant make my mind up because not very good at it but i found these 2 laptops

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asp/versions.asp?rewrite=Sony_VAIO_NS10L-S_VGNNS10L-S.CEK&pagetype=version&PID=734 (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asp/versions.asp?rewrite=Sony_VAIO_NS10L-S_VGNNS10L-S.CEK&pagetype=version&PID=734)

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/504890/TOSHIBA-SAT%20L350-170

Please give you thoughts so i can make my deceision and get hold of it asap.:j

[Monkey Chops]

Patel 1977 - The Sony can be bought for £399 at a couple of stores at the moment - PCWorld and I think Currys.

[cashbacksaving]

There is some ecellent ones at the comet clearence site here http://www.clearance-comet.co.uk/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?sort_order=pricea&cgrfnbr=19791&cgmenbr=37087214&gallery=&wl=37087214&cgrfnbr=19791&sort=&accept=&noMoreSubs=Y

[patel1977]

Thanks for your reply. What about warranty shall i take that or not an issue. :confused:

[cashbacksaving]

i dont take out warrenty on them just due to factor its the sector i work in

[patel1977]

so i should just leave it

[Mark_B]

what about this acer

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/product/B001HK210E/ref=dp_cp_ob_ce_0_cm_cr_acr_img/276-8780318-7652827?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

[patel1977]

Acer AS5735 Laptop 4GB RAM/ Core 2 Duo was 538.29 now £388 @ Comet

"Great low price for this Acer 15.6" laptop featuring an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a huge 4GB memory and 160GB storage. It also plays and records DVDs and CDs."

Down from £538.29. This is Acer's new models, which are very stylish. Available to order online or instore. any suggestions most welcome. I'm confused i've got sony and toshiba on the list please advise me.:j

[Mark_B]

Acer AS5735 Laptop 4GB RAM/ Core 2 Duo was 538.29 now £388 @ Comet

"Great low price for this Acer 15.6" laptop featuring an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a huge 4GB memory and 160GB storage. It also plays and records DVDs and CDs."

Down from £538.29. This is Acer's new models, which are very stylish. Available to order online or instore. any suggestions most welcome. I'm confused i've got sony and toshiba on the list please advise me.:j

cheaper here

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/product.php?sku=904249&camp_id=ppc_Froogle_search

[patel1977]

im confused dont know which one to buy. like i said in py previous post. if im going to spend £400 so i need to make my mind up. Toshiba, sony Or Acer.:confused:

[Mark_B]

im confused dont know which one to buy. like i said in py previous post. if im going to spend £400 so i need to make my mind up. Toshiba, sony Or Acer.:confused:


its best not to rush into anything, and wait to see what the other guys say:money:

[patel1977]

shall i pop down to the store and ask them or just wait

[screid]

Hi,

My niece has got £200 to £250 to spend on a laptop, she wants it for Internet (msn, facebook, bebo) and for homework. Any suggestions/recommendations. Laptop/Notebook/Netbook?

Any suggestions/recommendations gratefully accepted.

Thanks, Shaun

[nwsuk]

on the next site, they have there laptop reduced from 350 to 179, dont know spec as it says look on page so and so in the catalogue and i dont have one

[nwsuk]

Patel AVOID LAPTOPSDIRECT they are a nightmare company, search the forums for further information about them.

[nwsuk]

I bought yesterday

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1958161870.123031862 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccgdadefmhdidikcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=819568&category_oid=-34420

250gb hard drive, 2ghz dual core, 17" monitor, 2gb memory, dedicated graphics card (not shared memory) and reasonable brand

Everything i needed, also got 10% off due to the dixons promo and 3% cashback from topcashback.co.uk (use them on anything dixons)

So paid under 340. Good deal i think, ive looked round and not found a spec to match it for that price.

Also as mail order, if its not spot on when it comes, or its performance rating is poor i always have the option of returning for a refund under the distance selling regulations and only lose the fiver i paid extra for guaranteed delivery on weds. Though ive no reason to expect to send it back, but always have that safety net for anything mail order, so pointing it out.

[patel1977]

which model/make shall i go for and where can i get cashback also

Went down comet today and the guy told me Acer As5735 £388.00 it is a very good spec. You are not paying for the brand you paying for the spec. Still dont know which want to buy.

[mswannabe]

cheaper here

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/product.php?sku=904249&camp_id=ppc_Froogle_search

Don't know if it makes a lot of difference performance wise, but noticed Comet Laptop comes with 4G memory, PC World comes with 3G. Everything else seems the same.

[mcspanna]

Hi All,

Looking to buy a laptop (obviously!) I'm a competent computer user but a technophobe when it comes to specs etc!

I need a machine to replace my (work) laptop which is a Toshiba Tecra A2. I have found the below on Amazon, any comments gratefully received! Am struggling to understand what software it comes with (says something about a trial version so will this cost me more money), I need MS Office (to be compatible with work computers) OH has a copy of office but he uses XP and this is Vista - could we load up his version?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-15-4-inch-Laptop-Premium/dp/B001HK20ZA/ref=pd_cp_ce_1?pf_rd_p=136153791&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001G7PI26&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=15Q7F0SF7ANZ2C8B5Y5W

Is this a good deal and/or any alternative suggestions?

I do lots of surfing on the internet, no gaming, uploading camera images to photobucket, work stuff using word/powerpoint, have an external Hard Drive accessed via a wireless network so not overly bothered about saving stuff on a laptop itself.

Just want something that works quickly (ie multiple browser windows) but have discounted a netbook as I do also need the facilities of a 'proper' laptop for MS office etc. I understand that laptops are never futureproof but would like something that will last for as long as possible.

Dazed and confused already so any advice appreciated!

Thanks,

mcspanna

[tripleh]

My old mother (76) is after a cheapo laptop just for internet browsing and emails any ideas? please

[Albannach1876]

Hi all, looking to replace my come-to-the-end-of-its-life Medion laptop but I'm getting more confused the more I read things. Everytime I find something that looks good I read a comment saying don't touch Dell / Sony / Toshiba etc with a barge pole and I'm back to square one!
I use my laptop a lot, mainly for internet, (simple, several years old) games, researching and maintaining my family tree, storing photos and storing my extremely large music collection on iTunes - although I don't download a lot.
My current laptop has a 80gb hard drive, but due to the way it was divided up into C, D and E drives when I bought it, I've only really had access to about 35gb. Is this normal with all laptops? I'm looking to get a 320gb hard drive this time - but is it likely to be partitioned when I get one?

As mentioned, I'm looking for 320gb hard drive, 15" screen (no larger), not too heavy as I do carry it around at timse, at least 3 USB ports and preferably a SD card slot. Apart from that, the techie stuff confuses me and I'm not sure what I want / need! Money is not really an issue, although obviously the cheaper the better.

Any suggestions please?

[chocolateteddy]

I bought yesterday

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1958161870.123031862 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccgdadefmhdidikcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=819568&category_oid=-34420

250gb hard drive, 2ghz dual core, 17" monitor, 2gb memory, dedicated graphics card (not shared memory) and reasonable brand

Everything i needed, also got 10% off due to the dixons promo and 3% cashback from topcashback.co.uk (use them on anything dixons)

So paid under 340. Good deal i think, ive looked round and not found a spec to match it for that price.

Also as mail order, if its not spot on when it comes, or its performance rating is poor i always have the option of returning for a refund under the distance selling regulations and only lose the fiver i paid extra for guaranteed delivery on weds. Though ive no reason to expect to send it back, but always have that safety net for anything mail order, so pointing it out.

How did you get 10% off was it a code as I can't see anything about it on the website Thanks

[JDPower]

im confused dont know which one to buy. like i said in py previous post. if im going to spend £400 so i need to make my mind up. Toshiba, sony Or Acer.:confused:
I would say the Acer has the best spec of the three and is very excellent value at £370.

[nwsuk]

Hi the discount was on dixons just between 3 and 6pm xmas day.

Cashback for dixons is through topcashback co uk.

These are the mirror codes, i dont know if there still valid, but you can try.

£10 off orders over £100: MIRROR10
£25 off orders over £250: MIRROR25
£50 off orders over £500: MIRROR50
£100 off orders over £1000: MIRROR100

Hope they are

[nwsuk]

Albannach1876 a friend bought this one today from comet when we were out.

Also he asked (and got) a free bag with it.

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/483265/FUJITSU-SIEMENS-AMILO-PA-3553 £399.00

320gb ram
dedicated graphics card not shared
3gb memory
good processor
vista premium (if you like vista)

Good deal if you want blue ray support.

If i hadnt specifically needed 17" screen, i would of bought this myself.

[buster1980]

ok any ideas on where to get one from ? thats the best price i can find so far

[buster1980]

i think i may goto there shop and see waht they are about , looking at the prices im abit unsure cant really seem to find one cheaper then £299 at dixons.

if i pay by card am i overed for the whole amount ?

[Browntoa]

dabs £314

Amazon £318 Delivered

Pcworld £322 , pick up in store

[buster1980]

I have decided to take a trip to there shop tomorrow to see if they really have the samsung nc10 been checking on ebay from there feedback and seems people have been recieving them for around the £250 mark ! price seems to good to be true as ive heard there not that easy to coem by either

also anyone had any dealings with laptop direct ?

[nwsuk]

check the forums for peoples nightmares with laptopdirects and there associated names, there a company to be avoided

also there not cheap compared to anyone else

[Albannach1876]

Albannach1876 a friend bought this one today from comet when we were out.

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/483265/FUJITSU-SIEMENS-AMILO-PA-3553 £399.00

320gb ram
dedicated graphics card not shared
3gb memory
good processor
vista premium (if you like vista)

If i hadnt specifically needed 17" screen, i would of bought this myself.

Thanks for that nwsuk - I'll be checking it out in store tomorrow - looks ideal for what I need.

[buster1980]

nwsuk im not spam promoting just need advice as i know nothing about computers and dont have much money , i know on ebay there are alot of people ripping people off, i will have a look at the forums at laptops direct thanks

[nwsuk]

buster where do you live out of curiosity? (what area of the country)

[buster1980]

im in cornwall

[nwsuk]

Well there not open sundays according to there website, there in penzance. Also when checking out there claimed address, theres no such business coming up in that post code in penzance.

Personally i think its a con. Too much doesnt add up.

Prices are below the trade prices even the big national chains get them at. Descriptions stolen from other sites. No continuity to their products.

Ah now found something.

Also check there claimed parent company sgelectricalslive.co.uk was only created 21st december 2008. A whole 6 days ago.

CON CON CON CON SPAM SPAM SPAM!

AVOID THE COMPANY

added, registered address Of this company is

15 bread street
penzance
cornwall
cornwall
TR18 3PB
GB

different to that given on the website

CON CON CON CON CON

[buster1980]

thanks for the advice think ill be going to dixons then and getting mine

[buster1980]

my brother lives in penzance ill get him to go and see them on monday if its a con the ill let you know i wont be spending any money though
thanks for all your help

[nwsuk]

Im just printing out orders so happy to help, i know a lot of the tricks for promoting sites to make them look more established (for legit companies though).

That site has so many alarm bells ringing, unless you could physically walk through the door, buy one, pay with a credit card (so your insured as its over £100) i wouldnt touch it with a barge pole.

Its like an a to z of what not to do, its worse than the chinese sites selling ipods lol

[nwsuk]

oh and see it fully working

[buster1980]

ive emailed a few people in penzance to see if there is any sign of this company , i will get my brother to go around on monday with the cash and see if he has any luck if so and i pay cash if there are proplems can i return it sorry i dont know much lol

[buster1980]

Done some digging on this company its in buiness with a company called cgk pets and aviary supplies in 36a market jew street penzance cornwall tr18 2ht , this is run by mr gary hicks

they where trading on ebay as 0173mooch untill there account got suspended for selling some games that turned out to be fakes.

i emailed them on the off chance and have arranged to pick up a samsung nc10 from there shop tomorrow which is running at the back of the pet shop untill they finish setting up there new shop in bread street.
the email also sated that anone could come and pick items up
will let you all know how it go's tomorrow

[JDPower]

i emailed them on the off chance and have arranged to pick up a samsung nc10 from there shopPersonally I think you're making a big mistake risking having anything to do with that company but it's your loss :undecided

[buster1980]

hi jdpower surly if they said i can pick it up and pay cash there shouldnt be a problem should there ?

[mcallister1]

What if the laptop is faulty or does not work? If you have paid by credit card you would have a chance of getting your money back, but if they are selling things that are not the spec they say, or are refurbs that look like new, or don't work, who are you going to take it back to when they disappear? You say they have been caught out misrepresenting what they say to customers- that is lying to them about the games they sold being real when they were fake. So they are liars. Why would you trust them about what is inside your laptop? Maybe they are stolen? Who knows? Round the back of the pet shop? In a 3 wheeled van, maybe?
Its up to you- but if you are not a techie how will you know you have what they say they are selling you?

[JDPower]

What if the laptop is faulty or does not work? If you have paid by credit card you would have a chance of getting your money back, but if they are selling things that are not the spec they say, or are refurbs that look like new, or don't work, who are you going to take it back to when they disappear? You say they have been caught out misrepresenting what they say to customers- that is lying to them about the games they sold being real when they were fake. So they are liars. Why would you trust them about what is inside your laptop? Maybe they are stolen? Who knows? Round the back of the pet shop? In a 3 wheeled van, maybe?
Its up to you- but if you are not a techie how will you know you have what they say they are selling you?
That pretty much covers what I was going to reply with ;)

[stamford]

Well i went to the shop and got my samsung nc10 the laptop is brand new in sealed boxes they even opned it and checked it in front of me.
i took your advice and paid by card just incase but i got a reciept they seem like two nice chaps anyway im happy now as i have my new laptop oh and also a nintendo ds that ive been after for ages

hope all gos well for them in there new business im of to the try and set it up now with my knowledge i may be gone sometime

merry christmas and happy new year to all

Are there any other Rogue Traders you've been engaged to do an image makeover for ?

[buster1980]

dont get what your trying to say stamford just telling my experience isnt that what this site is for ?

[Browntoa]

no small shops open on a sunday round my way :confused:

even flower shops

love to know how how you "found" it on a search

[Browntoa]

Done some digging on this company its in buiness with a company called cgk pets and aviary supplies in 36a market jew street penzance cornwall tr18 2ht , this is run by mr gary hicks

they where trading on ebay as 0173mooch untill there account got suspended for selling some games that turned out to be fakes.

i emailed them on the off chance and have arranged to pick up a samsung nc10 from there shop tomorrow which is running at the back of the pet shop untill they finish setting up there new shop in bread street.
the email also sated that anone could come and pick items up
will let you all know how it go's tomorrow

see in this thread you had some Ebay problems with Laptops and only accept google checkout now

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=17066703&posted=1#post17066703

also notice that on the ebay user id there are several negs fro non supply of this same unit , does not look good !!!

your story gets a bit confused , you are picking up on monday , then your brother is , then you picked up today .

Someone posted on the ebay forums that the shop is tiny and can no way hold the amount of stock they claim to hold , and if you visit the site you there is no live stock checking , I just added 20,000 items to my basket

they are also selling the units below wholesale prices so i'm not sure what their business model is or how they will make money

[buster1980]

Can i ask where the evidence that they are selling at below trade price ? also rf stock i just went to laptops direct picked a acer laptop thy said they had 20 in stock it allowed me to add 100 to my cart oes this mean they are a dodgy site aswell then , i will say im happy with my products an dont understand why people are trying to find faults with this site when they have done nothing wrong pc world , currys comet etc all started from somewhere and why whouldnt i say im happy with this company when i got what i wanted and at a good price

[Browntoa]

profit margins on laptops are at MAX 5% ,if the BIG volume retailers (who get a better volume deal) cannot even match the original price , how can this web site that was opened after they were chucked off ebay , knock ANOTHER 10% off that price and make money

their record of supplying these units on ebay was not good , refunds for non delivery etc

[buster1980]

At the end of day i got my laptop and ds for the price i wanted so im happy dont know how they do it but thats not really for me to worry about is it

[mcallister1]

dont understand why people are trying to find faults with this site when they have done nothing wrong pc world , currys comet etc all started from somewhere and why whouldnt i say im happy with this company when i got what i wanted and at a good price
I'm afraid we don't believe you buster...:p
As for they did nothing wrong- they/you did sell fake dvds and say they were real. So that would indicate they/you are dodgy in some way.
Of course if it is all true I do apologise.:o

[mcallister1]

Back on the cheap laptop front, in the end I went for the toshiba L300-1AQ recommended earlier on this thread or the HD one- from Bennetts £391 down to £359 with 10% code from signing up to their email list, and 4% from cashbackkings .I think it looks really good and I would like to thank all those who post on the techie board to help others get to grips with the options. It really helps those of us who only look at this sort of thing now and then so don't have a handle on how things have moved on.:beer:
It has
15.4
: Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 2.0GHz 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB
: 2GB RAM
: 250GB Hard Drive

: DVD Super Multi - Dual Layer
: Wifi
: Windows Vista Home Premium

[buster1980]

all i can say is everyone is entiled to there thoughts i guess many of you just come on here to talk to others but i only joined yesterday to find out some info if you dont believe me then there is nothing i can do is there anyway im enjoing the samsung nc10 there great laptops ne1 else got one ?

[tripleh]

Does anyone know if emachines are any good? Saw this http://direct.asda.com/Emachines-Dual-Core-Laptop/000584169,default,pd.html as its for my mom just for googling and emails

[nwsuk]

Emachines i beleive are made by same company as advent. There ok, but normally you find a few shortcuts taken in there manufacture, more budget than quality etc.

For what you want for your mother probably ideal though.

[nwsuk]

Buster1980 its obvious your the person behind this company. Yesterday you came on claiming you were buying a laptop and looking, now today its youve bought off them.

There own site says they dont open sundays. Youve tried to put together a story to justify everything research showed up about them.

I admire you for trying to make the company look genuine, but youve tripped yaself up, the companys a con, simple as that.

Just move on and try it on another forum.

Luvvly Jubbly lol

[Luvly.cuppa.T]

Cor it's like Eastenders on here, had me on the edge of my seat!

Anyways, I have finally decided to take the plunge of getting a new lap top.
However I have no idea what I need. Please help.

I am a final year student in my undergrad degree looking to go onto PhD later in the new year. I have one specific programme that I need to run, called SPSS (should anyone be familiar? It's a number crunching, fancy excel spreadsheet type thing, but with more behind it, and appears to take a bit to run.. well on this oldie it does...)
I currently have a single processor (celeron I think, sticker has long gone off lappie) and I have immense problems with slowness when I have music playing in background and internet sites up and running (particularly with msn messenger and facebook :o )

I guess I need a good memory (no jokes please), as store a lot of pdf stuff (journal articles) and word documents, also powerpoint stuff. Music too.
What is RAM anyways and the difference between that and hard drive mem?

I have no need for webcam, or blue ray. Want to play CD's and DVD's though, without it slowing down everything else to snail pace. (Well more so for the CD's)

As for using it on the move, I am not sure. PhD life may require a laptop that has to travel with me, so maybe lightness and something that will allow to connect to the internet on whilst on the go? I guess battery life would be an issue too.

I currently use my current laptop as a PC. It goes nowhere, although it could make me fitter if I did carry it about...

Can anyone rephrase my needs into techie speak so I know what to look for?
Many thanks!

[buster1980]

i wish i was behind the company i wouldnt hve to goto work in cold today lol but hey ho everyone is entiled to have there say

i do find it funny how everyone sems to think im the mastermind of s g electricals i can only just work out how to connect wireless

[patheticshark]

I think they think you're a con artist rather than an electrical mastermind :D

[buster1980]

and your evidence of this is ?

[sgrech]

I am seriously looking a HP machine to replace my 5 yr old Dell Inspiron.

I have come across this on ebuyer

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/151493

Seems to be a pretty decent price I can seem to find it for less than about £500 elsewhere. It seems to meet my requirements although would like to know if the machine is likely to run reasonably cool and quiet.

Does anyone on this forum have experience of HP machine with regards to this?

Thanks
Simon

[kevin_smith98M]

Looks a good deal to me too, has some dedicated graphics memory which is quite impressive for under £400 and the rest of the spec is reasonable.

Bought this online via Dixons (Dixons, Currys, PCWorld and Pixmania i believe are all part of DSG)

Paid £371 (5% discount code on Dixons web site pre-Christmas) for it based upon the Dell name and the dedicated graphics card (ATI Radeon 3650)

Laptop arrived just before Christmas and has gone back to Dixons today, as it was supplied with Intel onboard graphics, not the web site advertised ATI Graphics Card

will let you know what happens but i am not optimistic based upon this web site Consumer Action Group (http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/currys-dixons/174465-currys-advertised-spec-laptop.html)

interestingly PCWorld and Pixmania still showing thjis on line with the ATI card but it seems to have been pulled from Currys and Dixons web sites

ATB

Kevin

[kevin_smith98M]

I am seriously looking a HP machine to replace my 5 yr old Dell Inspiron.

I have come across this on ebuyer

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/151493

Seems to be a pretty decent price I can seem to find it for less than about £500 elsewhere. It seems to meet my requirements although would like to know if the machine is likely to run reasonably cool and quiet.

Does anyone on this forum have experience of HP machine with regards to this?

Thanks
Simon

see also my thread ref the Dell Studio 1737 - which if supplied as spec would be fantastic e.g at Pixmania (http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/2203186/art/dell/studio-1737-blue.html)

i have been looking too for a good quality laptop - from ebuyer this HP (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152233)seems a better option as it has a dedicated graphics capability at the same price - processor is AMD though not Intel

i'd be interested to see what some computer literate folks thought of the two HP alternatives via EBuyer

ATB

Kevin

[JDPower]

from ebuyer this HP (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152233)seems a better option as it has a dedicated graphics capability at the same price
According to the link that does NOT have dedicated graphics memory

[GunJack]

processor is AMD though not Intel




if it's a dual core AMD in most applications you would never notice a difference between that and an intel

[chocolateteddy]

Back on the cheap laptop front, in the end I went for the toshiba L300-1AQ recommended earlier on this thread or the HD one- from Bennetts £391 down to £359 with 10% code from signing up to their email list, and 4% from cashbackkings .I think it looks really good and I would like to thank all those who post on the techie board to help others get to grips with the options. It really helps those of us who only look at this sort of thing now and then so don't have a handle on how things have moved on.:beer:
It has
15.4
: Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 2.0GHz 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB
: 2GB RAM
: 250GB Hard Drive

: DVD Super Multi - Dual Layer
: Wifi
: Windows Vista Home Premium

Does anyone know if this has a dedicated graphics board am looking to edit my camcorder footage on it Nothing spectacular but wondered do I need a dedicated graphics board or is this spec enough. Your help would be appreciated

[Faston]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152233

Could I trouble the experts here for opinion on this offer.

Is an SD writer essential?

Would I be able to use this for simple video editing and adding soundtracks.

Any other recommended purchasable periferals?

[JDPower]

Does anyone know if this has a dedicated graphics board am looking to edit my camcorder footage on it Nothing spectacular but wondered do I need a dedicated graphics board or is this spec enough. Your help would be appreciated
That one doesn't have dedicated graphics but for just editing occasional camcorder footage you shouldn't really need it.

As it's come up a few times, to help those struggling with "Do I need dedicated graphics?" and "How do I tell if it's got dedicated graphics?":

If you're planning on playing games (other than internet Flash/Shockwave type games) that have 3D graphics or will be using any fairly graphics intensive programs (such as 3D design programs) then you are best to go for dedicated graphics. If just using internet, word processing etc it's completely unnecessary.

As for telling from the spec if it has got dedicated graphics card or not (not always obvious if you're unsure what you're looking for), look in the spec list for the graphics spec and if it says it has 'Shared' or 'Integrated' or 'Onboard' graphics/graphics memory then it does NOT have a dedicated graphics (but bear in mind what I said above, you may not NEED it anyway).

One other thing to bear in mind with integrated (non dedicated) graphics chips is that they will use some of the system RAM for graphics. The spec will usually state how much, eg it may say "up to 512MB total available graphics memory". In this case if you have 2GB of RAM on the laptop the computer will only be able to use 1.5GB of RAM.
Not usually a problem but just something to be aware of :)

(And before anyone pulls me up I know my GB figures are rounded up at the end there, just trying to keep it simple)

[JDPower]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152233

Could I trouble the experts here for opinion on this offer.

Is an SD writer essential?

Would I be able to use this for simple video editing and adding soundtracks.

Any other recommended purchasable periferals?
It's a pretty good spec and should do fine for what you need. I assume you mean SD card reader? The fact you're asking probably means you don't particularly need it but alot of laptops have them anyway. It just allows you to plug an SD card (from your digital camera if it uses SD cards) directly into the computer rather than using a separate card reader or a cable from your camera.

[kevin_smith98M]

According to the link that does NOT have dedicated graphics memory

just shows what i dont know about computers; presumably the spec'd card is no good?

Intergrated Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3200 512MB


i have found a graphics card comparison "league table" (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html) - not sure if it is any good/accurate though

ATB

Kevin

[chocolateteddy]

You techies have been so helpful so I wondered which of the two toshibas below you would say is better spec wise. I do want to be able to wordprocess, surf a bit and edit my humble home videos and I know they both have shared graphics but didn't know if one was superior to other. I realise one is amd and the other intel but wasn't sure if one was better than the other as there are so many different names about (centrino, core2duo, pentium, turion etc etc!!)Sorry about long post Couldn't figure out which bits to leave out in case they were important.
Thanks in advance:beer:
The 1AQ is £391 at bennets at the mo with 10% off with code and 4% cashback so good deal I thought- but hey what do I know!!:confused:

Satellite L300D-11V
Part Number : PSLC0E-00901QKS

Key Features
- AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-57
- Genuine (http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/Contents/Toshiba_uk/EN/Others/msg.html) Windows® Vista® Home Premium
- DVD-RW SuperMulti drive (Double Layer)
- 2048 MB (1024+ 1024) DDR RAM (667MHz)
- 15.4" Widescreen TruBrite® XGA (1280 x 800) High Brightness display

Processor type : AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-57
clock speed : 1.9 GHz


System memory standard : 2,048 (1,024 + 1,024) MB
maximum expandability : 4,096 MB
technology : DDR2 RAM (667 MHz)
Hard disk (Copy) capacity : 160 GB
certification : S.M.A.R.T.
DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer) compatibility : CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM
maximum speed : Read: 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM/ Write: 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 10x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-R (Double Layer), 4x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+R (Double Layer), 4x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM
type : DVD Super Multi (Double Layer) drive
Display size : 15.4 "
type : Toshiba TruBrite® WXGA TFT High Brightness display
internal resolution : 1,280 x 800
Graphics adapter manufacturer : ATI
type : ATI Radeon® X1250
memory : up to 831 MB total available graphics memory with 2 GB system memory MB
memory type : shared


OR



Satellite L300-1AQ
Part Number : PSLB8E-00K007EN

Key Features
- Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology (http://syndication.intel.com/DistributeModule.aspx?ppc_cid=IIP_02105066601&cc=GB) featuring Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor (http://syndication.intel.com/DistributeModule.aspx?ppc_cid=IIP_02105071001&cc=GB&contentType=0) T5800 (2.0)
- Genuine (http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/Contents/Toshiba_uk/EN/Others/msg.html) Windows® Vista® Home Premium
- DVD-RW SuperMulti drive (Double Layer)
- 2048 MB (1024+ 1024) DDR RAM (800MHz)
- 15.4" Widescreen TruBrite® XGA (1280 x 800) High Brightness display


Technology type : Intel® Centrino® processor technology (http://syndication.intel.com/DistributeModule.aspx?ppc_cid=IIP_02105066601&cc=CI) featuring Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor (http://syndication.intel.com/DistributeModule.aspx?ppc_cid=IIP_02105071001&cc=GB&contentType=0) T5800, Intel® GM45 Express chipset and Intel® WiFi Link 5100
clock speed : 2.00 GHz
front side bus : 800 MHz
2nd level cache : 2 MB
System memory standard : 2,048 (1,024 + 1,024) MB
maximum expandability : 8,192 MB
technology : DDR2 RAM (800 MHz)
Hard disk (Copy) capacity : 250 GB
certification : S.M.A.R.T.
DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer) compatibility : CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM
maximum speed : Read: 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM/ Write: 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 24x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-R (Double Layer), 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 6x DVD+R (Double Layer), 8x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM
type : DVD Super Multi (Double Layer) drive
Display size : 15.4 "
type : Toshiba TruBrite® WXGA TFT High Brightness display
internal resolution : 1,280 x 800
Graphics adapter manufacturer : Intel®
type : Mobile Intel® GMA 4500MHD
memory : up to 1,340 MB total available graphics memory with 4 GB system memory
memory type : shared

[JDPower]

just shows what i dont know about computers; presumably the spec'd card is no good?

Intergrated Graphics ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3200 512MB


i have found a graphics card comparison "league table" (http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html) - not sure if it is any good/accurate though
It's reasonable for an integrated card, my laptop has 256Mb integrated graphics and handles everything I've thrown at it (though I don't play any modern games on it and have XP not Vista).

And that graphics comparison table is very useful, think I posted it a while back myself as I use it sometimes to help when trying to separate different laptop graphics cards.

[JDPower]

You techies have been so helpful so I wondered which of the two toshibas below you would say is better spec wise. I do want to be able to wordprocess, surf a bit and edit my humble home videos and I know they both have shared graphics but didn't know if one was superior to other. I realise one is amd and the other intel but wasn't sure if one was better than the other as there are so many different names about (centrino, core2duo, pentium, turion etc etc!!)Sorry about long post Couldn't figure out which bits to leave out in case they were important.
Purely on spec the second one is better (the Satellite L300-1AQ)

[SharonAnn]

Dell had some great sales on recently Lap Tops and desk tops from £249 small screen to £349 and up 15" screen.
I have 2 desk tops from Dell and cannot knock them for their after sales support its fantastic, they are always there when you need to know anything. If anything goes wrong you can agree for them to take control of your computer and put the faults right for you.
I would most deffinately join there news letters and they send you special offers.
You can type in Dell bargain offers in your browser but they change often so it`s worth just going back a few times to check what on offer.

[chocolateteddy]

Typical went to order Toshiba l300 1aq from bennetts and guess what out of stock! they do, do a toshiba L350 170 with the following spec is this similar or better than the l300 1aq? it is actually £1 cheaper!!
Thanks
spec below

Processor type : Intel® Pentium® dual-core processor (http://syndication.intel.com/DistributeModule.aspx?ppc_cid=IIP_02105071701&cc=CI) T3200
clock speed : 2.00 GHz
Front Side Bus : 667 MHz
2nd level cache : 1 MB
Operating system Genuine (http://eu.computers.toshiba-europe.com/images/eu/msg/) Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery)

System memory standard : 2,048 (1,024 + 1,024) MB
maximum expandability : 4,096 MB
technology : DDR2 RAM (800 MHz)
Hard disk (Copy) capacity : 250 GB
certification : S.M.A.R.T.
DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer) compatibility : CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM
maximum speed : Read: 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM/ Write: 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 24x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-R (Double Layer), 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 6x DVD+R (Double Layer), 8x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM
type : DVD Super Multi (Double Layer) drive
Display size : 17.0 "
type : Toshiba TruBrite® WXGA+ TFT High Brightness display
internal resolution : 1,440 x 900
Graphics adapter manufacturer : Intel®
type : Mobile Intel® GMA 4500M
memory : up to 1,340 MB total available graphics memory with 3 GB system memory
memory type : shared

[stamford]

I wonder how buster1980 is getting on with his new laptop & nintendo ds ? :D

[Garetha]

:naughty:
I wonder how buster1980 is getting on with his new laptop & nintendo ds ? :D
http://www.medievalcrockery.co.uk/crockery/medieval_wooden_spoon_50x50.jpg:rotfl:

[SpammyTheSpammer]

They tried a dutch aution for 20 Nintendo DS Lites and welched on the deal - see item 12604438 on this site: -
http://uk.ten.ebid.net/perl/account.cgi?id=12604438&mo=account-review
Then, some poor sucker fell for their next offered attempt with item 12866383: -
http://uk.four.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi?auction=12866383&mo=auction
In this case, the sucker made payment using GOOGLE PAY but CGKELECTRICALS claimed that "google will not release the payment to me". So presumably even GOOGLE PAY think that they are dodgy. Sheesh! CAVEAT EMPTOR does not have enough capitals in it to warn a buyer off from CGKELECTRICALS...

[buster1980]

getting on with my laptop and ds very well thanks

[SpammyTheSpammer]

So, bought the DS from them didya? S'Funny - they will not sell them to anyone else!
Anyone out there looked at them EBID listings from CGKELECTRICALS and got any comments? That is to say, better look at them quick as CGKELECTRICALS are about to have their listings removed from EBID for contraventions and probably be banned any minute now just like they were when they are on EBAY.
Incidentally, I note that they are also trying to sell items that they do NOT ACTUALLY have in stock - see this : -
http://uk.three.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi?auction=9805806&mo=auction
Sheesh! Another unfortunate event with payment - this time its PPPay.com

[Browntoa]

was a recurring them on their ebay auctions before they were chucked off

[buster1980]

not doing well on ebid or ebay are they

:confused:

[SpammyTheSpammer]

Interesting innit - I see that their address covers many sales outlets: -

C.G.K Aquatics & Reptiles, TR18 2HT Classification: Pet Shops 36a, Market Jew St, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2HT Tel: 01736 331966
Ladies Wear in Penzance Tel: 01736 333447 - 36a Market Jew Street, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2HT
The Junk Shop 36a Market Jew Street, Penzance, TR18 2HT 01736330258
Rainy Day Gallery 36a Market, Jew St Par, UK TR18 2HT Tel: (01736) 366077
Structure (PZ) 36A Market Jew Street, Penzance, TR18 2HT Tel: 01736 333447I am surprised that you did not get a 2nd hand fish in womens clothes with your laptop and DS!

[buster1980]

it was a pet shop with a back office when i went there they said they where convertin another room for electricals good luck to them if there still going if there ripping people off then they need to be stopped

[SpammyTheSpammer]

oops - forgot the current one - its: -
CGKELECTRICALS, 36a market jew street penzance cornwall tr18 2ht 01736331966Presumably this is a van parked around the back, for a quick getaway?

[SpammyTheSpammer]

Item 12238155 has just been pulled from sale (congrats to EBID for quick action here). How long before the other items disappear?
Perhaps BUSTER1980 or his "brother" could nip outside and have a look to see if the van has disappeared from the back of 36A Market Jew Street?

[SpammyTheSpammer]

Item # 12238200 has also been pulled from sale by EBID.....

[SpammyTheSpammer]

Oh No, the following item by CGKELETRICAL also seems to have been pulled by EBID:-
Auction Title : Nintendo DS Lite Black
Auction ID : 12866383
Lucky old "Buster1980" got his just in time....

[MiM]

Getting back to the subject though...

The Toshiba at Bennetts is now out of stock, as is the second one mentioned by Chocolate Teddy.

With the 10% off code for new registrations, does anyone have any thoughts about whether any of the other laptops are worth going for?

Many thanks.

[SpammyTheSpammer]

I just checked the EBID listing for this item - although the listing has been pulled by EBID, you can still see the page using GOOGLE and looking at the cached version HERE:-
http://209.85.229.132/search?q=cache:LsR2ahGR0g8J:uk.nine.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi%3Fauction%3D12604433%26mo%3Dauction+%2 2CGKELECTRICALS%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=uk
There's a question by Wolftear asking about collection and CGKELECTRICAL state:-
"Answer From cgkelectricals Sat 27 Dec 2008 17:17:34 (GMT)
yes no probs at all wont be (open) till 5th jan when we are open again though"
So how did that BUSTER1980 get his NC10 and Nintendo DS WHEN THE SHOP WAS CLOSED
I too am now pretty certain that BUSTER1980 = CGKELECTRICALS. You would be best to keep away from them....
:beer:

[SpammyTheSpammer]

and your evidence of this is ?
You claimed to have visited the premises of CGKELECTRICALS but they were closed from Dec 25th until Jan 5th. That's enough proof for a full court of law to find you GUILTY as heck of being CGKELECTRICALS

[chocolateteddy]

Getting back to the subject though...

The Toshiba at Bennetts is now out of stock, as is the second one mentioned by Chocolate Teddy.

With the 10% off code for new registrations, does anyone have any thoughts about whether any of the other laptops are worth going for?

Many thanks.


I ordered a Toshiba l300 1aq from Bennetts online yesterday after my sister had been into bennetts locally and they said they had stock but couldn't give the 10% instore (online was showing no stock) they said their website wasn't updating properly.
So despite it saying no stock for purchase online it went through although it said awaiting status!!
Today I rang them to see what was happening and they said yes they did have stock and it would go through today and it would be with me within 3 to 5 working days (prob end of next week) they hadn't updated website slight glitch!!
So all I can say is try and order one what have you got to lose. I went through topcashback and got 4% (including a 104% topup meaning £14 back - already tracking) with the 10% off at bennetts re online newsletter email signup I paid on my cashback card:D £352.33 (meaning another £3.50!!) so altogether for the starting price of £391 I will technically pay just under £335:T They only have 14 stores and their customer service line does get busy because there are at times only 2 people working but they were very helpful.

Good luck

[chocolateteddy]

By the way to get the bennetts 10% off you need to go to their homepage and on right side is a box showing the offer, Just sign up for their email newsletter and immediately a 10% off code jumps into your inbox Great offer can soon cancel newsletter once you've got your computer!!
Haven't found any other offers to match it,

[paulus123]

Dell Vostro

Choose your own specs from the Dell website then ring them up and tell them you want XP as the OS rather than Vista.
It will not let you choose XP on the website but they should still be able to do that over the phone

You will pick something very decent up for about £400

[JDPower]

Dell Vostro

Choose your own specs from the Dell website then ring them up and tell them you want XP as the OS rather than Vista.
It will not let you choose XP on the website but they should still be able to do that over the phone
You actually can order them with XP online, it costs an extra £40 as you get XP installed and a Vista disc too so you can install it if you want. Having said that I would be pretty sure (having negotiated with Dell before) you could phone up and get it with JUST XP and NO Vista disc for no extra cost ;)

[partner03]

Hi there, I am one of the unfortunate ones to have "bought" a NC10 from CGKELECTRICALS on Ebay. They are nothing short of con artists. I bought 2 days before Ebay suspended them, if Buster is not back at work yet I wonder if he could pop round and pick mine up for me. They are as nice as pie on the phone but have no intention of sending my item. I paid through Paypal and my credit card just to be safe so hopefully should get my money back. I f I don't may have to take a little trip to buy some fish. They have a website now ***** where they are offering 10% off what you would normally get conned out of which is a nice gesture for Christmas.

:beer:

[stamford]

Hi there, I am one of the unfortunate ones to have "bought" a NC10 from CGKELECTRICALS on Ebay. They are nothing short of con artists. I bought 2 days before Ebay suspended them, if Buster is not back at work yet I wonder if he could pop round and pick mine up for me. They are as nice as pie on the phone but have no intention of sending my item. I paid through Paypal and my credit card just to be safe so hopefully should get my money back. I f I don't may have to take a little trip to buy some fish. They have a website now www.sg-electricals.co.uk/index.asp (http://www.sg-electricals.co.uk/index.asp) where they are offering 10% off what you would normally get conned out of which is a nice gesture for Christmas.

:beer:

Interesting site. I see they have a Freephone number 08002425409 - would I be correct in assuming they have to pay BT for the calls they receive from disgruntled customers ?

[partner03]

I am looking forward to tomorrow as I was phoning them on there old phone no at "their pet shop" every hour before christmas but it was costing me minutes on my mobile but now i can phone them for free. I wonder how many phone calls it would take on their 0800 no to cost more than they have conned me out of. They hung up on me the one time I phoned and turned on the fax machine so I faxed them Can I have my money back no reply how rude.

[buster1980]

acording to my brother the electrical shop cgkelectricals has stopped trading only the pet shop is there so i guess you was all right they where in to try and con people , hope everyone gets there money back if you need address details or anything let me know

[stamford]

acording to my brother the electrical shop cgkelectricals has stopped trading only the pet shop is there so i guess you was all right they where in to try and con people , hope everyone gets there money back if you need address details or anything let me know

You were really lucky to get those cracking deals on the laptop & the nintendo ds before they stopped trading. I hope there's no problems with them 'cos you can't take them back now. Did you manage to pick up any cheap games there ?

[partner03]

What info have you got buster? Looking through the previous postings you seem to be one of the lucky one to have recieved your netbook. As far as I am concerned they are still trading and as Gary who claims to run the pet shop side of things has his name on all the emails sent to me he will be the one who I shall continue to phone until I get my money back

[partner03]

Shame buster seems to be off line, no doubt I will speak to him soon

[buster1980]

Have done some searching and seems this has been done before has anyone seen this link
http://groups.google.com/group/uk.d-i-y/browse_thread/thread/1b5744e16ab7c9c3/272e9a2fa3281531

seems like the guy is a repeat con artist i have a address for the guy who was running the electrical side if you want it let me know not sure if im allowed to post it on here

i will say though guys please stop saying im involved cos im trying to help here it seems cgkelectricals has tried or ripped alot of people off here has anyone got there money back from paypal ?? or google checkout ????? anyway contact me if you want contact details

[buster1980]

the guy behind all this is scott major email address scottmajor@hotmail.com hope this helps

he tricked his way into the pet shop as he has been banned from ebay so he could get a new address i feel sorry for the guy who owns the pet shop with all the calls and visits maybe a few visits to the guys home might change things anyone in penzance ?

[partner03]

Sorry buster but are you sure you are not Gary because I have been reading the link you posted and it seems that that has people writing posts defending these rip off merchants aswell. And as on here poeple have been suspicious of them. They pick up on the similar writing style between them and cgkelectricals posting and I have to say you have the same writing style. If I could post the text from an email I recieved from them it would look very similar to yours.

[CGK]

Hi

I have been looking for this link for a while and now i found it , let me tell you who i am my name is Gary Hicks owner of C G K pet supplies based at 36a Market Jew Street
Penzance
Cornwall
Tr18 2ht

Let me tell you a little about scott major the mastermind who has ripped many people off including myself.

This man approached me asking if i would like a website for my pet supplies, as a businessman i agreed and paid a fee of £500.

Scott then started to build a website but the sales where abit slow so suggested ebay, as i had a ebay account set up 0173mooch i allowed him access to this and my paypal account.

After a week we had a few sales but it was not really working with the pet supplies so scott said what about electricals. I agreed and asked where he would buy his stock from etc and got details, the slaes started coming in and there was alot of money coming into paypal.After a week or so a few parcels started coming in and going out so i thought everything was fine and left Scott to it.

Then my shop phone started ringing angry customers (where is my laptop) was all i seemed to hear every 2 seconds.

Scott had changed the bank account on my paypal account and transfered £10,000 pound he said to me we had made £3000 profit so he handed over £1500.

I has now not been seen since just before christmas and my phone in the shop is non stop i only wish i knew a soloutins as this has affected me in a very big way , my shop is suffering , im suffering and now i owe paypal £10,000 pound.

Any help would be great and if this man contacts anyone in penzance about a website say no and call the police please he must be stopped.

Regards
Gary Hicks

[partner03]

Sorry buster I mean Gary if I get my money back that would be great.

[partner03]

Are you not coming back Gary

[JDPower]

I'm sorry, I don't believe a word of what your saying 'Gary'.

First 'Buster' comes on with an alibi for you saying someone else is to blame, then surprise surprise YOU come on 20 mins later to give a longer (not very believable) version of the alibi.

Sorry, don't believe a word, just sounds like you're trying to cover yourself for the pet shop cos people have rumbled where your located.

The scam is up so can all the SG/CGK scammers (including Buster and CGK, nice try but were not stupid) please sod off and leave this thread to get back to what it is meant for.

[paulus123]

You actually can order them with XP online, it costs an extra £40 as you get XP installed and a Vista disc too so you can install it if you want. Having said that I would be pretty sure (having negotiated with Dell before) you could phone up and get it with JUST XP and NO Vista disc for no extra cost ;)

Thats why I said ring them, you then wont get charged the extra £40 ;)

[stamford]

I'm sorry, I don't believe a word of what your saying 'Gary'.

First 'Buster' comes on with an alibi for you saying someone else is to blame, then surprise surprise YOU come on 20 mins later to give a longer (not very believable) version of the alibi.

Sorry, don't believe a word, just sounds like you're trying to cover yourself for the pet shop cos people have rumbled where your located.

The scam is up so can all the SG/CGK scammers (including Buster and CGK, nice try but were not stupid) please sod off and leave this thread to get back to what it is meant for.


If Buster and Gary aren't too busy playing with each other on or off the Tosh or DS you might be able to contact them on 08002425409

[SpammyTheSpammer]

S'Funny how Gary Hicks owner of C G K pet supplies, who seems to have a close relationship with "scott major", does not seem to have contacted the Police. If I had lost £10K, I would have been straight round the cop shop with his name and address in my hand. STAMFORD & JDPWOWER are correct -
CGK = BUSTER1980 = Gary Hicks = Scott Major
Call the cops and get them to put this nasty little crook in jail....

[SpammyTheSpammer]

I note that CGKELECTRICAL still have 5 items listed on EBID, 3 for WII games, one for 10 lots of Sharp LC 37D65E 37" Aquos LCD TV Freeview HD ready 1080 for £499 each and one for 25 lots of http://uk.six.ebid.net/icons/space.gif Fujitsu esprimo v55 LAPTOPS (http://uk.three.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi?auction=12866381&mo=auction) for £350 each. That's a total of over £14k. What other poor suckers are gonna get fleeced here?
Call the cops someone for heavens sake...

[buster1980]

i have a address for scott major if anyones wants it let me know

[SpammyTheSpammer]

Oh COME ON! Everyone knows that you ARE Scott Major. Your previous posts prove the fact. As well as offsering hooky (non-existent) laptops, you are now offering wrong addresses?

[MiM]

Does anyone know how this compares with the Bennetts L300-1AQ deal?

It's £348 at Techdepot.

Toshiba Satellite Pro L300-19Q - C 575 / 2 GHz - RAM 1 GB - HDD 120 GB - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0 - WLAN : 802.11b/g - Vista Business / XP Pro downgrade - 15.4" Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) TruBrite
Meet the Satellite Pro L300, it's ideal if you're looking for a good, uncomplicated laptop for work and home. It comes with all of Toshiba's renowned quality and feels expensive but it's the Toshiba's most affordable range. Powered by Intel processors, this 15.4 widescreen laptop performs well on the most demanding of business applications. The Satellite Pro L300 is the perfect entry-level choice for the self employed or small to medium businesses.

[Thunderbird]

Regarding Bennetts L300-1AQ deal, amazon does the same laptop for £365.75, if Bennetts ran out of them. Click here (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/asin/B001JQMNFE/wwwbiblionmay6317-21)

Besides, it has far more superior processor and double the RAM that the L300-19Q has!

[chocolateteddy]

Does anyone know how this compares with the Bennetts L300-1AQ deal?

It's £348 at Techdepot.

Toshiba Satellite Pro L300-19Q - C 575 / 2 GHz - RAM 1 GB - HDD 120 GB - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - GMA 4500MHD Dynamic Video Memory Technology 5.0 - WLAN : 802.11b/g - Vista Business / XP Pro downgrade - 15.4" Widescreen TFT 1280 x 800 ( WXGA ) TruBrite
Meet the Satellite Pro L300, it's ideal if you're looking for a good, uncomplicated laptop for work and home. It comes with all of Toshiba's renowned quality and feels expensive but it's the Toshiba's most affordable range. Powered by Intel processors, this 15.4 widescreen laptop performs well on the most demanding of business applications. The Satellite Pro L300 is the perfect entry-level choice for the self employed or small to medium businesses.

Here below are features for Toshiba L300-1AQ

: 15.4
: Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 2.0GHz 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB
: 2GB RAM
: 250GB Hard Drive
: DVD Super Multi - Dual Layer
: WifiL300 1aq has 2gb ram and a 250gb harddrive as opposed to 19q which has the 1gb and 120gb hdd and it has XP pro downgrade on it for those who like xp
But if you buy from bennetts with 10% off and go through topcashback it comes out similar price depends what you want to do with it but I was told to run vista effectively you need at least 2gb (techies may disagree as why would they be selling 1gb with vista, but surely the more ram the better
Hope that helps

forgot to say I ordered from bennetts even though it was out of stock and then phoned them -they said they have stock and I should get it next week

[buster1980]

If you think im scott then good on you, ive tried helping but no one is intrested so im off now good look sorting your problems with cgk

[Ocean007]

Here below are features for Toshiba L300-1AQ

: 15.4
: Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 2.0GHz 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB
: 2GB RAM
: 250GB Hard Drive
: DVD Super Multi - Dual Layer
: WifiL300 1aq has 2gb ram and a 250gb harddrive as opposed to 19q which has the 1gb and 120gb hdd and it has XP pro downgrade on it for those who like xp
But if you buy from bennetts with 10% off and go through topcashback it comes out similar price depends what you want to do with it but I was told to run vista effectively you need at least 2gb (techies may disagree as why would they be selling 1gb with vista, but surely the more ram the better
Hope that helps

forgot to say I ordered from bennetts even though it was out of stock and then phoned them -they said they have stock and I should get it next week

I'd like to get one of these laptops from Bennetts but I couldn't see confirmation online that it comes with the XP pro downgrade - did you call to check or does this model come with the downgrade whereever you buy it from?

Thanks.

[SpammyTheSpammer]

If you think im scott then good on you, ive tried helping but no one is intrested so im off now good look sorting your problems with cgk
"helping"? A definition of the word which none of us have ever used in this context before. Let's face it, in previous posts you stated that CGKELECTRICAL were great - I quote "i got a reciept they seem like two nice chaps" and you were all-fired up for them. Now that the cops are coming, you seem to have changed your tune a bit Scott, oops I mean Gary, nope, I mean CGK. Whatever, you are probably going down pal.
Buster is BUSTED
:T
teee heeee!
PS
I see that EBID have cancelled the NC10 laptop and TV sales by CGKELECTRICAL that I mentioned in an earlier posting. Now just the Wii Play & Remote - Nintendo Wii (http://uk.four.ebid.net/perl/auction.cgi?auction=12866384&mo=auction) (Auction ID : 12866384) are left and some poor sucker called MARTINBID has bought one - thats £24.98 gone down the toilet Martin....

THIS JUST SHOWS HOW USEFUL THIS SITE IS!

[chocolateteddy]

I'd like to get one of these laptops from Bennetts but I couldn't see confirmation online that it comes with the XP pro downgrade - did you call to check or does this model come with the downgrade whereever you buy it from?

Thanks.


Sorry for confusion I was talking about the other model the L300 19Q and comparing it to the Bennetts L300 1AQ The Bennetts one doesn't have xp on it but vista home premium
HTH

[SpammyTheSpammer]

I have seen a Toshiba Satellite Pro L300-1AD Celeron M/575 2.0GHz, 120GB HDD, 1GB RAM, 15.4" it is going for £299
There is also a Toshiba NB100-11R Atom N270 1.6GHz, 80GB HDD, 512MB RAM, 8.9" TFT, NO OPT, Linux
for £249 at SG ELECTRICALS : -

What a SHAME that these seem to be the same people as CGK ELECTRICALS (recently exposed here) - The CGK PET SUPPLIES website has a link to the SG ELECTRICALS site. Best keep away from that one as well...

[partner03]

Itell you what SpammyTheSpammer (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.html?u=612721) you are almost as bad as me. I can't let them go I have just bought all 24 remaining wii plays from his ebid auction. This man owes me £250, I know I will get it back from Paypal but I am still going to make life uncomfortable for them.

[stamford]

Scott/Gary/Buster have gone all shy and removed any references to Freephone Number 08002425409 from the website. They must be so busy shifting those bargain Laptop's and Nintendo DS's that they don't have time to pick up the phone.

Here are a couple of useful phone numbers

Cornwall County Council Trading Standards Service 0845 122 7000
Devon & Cornwall Police 08452 777444

[kevin_smith98M]

Bought this online via Dixons (Dixons, Currys, PCWorld and Pixmania i believe are all part of DSG)

Paid £371 (5% discount code on Dixons web site pre-Christmas) for it based upon the Dell name and the dedicated graphics card (ATI Radeon 3650)

Laptop arrived just before Christmas and has gone back to Dixons today, as it was supplied with Intel onboard graphics, not the web site advertised ATI Graphics Card

will let you know what happens but i am not optimistic based upon this web site Consumer Action Group (http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/currys-dixons/174465-currys-advertised-spec-laptop.html)

interestingly PCWorld and Pixmania still showing thjis on line with the ATI card but it seems to have been pulled from Currys and Dixons web sites

ATB

Kevin


Got a replacement yesterday - excatly the same problem - the laptop is fitted with Intel 4500 Integrated Graphics, not the specified ATI Radeon Dedicated Graphics Card

any thoughts / comments welcomed, i.e. do i have a any comeback with breach of contract/consumer protection etc etc; after all this is two incorrectly supplied laptops

[JDPower]

I have seen *LINKS REMOVED*

What a SHAME that these seem to be the same people as CGK ELECTRICALS (recently exposed here) - The CGK PET SUPPLIES website *LINKS REMOVED* has a link to the SG ELECTRICALS site. Best keep away from that one as well...
Sammy, can you please stop linking to them (and remove the links from your posts). You could well be causing people who haven't followed this thread to click through to them and get scammed by them

And if there are admins reading can I suggest all links to the SG/CGK websites are removed from the thread please

[SpammyTheSpammer]

OK JDPOWER, I have edited the post and removed the links. I had, naively, thought that it would be useful for others, if they were searching, to see if those companies were safe to deal with. Finding the listed sites would then warn them off.
I see that, thanks to actions by other members here, EBID have finally terminated CGKELECTRICALS as a seller on EBID. I wonder what they are going to spring up again as? BUSTER1980ELECTRICALS perhaps?
:rotfl:

[JDPower]

OK JDPOWER, I have edited the post and removed the links.
The links are still there :rolleyes:

I was giving you a chance to remove them yourself before reporting the posts so will ask one last time before getting suspicious of your reasons for leaving active links to a scam website.

[SpammyTheSpammer]

Sorry! Incompetent editing.
:eek:
Have I corrected them now?

[spud17]

Have I corrected them now?

No!
The clickies in the laptop specs are still "Live"

[fifi35]

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/515914/ACER-AS5535?cm_ven=AffiliateWindow&cm_cat=TextLink&cm_pla=Generic&cm_ite=Generic
I have just bought this Acer Aspire 5535 from Tesco for £390. It has 4gb of ram. The comet one has 3gb.

Is this a good choice?

I can I get a better spec for cheaper.

Thanks.

Fifi.

[SpammyTheSpammer]

I just spotted the following listing Auction ID : <removed by request> 0 on EBID: -
brand new pink nintendo ds lite console
Scarily, there are 10 of these for sale and the seller's address is in....
CORNWALL
The seller is called shn2128.
I would be VERY CAREFULL here as I suspect that this is CGKELECTRICALS / C.G.K Aquatics / S G ELECTRICALS / scott major / Gary Hicks / BUSTER1980 ALL OVER AGAIN

[AyJay]

I dunno if anyone else has mentioned this deal but I got a Toshiba Satellite L300-1AS laptop http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/product/Satellite-L300-1AS/1058210/ for £398 in store @ Staples (£436.99 inc VAT on their website)

The Toshiba L300-1AS LAPTOP features, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB Ram, 250GB Hard Drive, 15.4" Display, Windows Vista Home Premium it also comes with a built in webcam with Face Recognition.

I was quite surprised at this deal because it's double the memory of the model next to it on the shelf and roughly a tenner more!

Good luck!

[buster1980]

nothing to do with me

[SootSoot]

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/515914/ACER-AS5535?cm_ven=AffiliateWindow&cm_cat=TextLink&cm_pla=Generic&cm_ite=Generic
I have just bought this Acer Aspire 5535 from Tesco for £390. It has 4gb of ram. The comet one has 3gb.

Is this a good choice?

I can I get a better spec for cheaper.

Thanks.

Fifi.

I am thinking about buying the 4GB Acer, too. The thing niggling at the back of my mind is that DH and I have had an Acer each which broke down after 2 years :mad: and I don't want to fall victim again. I originally wanted the Sony NS10LS but it's discontinued and only Comet stock it at £449 which is £50 more than Currys were last week.

Our alternatives to the Acer is the Compaq CQ60-114 (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0925421287.123109897 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadegdmiejejcflgceggdhhmdfoh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=584579&category_oid=-34014) which is £399, the Dell 1545 (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0925421287.123109897 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadegdmiejejcflgceggdhhmdfoh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=584579&category_oid=-34014)for £399 OR to go out of the £400 bracket and get a Sony FW21L (http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-4808.aspx) for £579 (with Blu Ray to go with my new TV). I've looked in Comet, Currys, PCworld, Tesco and Argos and I am not anywhere nearer making a decision yet and DH is itching to get his hands on a new toy as he has next week off.

We want it for a variety of reasons, work, games, browsing, MSEing and instant messeging services.

Can anyone help??? TIA

[JDPower]

I just spotted the following listing Auction ID : *REMOVED* on EBID: -
brand new pink nintendo ds lite console
Scarily, there are 10 of these for sale and the seller's address is in....
CORNWALL
The seller is called shn2128.
I would be VERY CAREFULL here as I suspect that this is CGKELECTRICALS / C.G.K Aquatics / S G ELECTRICALS / scott major / Gary Hicks / BUSTER1980 ALL OVER AGAIN
Why do you keep posting about their auction listings (and giving exact auction ID's), do you not realise you're basically doing their spamming for them???

I'm sorry, I'm sure your intentions are good but you're making yourself look more and more suspicious.

And Buster, I thought you'd got the message - *** off!!!

[SpammyTheSpammer]

Why do you keep posting about their auction listings (and giving exact auction ID's), do you not realise you're basically doing their spamming for them???

I'm sorry, I'm sure your intentions are good but you're making yourself look more and more suspicious.

And Buster, I thought you'd got the message - *** off!!!

Okely dokely- I removed the ID from my post - why did you copy it in above?
But I do agree with your request for Buster (gary/scott) to be off....

Incidentally, I have started a whole new thread for this in the Warnings & Rip-Offs (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=48) forum under the heading of "Cornish Electrical Goods Suppliers on EBID/EBAY"- perhaps the previous grieved parties would like to add some comments there. So the Cheap Laptop thread can continue unimpeded...
:T

[Thunderbird]

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/515914/ACER-AS5535?cm_ven=AffiliateWindow&cm_cat=TextLink&cm_pla=Generic&cm_ite=Generic
I have just bought this Acer Aspire 5535 from Tesco for £390. It has 4gb of ram. The comet one has 3gb.

Is this a good choice?

I can I get a better spec for cheaper.

Thanks.

Fifi.

It is a good choice, but this one Acer 5735 is with arguably better processor if you don't mind the 160GB instead of the 250GB you have got. Click here (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/510335/ACER-AS5735/tab/specification#spec) AS said earlier, Toshiba L300-1AS has it all, but with a bit smaller screen (15.4")

[buster1980]

thats not nice i think people telling people to f off hould be removed have reported you all:j

[JDPower]

thats not nice i think people telling people to f off hould be removed have reported you all:j
How pathetic :rolleyes:. I thought you said you were off?! Oh and as you're slightly innumerate, I think you'll find **** off (self censored) has four letters :rolleyes:

Besides, do you seriously expect people to be nice to any scammers that come on here? So I will say again - THE GAME IS UP, YOU'VE BEEN FOUND OUT SO WILL SG/CGK/Buster PLEASE *** OFF (self censored again and not a swear word!!!) and leave this thread to the decent people of this forum.

[fifi35]

It is a good choice, but this one Acer 5735 is with arguably better processor if you don't mind the 160GB instead of the 250GB you have got. Click here (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/510335/ACER-AS5735/tab/specification#spec) AS said earlier, Toshiba L300-1AS has it all, but with a bit smaller screen (15.4")



Is there much difference in the two processors?

Thanks for your help.

[ExTesco]

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/515914/ACER-AS5535?cm_ven=AffiliateWindow&cm_cat=TextLink&cm_pla=Generic&cm_ite=Generic
I have just bought this Acer Aspire 5535 from Tesco for £390. It has 4gb of ram. The comet one has 3gb.

Is this a good choice?

I can I get a better spec for cheaper.

Thanks.

Fifi.
I have been looking at this online. Fifi, can you tell me if it has Wifi draft n and an expresscard slot? Tesco site does not say it does but other websites say the 5535 3GB version does. Many thanks.

[fifi35]

Hi ExTesco, I have mine up and running and its great, It certainly has wifi as I am connected. I don't know if it has an expresscard slot as I don't know what one is. It does have a built in webcam though,

Hope this helps.

[ExTesco]

Hi ExTesco, I have mine up and running and its great, It certainly has wifi as I am connected. I don't know if it has an expresscard slot as I don't know what one is. It does have a built in webcam though,

Hope this helps.

Hi Fifi,

The expressCard slot is usually on the side of the laptop. It is about twice the width (about 2 inches/50mm) of a memory card reader (SD/MMC/xD etc)

[MunnyMan]

I am thinking about buying the 4GB Acer, too. The thing niggling at the back of my mind is that DH and I have had an Acer each which broke down after 2 years :mad: and I don't want to fall victim again. I originally wanted the Sony NS10LS but it's discontinued and only Comet stock it at £449 which is £50 more than Currys were last week.

Our alternatives to the Acer is the Compaq CQ60-114 (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0925421287.123109897 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadegdmiejejcflgceggdhhmdfoh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=584579&category_oid=-34014) which is £399, the Dell 1545 (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0925421287.123109897 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadegdmiejejcflgceggdhhmdfoh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=584579&category_oid=-34014)for £399 OR to go out of the £400 bracket and get a Sony FW21L (http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-4808.aspx) for £579 (with Blu Ray to go with my new TV). I've looked in Comet, Currys, PCworld, Tesco and Argos and I am not anywhere nearer making a decision yet and DH is itching to get his hands on a new toy as he has next week off.

We want it for a variety of reasons, work, games, browsing, MSEing and instant messeging services.

Can anyone help??? TIA

I bought one of these for my wife for xmas (sorry that it is such a long link i dont know the flash way to do it yet haha :rotfl: )

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0397769611.123127776 3@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccekadegdjdjdedcflgceggdhhmdfol.0&page=Product&fm=1&sm=0&tm=2&sku=489582&category_oid=-27403

Anyway i have allways been opposd to buying a Dell machine as i try and support smaller manufacturers where i can but this just seemed such a great deal. The Build quality is superb it looks really tasty and 17" screen big bonus for indoor users (maybe not if u need to be mobile). It does come in various colours however although they are all identical in build spec etc it appears that only the blue one comes with a built in webcam (dunno what thats all about :think: )

overall from one very picky fussy consumer i would say sub £400.00 its a good solid purchase. There are some cheaper machines around but to be honest the ones i looked at were like lego machines, ok for funcionality but crap if you like your machine to look like tasty bling which the Dell does!

Happy Shopping!

[Thunderbird]

Is there much difference in the two processors?

Thanks for your help.

Most people prefer the Intel Core2Dou over AMD Dual Core. I wanted the Toshiba mentioned above, which is the same as the yours, but with a smaller screen, 1/2 hour shorter battery life and Intel 32 bits Core2Dou T5800 processor.

My last one was an Acer. The hinges broke and ruined the machine, hence the new choice. Your acer's screen was too big for me carry around when I need to. Some people here kindly recommended the Intel over the AMD.

The bottom line is, if you are, like me, just surfing the internet and watch the odd film from time to time, then it is more than enough for our needs and you are unlikely to feel the need to upgrade your laptop in it's life (With all that 4G RAM and AMD 64 bits 2 GHz Dual Core processor and the 250G hard drive)

Enjoy your purchase!

[Aisley]

The latest news is Infosys will release a cheap laptop soon with worth Rs 5000 only.

[screid]

Hi All,

Amy recommendations for a sub £300 laptop for a teenager, Facebook, MSN, Internet and music/films is all she wants to do along with the occassional homework ;o) E-Machines at Tesco's are these any good?

Thanks, Shaun

[fifi35]

Hi Fifi,

The expressCard slot is usually on the side of the laptop. It is about twice the width (about 2 inches/50mm) of a memory card reader (SD/MMC/xD etc)


Hi, no it doesn't appear to have one.

Fifi.

[Samanthas]

I dunno if anyone else has mentioned this deal but I got a Toshiba Satellite L300-1AS laptop http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/innovation/product/Satellite-L300-1AS/1058210/ for £398 in store @ Staples (£436.99 inc VAT on their website)

The Toshiba L300-1AS LAPTOP features, Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 4GB Ram, 250GB Hard Drive, 15.4" Display, Windows Vista Home Premium it also comes with a built in webcam with Face Recognition.

I was quite surprised at this deal because it's double the memory of the model next to it on the shelf and roughly a tenner more!

Good luck!
>>>>>>>>>
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/908015#productInformationSection

this 17 inch Laptop with 1-3 Meg Webcam its got Blu-ray DVD Rewriter
according to Currys staff its battery will last 3 hrs 30 minutes playing YouTube.com
is this been over optomistic?

I was told their was an Extended Life Battery from Partmaster lasts 5 to 6 hours when I checked nothing :) available
Apparently Dell have 15 inch Laptop s with 9 Li on Batteries with "Battery Splitter" makes laptop heavier extends life of batteries to 8 hours also has a 24 hour standby battery mode I think its Dell Latitude Laptop Been around for the last 4 to 5 years this technology is it EXCLUSIVE TO DELL because I would love one with decent webcam.

Thanks

Samantha

[Samanthas]

Which Laptop gives all round value for money i.e Laptop with the best Inbuilt Webcam with face recognition low light enviroment friendly,
If this is not possible to get one of these which webcam is best for clipping on to a laptop

Good Sound for listening to YouTube.com Videos on the go stereo bass subwoofer am I asking too much here.
Are some laptops headphone jacks mono ONLY and not stereo.

Bluetooth for using a headset for those VOIP calls over the internet Wirelessly

Battery Life whether for a 15 inch Laptop or Dell style technology see www.dell.com
Dell Laptop Latitude e6400, e6500
or the XP2010 I think has been discontinued it was heavy BUT it had everything

Is there anything wrong Blu-Ray with DVD Rewriter is this technology been phased out?

Any good similar alternatives to Dell with above specs suggestions welcomed.

Thanks

[powerfulone]

I prefer desktops to laptops, and 99% of the time they will do the trick. How often do you really need it to be portable?

Desktops have more reliable components, you'll get a bigger screen, more power for your money and fewer crashes. They are easier to repair and upgrade. You can replace the base for a more powerful model in 3-4 years time and keep the screen, keyboard etc which again saves money.

Desktop Monitors are much better than those on laptops with usually a wider viewing angle, higher resolution. If you get a dead pixel at least you can replace the screen - not an option with a laptop really.

The money saving potential of desktops is better as there seems to be a big premium for second hand laptops on eBay, but not so much with desktops.

My tips is only get a laptop if:
You really need the portability (i.e. you regularly travel and need a PC)
You are short of space for a desktop
You think it's good for your ego / image :rotfl:
You regularly get power cuts.Otherwise a desktop may suit you.

[Gordon861]

Hi All,

Amy recommendations for a sub £300 laptop for a teenager, Facebook, MSN, Internet and music/films is all she wants to do along with the occassional homework ;o) E-Machines at Tesco's are these any good?

Thanks, Shaun

I got a Toshiba NB100-12A Netbook(http://www.johnlewis.com/230519328/Product.aspx) from John Lewis just before Christmas. My parents were so impressed they got one for themselves as well.

It is basically a very small Windows XP laptop, 8.9 inch screen, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, WIFI, LAN, webcam(not tried it yet), 3x USB, and the battery lasts about 3.5 hrs. I wouldn't use it for games but I did manage to load up and play EveOnline with it.

The keyboard takes a little while to get used to if you have fat fingers(female teenager shouldn't have that problem) so you might want to take a look first. I got mine from john Lewis because they had a free 2-year warranty included in the price and were the best deal, but they are available at a lot of stores.

[screid]

I got a Toshiba NB100-12A Netbook(http://www.johnlewis.com/230519328/Product.aspx) from John Lewis just before Christmas. My parents were so impressed they got one for themselves as well.

It is basically a very small Windows XP laptop, 8.9 inch screen, 1GB RAM, 120GB HD, WIFI, LAN, webcam(not tried it yet), 3x USB, and the battery lasts about 3.5 hrs. I wouldn't use it for games but I did manage to load up and play EveOnline with it.

The keyboard takes a little while to get used to if you have fat fingers(female teenager shouldn't have that problem) so you might want to take a look first. I got mine from john Lewis because they had a free 2-year warranty included in the price and were the best deal, but they are available at a lot of stores.

Hi Gordon861,

I guess this means she can't play cd's on it being a net book, can she plug in an external cd/dvd drive and will it be easy to use? Anybody else have recommendations on Netbooks?

Thanks Gordon861 et al ;o)

[Gordon861]

Don't most people rip their CDs into MP3 now days anyway ?
I think I only use my 'real' CDs once to rip them to MP3 and then from there they are put away safely incase I need to re-rip them.

Besides you'll find with most laptops the speakers aren't really up to much. Also soon as you start adding external devices onto a laptop you might as well buy a small desktop unit instead because it looses a lot of it's portability.

[berbatov10]

What does anyone think of this laptop
ACER 7720-3A2G16MI (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/437700/ACER-7720-3A2G16MI)


or

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Li2735 Core2Duo & 3GB Ram - IN STOCK NOW (http://www.swindoncomputers.com/fujitsu-siemens-amilo-li2735-core2duo--3gb-ram---in-stock-now-67-p.asp)

[JDPower]

I prefer desktops to laptops, and 99% of the time they will do the trick. How often do you really need it to be portable?

Desktops have more reliable components, you'll get a bigger screen, more power for your money and fewer crashes. They are easier to repair and upgrade. You can replace the base for a more powerful model in 3-4 years time and keep the screen, keyboard etc which again saves money.

Desktop Monitors are much better than those on laptops with usually a wider viewing angle, higher resolution. If you get a dead pixel at least you can replace the screen - not an option with a laptop really.

The money saving potential of desktops is better as there seems to be a big premium for second hand laptops on eBay, but not so much with desktops.
So what exactly is the relevance of your post to this LAPTOPS thread :rolleyes:

[JDPower]

What does anyone think of this laptop
ACER 7720-3A2G16MI (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/437700/ACER-7720-3A2G16MI)

or

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Li2735 Core2Duo & 3GB Ram - IN STOCK NOW (http://www.swindoncomputers.com/fujitsu-siemens-amilo-li2735-core2duo--3gb-ram---in-stock-now-67-p.asp)
Tight call between those two. The Acer has less RAM (easily upgraded) but slightly better processor and graphics and bigger screen but more expensive (there are better deals around than that in my opinion, IIRC there have already been Acers mentioned with dedicated graphics for under £400).

Also have a look at the last few pages of this thread:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1021319&highlight=under+%A3400+laptop

[kevin_smith98M]

Got a replacement yesterday - excatly the same problem - the laptop is fitted with Intel 4500 Integrated Graphics, not the specified ATI Radeon Dedicated Graphics Card

any thoughts / comments welcomed, i.e. do i have a any comeback with breach of contract/consumer protection etc etc; after all this is two incorrectly supplied laptops

they have admitted they have misadvertised the Dell Laptop; so the second one has to go back

quoting the SOGA i have managed to secure a better spec'd replacement at the same cost though - result :beer:

Kevin

[Superdamo]

Dell outlet this morning launched its first offer since before Christmas of £55 off all Inspiron and Vostros as well as free delivery (normally £19.99) making for a total saving of £74.99. Get them while you can as they're bound to start moving.

www.dell.co.uk/outlet


I just bought a Studio 1537 laptop with a 2ghz Core 2 Duo processor, 3 gb of RAM and a 250 gb hard drive for £418 including VAT and delivery!

[fifi35]

I have been looking at this online. Fifi, can you tell me if it has Wifi draft n and an expresscard slot? Tesco site does not say it does but other websites say the 5535 3GB version does. Many thanks.


Hi, just t let you know that this model does have an express card slot. So sorry I just couldn't see it at the time.

Fifi

[Patrick20]

Just though i'd Inform people looking for a new laptop that dell have released a new voucher code for their studio 15 range. Its 10% off for purchases over £699. I know this is the wrong place but i think most apropriate for people searching for laptops. Also i know £699 isnt cheap either but i felt i needed to let people know about the deal. 10% is quite a good bit off.

heres the link to the voucher codes thread i created.

hxxp://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=17485515#post17485515

[indiegirl]

Non readers of the Grabbit! board may have missed the Dell Outlet offer which was posted by Superdamo:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1402889
There's £55 off and free delivery at the moment.

I've just picked up a Core2Duo 15.4" Vostro laptop up from the Dell Outlet which, when the discounts were applied, came to £302.44. Admittedly only 1Gb RAM but I'll pop some more in (at that price, I can afford to buy plenty more).

The Latitude notebooks appear to have increased in price slightly, but if you're after a laptop for surfing the net and occasional Office work, you shouldn't go wrong with a Vostro.

[tonyg]

I prefer desktops to laptops, and 99% of the time they will do the trick. How often do you really need it to be portable?

Desktops have more reliable components, you'll get a bigger screen, more power for your money and fewer crashes. They are easier to repair and upgrade. You can replace the base for a more powerful model in 3-4 years time and keep the screen, keyboard etc which again saves money.

Desktop Monitors are much better than those on laptops with usually a wider viewing angle, higher resolution. If you get a dead pixel at least you can replace the screen - not an option with a laptop really.

The money saving potential of desktops is better as there seems to be a big premium for second hand laptops on eBay, but not so much with desktops.

My tips is only get a laptop if:
You really need the portability (i.e. you regularly travel and need a PC)
You are short of space for a desktop
You think it's good for your ego / image :rotfl:
You regularly get power cuts.Otherwise a desktop may suit you.

I would if I knew where to start in finding a good value desktop :confused:

[misermum]

Hi, any help greatly appreciated. I'm looking for a laptop, nothing too fancy, mainly for web browsing, mp3s, pics, bit of office stuff. I want a decent speed as I'm impatient but it's basically a desk top replacement for space saving.

I found these on Tesco Direct

HP G60 116EM QL-60 3GB 250GB 15.6" £399
Toshiba A300-13X TL-60 2GB 200GB 15.4" £399
Toshiba Equium P300-16T 17" £399

http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=2...H_Buy_List_IDs (http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=203-5206+204-9201+203-9828+205-7849&f=%2Fspecials%2F%3FNe%3D92%26Ntt%3D4642%26Ntx%3Dmo de%2Bmatchall%26Nr%3D99%26N%3D308%2B1999724%2B4294 959331%2B264%26Ntk%3DP_SEARCH_Buy_List_IDs)

Anyone recommend any of the above or think it a good (especially if a further 10% off)/poor deal?

Thanks.

[claire6hy]

im also looking for a cheapish laptop...
around 400 max, so what is the better deals going?

[JDPower]

http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=2...H_Buy_List_IDs (http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=203-5206+204-9201+203-9828+205-7849&f=%2Fspecials%2F%3FNe%3D92%26Ntt%3D4642%26Ntx%3Dmo de%2Bmatchall%26Nr%3D99%26N%3D308%2B1999724%2B4294 959331%2B264%26Ntk%3DP_SEARCH_Buy_List_IDs)

Anyone recommend any of the above or think it a good (especially if a further 10% off)/poor deal?
Of those four it would be a toss up between the Tosh A300 or the Fujitsu, very little between them spec wise.

[Joe_Millionaire]

Hi there,

Apart form the cache is there much difference in these 2
http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=204-6734+205-1729&f=%2Fq%2FN.1999033%244294967146.aspx

Looking for a cheap laptop to surf only on for my parents. they would like a large screen but have not got a clue about anything else.

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers

JOE

[tripleh]

Hi there,

Apart form the cache is there much difference in these 2
http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=204-6734+205-1729&f=%2Fq%2FN.1999033%244294967146.aspx

Looking for a cheap laptop to surf only on for my parents. they would like a large screen but have not got a clue about anything else.

Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers

JOE

Took my old mom to Comet on friday and bought an HP 550 for £318. She wants to send emails and browse the web and I reckon this is spot on http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/516481/HP-M550

[Joe_Millionaire]

Took my old mom to Comet on friday and bought an HP 550 for £318. She wants to send emails and browse the web and I reckon this is spot on http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/516481/HP-M550


Screen size 15.4 inches :(Screen type WidescreenProcessor Intel Celeron Mobile :(Processor model number M550Processor speed 2 GHzProcessor bus 533 MHz :(Processor cache 1 MB ?????????? What is this for?Memory (RAM) 1024 MB :(

[tripleh]

Screen size 15.4 inches :(Screen type WidescreenProcessor Intel Celeron Mobile :(Processor model number M550Processor speed 2 GHzProcessor bus 533 MHz :(Processor cache 1 MB ?????????? What is this for?Memory (RAM) 1024 MB :(

No good then????/ Ideal for browsing and emailing!

[Joe_Millionaire]

Yeah it looks ok but would like to get them a 17inch screen and can not bring myself to buy a machine with 1Mb of ram.

I am liking this one

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-1729.aspx

but unsure what the cache is used for?

[tripleh]

Yeah it looks ok but would like to get them a 17inch screen and can not bring myself to buy a machine with 1Mb of ram.

I am liking this one

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-1729.aspx

but unsure what the cache is used for?

Not really sure about the cache. I just thought for £318 for an HP it would "do the job". Mom looked at a 17" but it was a bit too big and heavy for her to handle (she is 77). Happy hunting!

[Gordon861]

If you are just looking for a PC for sending emails and viewing web pages virtually any modern laptop will be all you need.

Don't worry about 1Mb of Processor Cache it won't affect any of the above.

If the laptop has Vista I suggest you need 2Gb of RAM, but of it's an XP machine 1Gb is ok for general use.

But if you aren't needing the computer to be portable take a look at some of the desktop units out there. When it comes to 'features for cost' desktops wipe the floor with laptops, better keyboards, better screens and upgradable later if needed.

[DealCruncher]

What does anyone think of this laptop
ACER 7720-3A2G16MI (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/437700/ACER-7720-3A2G16MI)


or

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Li2735 Core2Duo & 3GB Ram - IN STOCK NOW (http://www.swindoncomputers.com/fujitsu-siemens-amilo-li2735-core2duo--3gb-ram---in-stock-now-67-p.asp)

The Acer is a good spec for the price, i looked at that and a similar spec Compaq CQ60 at Currys for £399. The Nvidia graphics card is good if your using for gaming or video but you lose a Gb of RAM which is relatively easy to replace though.

Should definately be looking for Dual core and 2-3Gb Ram and hopefuly a half decent graphics card for that price range..

[MiM]

I ordered from Bennetts but the 10% off code did not appear to apply itself.

I wrote explaining this and asking them to apply the discount or cancel the order.

I got a receipt promising a full reply but nothing more and now when I try to ring them it puts me in a queue then cuts me off.

Getting a bit concerned now.

[chocolateteddy]

I ordered from Bennetts but the 10% off code did not appear to apply itself.

I wrote explaining this and asking them to apply the discount or cancel the order.

I got a receipt promising a full reply but nothing more and now when I try to ring them it puts me in a queue then cuts me off.

Getting a bit concerned now.


I too have had problems with Bennetts I ordered a Toshiba L300 1aq on 1/1/09 it said on the order confirmation Awaiting Status. So the next day I phoned them Took 2 hours to get through to them and they said stock was in the warehouse and I would have it by Fri 9th Jan. I then received an email which said
Quote '
Thank you for your order with us.
I have spoken with our despatch team who have advised me that we are still waiting on confirmation from Toshiba of when we are likely to receive stock of this laptop.
I understand that this is frustrating and will happily track progress of this order for you should you wish to continue with it.
However, should you wish to cancel for a full refund, please confirm by replying to this email and we will process this request for you as soon as possible.' End quote

Great my credit card was debited on 1/1 it has taken me three days of phoning and them not replying to emails to finally speak to someone to be told they had no idea when or if they would receive anymore!!!!
So they have had £350 for 13 days no doubt earning interest on it!!
I have now cancelled order and am back to looking for a laptop around £350 I knew that 10% offer was too good to be true The trouble was they actually had stock in the store 10 miles down the road from me on the 1st Jan but I thought? it would be easier to order online and get 10% off How wrong can you be!!
When I asked about the other toshibas that were 'coming soon' he didn't have a definate date. So order at your peril. I will not be ordering off them again.

[madmum33]

I'm no expert but I spotted this HP Pavillion on an email, thought it looked good for the price (if you can live with the strange cover!)

http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=597J

It's small but powerful - 14.1" screen, Core 2 Duo, 320gb hard drive, 4gb RAM

All for £498.99

Hope this helps someone!

[Gueld]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Dell Studio 1737 or the 1545?
I'm just looking for an affordable laptop for Uni that's able to also play a couple of games and be decent for playing DVDs. I like the looks of these dells too (especially the pink one! :P).
I was also wondering if anyone knows if there's any chance that currys or pcworld will be getting the pink ones back in stock, they've been gone since Christmas. I'd buy from Dell but I prefer the payment plans from PCW and Currys.
Thanks.

[DealCruncher]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Dell Studio 1737 or the 1545?
I'm just looking for an affordable laptop for Uni that's able to also play a couple of games and be decent for playing DVDs. I like the looks of these dells too (especuially the pink one! :P).
I was also wondering if anyone knows if there's any chance that currys or pcworld will be getting the pink ones back in stock, they've been gone since Christmas. I'd buy from Dell but I prefer the payment plans from PCW and Currys.
Thanks.

Hey Gueld,

1737: Very good price for a Dell Dual core laptop.. 17" screen, so a little larger than a standard 14-15" one, so therefore a little less portable. Should be more than adequate for work/DVD's, unless your planning on playing some very power hungry games, this seems like a good buy. 120Gb Hard drive will store a good amount, external hard drives are an easy way to store more music/photos etc..

1545: A better spec, double the hard drive (250Gb) & 1Gb extra RAM which means it will cope more programs efficienty

Not sure about the Pink though !!

Ha

[ErodedPebble]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Dell Studio 1737 or the 1545?
I'm just looking for an affordable laptop for Uni that's able to also play a couple of games and be decent for playing DVDs. I like the looks of these dells too (especially the pink one! :P).
I was also wondering if anyone knows if there's any chance that currys or pcworld will be getting the pink ones back in stock, they've been gone since Christmas. I'd buy from Dell but I prefer the payment plans from PCW and Currys.
Thanks.

Have you looked at Dell Outlet?

I recently bought a Studio 1735 from Dell Outlet for about £480.
Spec is
2.1 Ghz processor
4gb ram
2 HDrives at 7200 spindle speed.

Pros...
Solidly built
Great value for money

Cons
Touch pad is to the left takes time to get used to
The Graphics card occassionally crashes when I use the VGA port to connect to an LG lcd monitor
Colour of laptop is not to everyones taste.

One thing to add, Dell's customer service can be slow

Hope this helps

[firebird1]

Yeah it looks ok but would like to get them a 17inch screen and can not bring myself to buy a machine with 1Mb of ram.

I am liking this one

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-1729.aspx

but unsure what the cache is used for?.
.
At £100 more, the post previous about the Comet for £318 is much better value.

[L-Jay]

Hello there, can anyone recommend me a laptop?

I want-

Under £400
Reasonable battery life
Uses - Word Processing, Powerpoint, Internet, Burning CDs/DVDs, just general home use.

Thanks in advance.

[chocolateteddy]

Now I have cancelled my order with Bennetts!!! I am on the look out for a decent laptop at a decent price.

What do you think about the Toshiba L300 1AP (spec below) at £370 delivered is it a good price or could I do better

Processor type : Intel® Pentium® dual-core processor (http://syndication.intel.com/DistributeModule.aspx?ppc_cid=IIP_02105071701&cc=CI) T3200
clock speed : 2.00 GHz
Front Side Bus : 667 MHz
2nd level cache : 1 MB
Operating system Genuine (http://eu.computers.toshiba-europe.com/images/eu/msg/) Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery)

System memory standard : 2,048 (1,024 + 1,024) MB
maximum expandability : 4,096 MB
technology : DDR2 RAM (800 MHz)
Hard disk (Copy) capacity : 160 GB
certification : S.M.A.R.T.
DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer) compatibility : CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM
maximum speed : Read: 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM/ Write: 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 24x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-R (Double Layer), 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 6x DVD+R (Double Layer), 8x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM
type : DVD Super Multi (Double Layer) drive
Display size : 15.4 "
type : Toshiba TruBrite® WXGA TFT High Brightness display
internal resolution : 1,280 x 800
Graphics adapter manufacturer : Intel®
type : Mobile Intel® GMA 4500M
memory : up to 1,340 MB total available graphics memory with 3 GB system memory
memory type : shared
Internal video modes Max External Video Modes Max Resolution : 2,048 x 1,536
Max Refresh Rate : 85 Hz
Non-interlaced resolution with max refresh rate : 1,600 x 1,200
Interfaces 1 x DC-in
1 x external monitor
1 x RJ-11
1 x RJ-45
1 x external microphone
1 x headphone (stereo)
3 (Left 2, Right 1) x USB 2.0
1 x integrated VGA Web Camera with built-in microphone
Expansion 2 x memory slots (1 to configure)
1 x ExpressCard slot
Wireless communication Compliancy : Wi-Fi®
Network Support : 802.11b/g
Wireless Technology : Wireless LAN
Wired communication topology : Fast Ethernet LAN
speed : 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
topology : international V.90 modem (V.92 ready)
speed : 56 Kbps data and 14.4 Kbps fax
Sound system supported audio format : 24-bit stereo
speakers : built-in stereo speaker
manufacturer : Toshiba Bass Enhanced Sound System
Keyboard keys : 87
Windows keys : Yes
Pointing device type : Touch Pad
Battery technology : lithium-ion
maximum life : up to 2h30min (Mobile Mark™ 2007)
AC adaptor input voltage : autosensing AC adapter (100/240 V) for worldwide usage
Physical dimensions W x D x H : 362 x 267 x 33.0 (front) / 37.7 (rear) mm
weight : starting at 2.49 kg
Warranty 1-year international warranty. Upgrade your standard warranty with Toshiba warranty extension, uplift and all-risks insurance packs.
Bundled hardware AC adaptor
Bundled software Toshiba Disc Creator
Toshiba User's Manual
Supervisor Password Utility
Toshiba Assist
Chicony Camera Assistant Software
Toshiba DVD Player
Ulead® DVD MovieFactory® for TOSHIBA
Toshiba Face Recognition
McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition (includes free Internet updates for 30 days)
Toshiba Recovery Disc Creator
Microsoft® Works, Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007 (free 60-day trial)
Toshiba Value Added Package (Toshiba Power Saver, Toshiba Zooming Utility, Toshiba PC Diagnostic Tool, Toshiba Flash Cards, Toshiba Components Common Driver, Toshiba Accessibility, Toshiba Button Support)
Google Software (Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Desktop, Picasa)
Connectivity Doctor
ConfigFree™
Toshiba utilities and drivers
Toshiba EasyMedia Google Software (Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer, Google Desktop, Picasa)
Toshiba TEMPRO Performance Tuning Service
McAfee® Internet Security Suite - Toshiba Edition
Toshiba Face Recognition
Smart Display Support
Toshiba Flash Cards
Built-in camera & microphone
Diversity Antenna
Toshiba ConfigFree™
Internal HD 720p support
Security features main battery pack (by sliding latch)
main memory (by screw)
HDD password on request
supervisor password
slot for Kensington Cable Lock
user password
main hard disk (by screw)
wireless LAN switch
Special features SM BIOS compliant
HD Audio support
integrated VGA Web Camera for Video over IP
Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology
integrated microphone for Voice over IP

[chloe_87_87]

Like L-Jay i am also looking for some laptop recommendations around the £400 mark. It will be for basic home use, such as photo storage and editing, storing and listening to music, playing DVD's on the go, Surfing the net and bits and bobs on Word, Excel etc.

I have been looking into Dell Inspirion 1525's. The best price i have got so far after adding/upgrading things is £408.01 inc the VAT. This includes the below.


BaseIntel® Celeron™ Dual-Core Processor T1500 (1.86GHz, 512K, 533MHz)Microsoft Operating SystemGenuine Windows Vista® Home Premium SP1 - EnglishMemory2048MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024]KeyboardInternal Keyboard Uk/Irish (QWERTY)Video CardIntegrated Intel® Graphic Media Accelerator X3100Hard Drive120GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard DriveModem56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter - UKOptical DevicesDVD +/- RW Drive (read/write CD & DVD)Wireless NetworkingDell™ Wireless 1395 802.11b/g Mini-Card - Europe - Celeron Dual Core ProcessorsCablesPower Cord UK 1meterShipping DocumentsEnglish EMEA 1 (EN, AR, DU, FR, GE, IT, CR,SP) DocumentationGedis Bundle ReferenceN0152516Microsoft Application SoftwareMicrosoft® Works 9.0 / English - (Does not include Microsoft® Word)Standard Warranty1Yr Limited Warranty - Collect & ReturnService1 Year Limited Warranty - Collect & ReturnProtect your new PCNo Security/Anti-Virus Protection - EnglishPower Supply65W AC AdapterIntegrated Mobile BroadbandNo Mobile Broadband SelectedOrder InformationInspiron Order - UKPrimary Battery6-cell batteryCarrying CasesNo Carry CaseDell System Media KitResource DVD Inspiron 1525 - (Diagnostics & Drivers)Camera2.0 Mega pixel web cameraColour ChoiceJet Black Colour with Matte FinishAccidental Damage SupportNo Accidental Damage SupportOnline BackupDataSafe Online Backup 2GBOnline Promotion Option for GEDIS ConfigsDell Internet OrderLCD15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display with TrueLife™

Can i better it for the price i am willing to pay? Obviously the more storage it has will be better because my music and photo collection is rapidly expanding. Also the speed at which it runs is obviously another area i dont want to get wrong as i tend to have things like Internet, Word and Itunes running at the same time!

Another thing i was wondering is, Do i HAVE to get the 'Microsoft Application Software'? To be honest i can't stand Works and it comes on this laptop included in the price as standard, but what if i dont want it on there wasting space?! I'd rather them not put it on at all and reduce the price slightly. I know i can get Office Student & Home much cheaper than they offer it for.

The Laptop doesnt have to be specifically a Dell but the Desktop i currently have at home is a Dell and i've not had any major issues with it yet that i couldnt repair myself!

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Sorry if i've posted this in the wrong place!

Chloe_87_87

[Thunderbird]

Now I have cancelled my order with Bennetts!!! I am on the look out for a decent laptop at a decent price.

What do you think about the Toshiba L300 1AP (spec below) at £370 delivered is it a good price or could I do better

Check the Toshiba L300-1AS Staples in store, I don't seem to be able to find it opn their website anymore.
It has slightly better processor ( 2MB Cache)
It has got more RAM ( 4G )
It has got more storage ( 250G )
and it is for £398 in our local store! ( for extra £18, not bad at all!)

Good luck

[Gordon861]

Chloe

You will save very little if the PC doesn't have MS Works on it, it's just something they bundle on all Windows PCs. Once the PC arrives there is nothing to stop you just going into the 'Control Panel' and 'Remove Software' to get rid of it.

Also, if you really want to save money on the Office programs go to http://www.openoffice.org/ and download that suite of programs. It will read and save MS Office files and best of all it's free.

[gemmacarolyn]

Hello all!

I would be most grateful if someone would give me some advice! I would like to buy a new laptop for internet use and word processing. It will be used primarily at home, although I do go to the US a few times a year and will take it there with me. Ideally, I would like to be able to play Warhammer on it (:o ) but don't know which of the cheap laptops will play this (If any.)


MINIMUM PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

For Windows XP

2.5 GHz P4 (single core) processor or equivalent
1 Gigabyte RAM
A 128 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
At least 15 GB of hard drive spaceFor Windows VISTA


2.5 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
2 Gigabyte RAM
A 128 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
At least 15 GB of hard drive space
I don't really want to pay more than £500, but again am not sure if this is possible. If anyone could give me some suggestions I would be very grateful! :D

[chloe_87_87]

Chloe

You will save very little if the PC doesn't have MS Works on it, it's just something they bundle on all Windows PCs. Once the PC arrives there is nothing to stop you just going into the 'Control Panel' and 'Remove Software' to get rid of it.

Also, if you really want to save money on the Office programs go to http://www.openoffice.org/ and download that suite of programs. It will read and save MS Office files and best of all it's free.

Thanks for that Gordon861. That looks pretty good. I'll deffo give that a try once i find a laptop!

[MiM]

The Toshiba L300-1AQ mentioned earlier from Bennetts is £339.99 on the Staples site.

How does that compare with the £398 L300-1AS offer outlined by Thunderbird above?

Site says...

The L300 is an affordable laptop that comes with the reassurance of Toshiba’s well known quality. Everyday computing tasks are no problem at all with an Intel Celeron Core 2 Duo processor, a SuperMulti DVD drive and 15.4” TruBrite widescreen. Built in WiFi wireless technology, modem and Ethernet port provide a wide range of connection options to the internet or home network.



Features
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5800
Operating system: Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Edition (pre-installed, Toshiba-HDD recovery)
System memory (standard): 2GB DDR2 RAM (800 MHz). Maximum expandability: 8
GB
Hard disk: 250GB S.M.A.R.T.
Optical Drive: DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer) - CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-R(DL), DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R(DL), DVD+RW, DVD-RAM
Maximum speed (Read): 24x CD-ROM, 8x DVD-ROM
Maximum Speed (Write): 24x CD-R, 4x CD-RW, 10x HS CD-RW, 24x US CD-RW, 8x DVD-R, 6x DVD-R (Double Layer), 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+R, 6x DVD+R (Double Layer), 8x DVD+RW, 5x DVD-RAM
Display: 15.4" Toshiba TruBrite WXGA TFT High Brightness display
Graphics Adapter: Mobile Intel GMA 4500M

Interfaces

1 x DC-in
1 x external monitor
1 x RJ-11
1 x RJ-45
li>1 x external microphone
1 x headphone (stereo)
3 (Left 2, Right 1) x USB 2.0
Please note, this product is not covered by our 30-day returns policy unless damaged or faulty. Special conditions apply in the event of returns

[bartman]

The Staples website isn't for retail purchases - so the prices are ex-vat. If the Toshiba is the same price instore it works out about £391.

[Thunderbird]

Hi

I have been to Staples yesterday and unfortunately they have put the price up again to £440 for the L300-1AS. The L300-1AQ is the same machine but with 2G RAM rather than the 4G RAM of the L300-1AS.

The choice is yours. You can always upgrade the RAM after a year, should you want to.

For over all value for money with today's prices, it seems the hp G70-120EA or EM is the best value that money can get for less than £500.

It is sold by pcworld and currys. click here (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/908015) and here (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0968023700.123236380 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfkadegeldklikcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&sku=908015)

It has the same processor as the two toshiba above, but comes with :
17" screen
3G RAM
160G HDD
Dedicated graphic card nvidia G 9200
Blu-ray player

all for £469 ( plus possible £11.72 cashback if you go through quidco then pcworld for reserve and collect in strore, making it less than £458!)

One thing worth mentioning that this hp's RAM is the maximum this computer supports according to hp website click here (http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/ho/WF06b/321957-321957-3329743-3848802-3848802-3768356-3846966.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_UKEN) however, I think, it is unlikely you will feel the need to upgrade the memory in the life of the machine because it 3G with dedicated graphic card.

To add one last thing to the mix, this Dell is promising, but it has got no webcam built-in click here (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0968023700.123236380 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfkadegeldklikcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&sku=557073) for £399.

There is always acer which is good spec for the money, but, my last acer failed because of the hinges broke in less than 3 years, so no more acer for me! others may have different opinions.

hp G70-120EA £469 from pcworld and currys
Toshiba L300-1AS £440 from staples
Dell 1545 £399 from pcworld and currys
Toshiba L300-1AQ £3xx

The above is my opinion and the choice obviously is yours to pick up something that suits your needs.

I hope this will help somebody pick the laptop they want.

ETD: I have bought the Toshiba L300-1AS when it was for £398 from Staples. Should I wanted to buy today, I would have considered either the L300-1AQ or the hp (more probably the hp), depending on my budget. My sister in-law has chosen the hp G70-120EA for the value of money compared to my Toshiba at today's price (£440), plus she is not bothered about portability, and it is a big machine, I am telling you!

[lksearle]

I hope someone can help me, I just need to know if this is a good deal or not or if I should carry on looking? (i have been looking for days :()
I need a new Laptop for general internet use plus photo editing using elements 7 and general Microsoft Office stuff and maybe the odd game. I would like one with a dedicated graphics card and 15" monitor size minimum.

I have found this HP Pavillion DV5-1112EA for £579.99 on play.com although I have found it on simplyhp.co.uk for £559.59 but I have never heard of them so was a bit reluctant.

AMD Turion X2 UltraCore Mobile Processor ZM-82
4GB RAM
320 HD
15.4" display
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3450 Graphics Card

Hope someone can help me decide, thanks,

[MiM]

The Toshiba L300-1AQ comes out at £390.99 delivered from Staples plus there's 4% Quidco.

[chocolateteddy]

H
P

HP FM180EA/G7095EM for £369.99
Can anyone tell me if this is a good spec or not for the price also on the comet website in the spec it says

Built-in wireless networking - Not featured
Wireless networking standard 802.11b/g/n
Wired networking - Yes




Does this mean I can't use it with a wireless router at home or connect in a public hotspot for example On the HP website I downloaded the specs below and have highlighted what I think is relevant can anyone tell me if this is wireless or not?
Also if anyone has one does it have a numeric keypad to the right hand side like a full size keyboard has?

Operating system
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (32-bit)
Processor
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T5750
2 GHz, Level 2 cache 2 MB
Memory
2048 MB (2 x 1024 MB)
Supports up to 3 GB DDR2 memory
Storage
160 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 5400 rpm
up to 9 GB partition for system recovery
Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support
Mobile entertainment
Webcam with integrated microphone
Communication
High speed 56K modem
Ethernet 10/100BT integrated network interface
802.11b/g WLAN
Display
15.4” WXGA High Definition BrightView Widescreen
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Video
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
Up to 358 MB Total Available Graphics Memory
Sound
3D Sound Blaster Pro compatible sound 16 bit integrated
Altec Lansing® speakers
Keyboard
101 key compatible keyboard
Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down
pad, volume control, mute button
Ports
3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA port, 1 RJ11 modem connector, 1 RJ45 ethernet
connector, S-video TV out, 1 headphones-out, 1 mic-in
Power
65 W AC Power Adapter
6-cell Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery
Software
Microsoft® Works and Microsoft® Office Home and Student 2007
60-Day Trial Version
Microsoft® Internet Explorer
Windows Mail

Adobe® Reader
Windows Media Player
Windows Photo Gallery
DVD Play
Windows Movie Maker, Windows DVD Maker
Cyberlink DVD Suite
Windows Media center, QuickPlay for Windows
HP Total Care Advisor
Service & support
Recovery partition (including possibility to recover system, applications
and drivers separately)
Optional re-allocation of recovery partition


Recovery CD/DVD creation tool
Symantec™ Norton Internet Security™ 2008 (60 days live update)
Notebook Help & Support
Additional information
P/N: FM180EA#ABU
UPC/EAN code: 884420208525
Weight
Out of package: 3.10 kg (6.87 lbs)
Packed: 4.45 kg
Dimensions
Out of package: 35.70 cm (L) x 25.70 cm (W) x 2.54 cm (min) H /
3.96 cm (max) H
Packed: 485 x 112 x 360 mm
Warranty
1 year, pick-up and return, parts and labour

Thank you as you can tell not technically minded;) :D

[barryheffron]

which is best out of the following:
ACER AS5735
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/510335/ACER-AS5735
Toshiba L350
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-1729.aspx
Dell 1545
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0597985342.123253630 6@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfkadegeldklikcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&sku=557073&page=Product#productInformationSection
HP 6735
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152233
Lenovo N500 Pentium Laptop
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/AdvSearch/Compare.aspx?s=21&prod=NS73BUK

it will be used mostly for home use ie downloading music dvds etc (legally of course!!) but also at work for emails and AutoCAD drawings.
Looking for:
Price approx £400 or less
Built in wireless
Good battery life
Bluetooth would be handy as well but not vital

[Thunderbird]

Does this mean I can't use it with a wireless router at home or connect in a public hotspot for example


From what you have highlightened, it seems that you can!


it will be used mostly for home use ie downloading music dvds etc (legally of course!!) but also at work for emails and AutoCAD drawings.


Acer's spec is superior to the rest.
Dell's battery can be short with these 4 cells!

Why not consider hp G70-120EA as it seems a very good value for the money with 3G RAM and dedicated graphic card and blu-ray player, if you can stretch your budget to £469 from pcworld ( £11.72 possible cashback through quidco for reserve and collect in store, see my previous post) ? It's screen is 17" , which I think it is not a huge problem since you are looking at the acer which is 15.6" itself!! and battery life is up to 2 hours

The acer has got a shared graphic uo to 1350 of the RAM of its 4G RAM. Battery is up to 3 hours.

Others might follow with better ideas.

Good luck

[suzid]

[quote=chocolateteddy;17899711]H


PAlso if anyone has one does it have a numeric keypad to the right hand side like a full size keyboard has?


Yes it does. I've just ordered one online from Comet but went into local store where they had similar on show. Also zoomed in on photo and it shows it well. That was the thing that put me off others because I use the numeric alot. :money:

[chocolateteddy]

[quote=chocolateteddy;17899711]H



PAlso if anyone has one does it have a numeric keypad to the right hand side like a full size keyboard has?


Yes it does. I've just ordered one online from Comet but went into local store where they had similar on show. Also zoomed in on photo and it shows it well. That was the thing that put me off others because I use the numeric alot. :money:

Thanks for that likewise I use the numeric keypad alot I too have ordered one should be delivered tuesday next week between 7am and 6pm!!!!
You can guarentee it will arrive whilst I am on school run. I did ring customer services and they said parcel force were delivering it so if out should go to local royal mail office so at least I can pick up rather than waiting in another day. Am getting excited as I have been looking for one since xmas and everytime I found one researched and made my mind up to buy it, it was sold out:mad: so can't wait now till tuesday. Thanks for everyone's help when I have asked questions:T

[Esmerelda]

Hi, I'm looking for a good value, small (less than 15" screen), lightweight laptop. A netbook is probably too small for me, and I'd like a DVD drive and half decent graphics for watching the odd DVD. Any suggestions please?

[Mr_Frugal]

Thanks to all you guys for posting views etc in here as it has helped me really narrow down my selection.

I am finally down to 2 laptops and guess I would like views from you all as to which is the better all round buy.

I am between the HP G70-120EA and the Sony VGN-FW21L.
There is just over £100 difference between the two and I guess I want to know if the Sony is worth the extra £100 ?
Seems the main differences are that the Sony has a bigger hard drive, 4GB ram (as opposed to HP 3GB) and I can hook Sony up to TV.

Am I missing anything else ?

If so what are others opinions, which one would you buy ?

[Thunderbird]

You can connect the hp to the tv via its HDMI port.

The sony, has got a better webcam, a bit more RAM ( the hp is at its maximum 3G RAM), more storage and 64 bits computing according to sony's website.

You need an advice on the dedicated graphic cards as I don't know which one is better! (both 256 Mb dedicated, but different brands)

Is the better webcam and extra one G RAM with extra 90G HDD in a SONY worth the extra £100? Between these two machines, and money is not an issue, I would go for the SONY provided it's graphic card is better.

Good luck

[Thunderbird]

Hi, I'm looking for a good value, small (less than 15" screen), lightweight laptop. A netbook is probably too small for me, and I'd like a DVD drive and half decent graphics for watching the odd DVD. Any suggestions please?

This samsung is promising with up to 6hrs battery time from staples, click here (http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?Description=UK_CL_Other+Brands&CatIds=21797,35750,90636&webid=398103&affixedcode=WW+) I think for about £490

if you don't mind an acer, this could fit the bill from pcworld, click here (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/525566) for £479 ( plus possible 2.5% cashback via quidco)

Both got the graphic memory shared!! Check the spec on both and decide. If you want a dedicated graphic card for this size laptops, I think you might feel the need to stretch a bit more than £500.

If you only wanting a dedicated graphic for playing DVDs, I don't think a shared graphic would be bad as you would feel it when playing games!

Good luck

ETA: I have just seen this acer cheaper here at MISCO for £399! £80 cheaper than pcworld, not bad for this processor and this HDD! Click here (http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=342273&sourceid=1211)

[SuperSal]

I am looking for a laptop but haven't a clue what to get.
At the moment I am running a Dell Inspiron 530Son vista home Premium and am quite happy with it, however to stop war breaking out I think it's time to get another computer.

This will be mainly used for surfing the net and e-mails We don't play games or do any other stuff really, but may use it occasionally for copying dvd's/cd's
not keen on a notebook as the screen needs to be min 15". The laptop will probably be in the same room as the desktop and although I have just got a BTHUb 2 I am running the desktop wired to an ethernet cable and will probably do the same for the laptop for now.

I get so confused with different spec etc but have read if I'm using vista I need at least 2gb as it takes up a lot of space and also the better the processer the faster the programmes load. Is this right?

I have looked at Dell, Fujitu and Acer all at under £350 and to be quite honest i don't really want to pay anymore than that.

I heard that from our local computer shop that one make is always breaking down and not to get that one but I can't remember if he said Asus or Acer.
We'll be going into look at a few on Monday, I've never used a laptop before so will need to try a few out for ease of use.

Another point is do you need to recharge the battery everytime it is used even for an hour?

[giggles_alot]

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?Description=UK_CL_Laptops+-+Toshiba&CatIds=21797,35750,90634&webid=398034&affixedcode=WW+

Hi, I'm looking to get a laptop and router plus ms office for around £500 in total. Not really sure what i'm looking for in a laptop (not very technically minded). i'll need to use it for a new course i'm starting, emails, internet research and personal use - facebook, youtube, music and loading photographs. Could anyone give opinions on the laptop above? spec v price and meeting my needs. Thanks

[retiredlady]

Hello everyone, I am looking for some advice. I guess I should say that I am not very computer savvy and my present laptop is about 3 years old and really needs replacing (even the keyboard has given up the ghost and almost daily a new key falls off!):rotfl:

I have been looking at the laptop on sale this week at Aldi and there seems to be a lot of stuff on it that actually means nothing to me :o, but basic question is - it is an ok machine for the money? It costs £450.

Thanks for your help - here is the link : http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/58_8630.htm

Marion

[SuperSal]

Is there anybody out there?????

Don't forget Staples price is excluding vat, I missed that at first as I was looking at the Toshiba model at £339

I'm sure the Aldi one has 3years warranty which makes it a good bargain in my eyes, that alone must be worth over £100

I hate doing research, whenever you think you've cracked it, there is always someone who'll say 'I wouldn't touch ***** with a bargepole'

Please someone take pity on the last 3 posters!

[boobbby]

You can puchase a laptop from £300 to £1500 and you can be sure within a few months it will be superceeded by a better value machine. The Aldi machine above is a good example of how things move on. A few months ago most laptops had a 2GB RAM at that price. Smaller hard drive, smaller battery etc!! The question you have to ask yourself is "what do you want the laptop to be able to do" Do you want to be light so you can carry it around, do you want to play modern games at a reasonable speed, Do you want to download loads of films and how often are you able to charge the laptop. If you need any of these it will cost more dosh. On the other hand if you just want to surf the net and use it for data then stick to the £300 - £450 computers. For those that can put off getting the computer until the end of this year the new operating system (windows 7) seems to worth waiting for as it has some good early reports unlike the response when they was bringing out windows Vista.

[SuperSal]

Thanks Bobby for replying.
The more I read the more confused I am, I do not play lots of games or watch T.V. on my computer. not bothered about it being lightweight, do need DVD rewriter and it will be mainly used as a desktop.
The Medion at Aldi seemed to suit especially with te spec and 3 year warranty, however they are sold out and although have loooked at the Medion site they do not seem to have any either, so it's back to the drawing board.

[MiM]

I'm still deliberating!

I've just discovered that Toshiba are offerijng £30 to £100 cashback on selected laptop models bought before the end of the month.

Here's a link to a PDF of the inlcuded models...

http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/images/en/cashback/downloads/cashback.pdf

Anyone got any thoughts on whether this tips the balance in Toshiba's favour?

[berbatov10]

I have looked at lots of laptops over a period of time and have plummed for one of the three below (i think)

1) http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/508934/FUJITSU-LI-2727
[/URL]
2) http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-214EM_515039.html (http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-214EM_515039.html)

3)[url]http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-212EM_515033.html


I use the laptop for e mailing surfing the net and similar not gaming. Any advice would be appreciated Thanks

[Samanthas]

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?Description=UK_CL_Laptops+-+Toshiba&CatIds=21797,35750,90634&webid=398034&affixedcode=WW+

Hi, I'm looking to get a laptop and router plus ms office for around £500 in total. Not really sure what i'm looking for in a laptop (not very technically minded). i'll need to use it for a new course i'm starting, emails, internet research and personal use - facebook, youtube, music and loading photographs. Could anyone give opinions on the laptop above? spec v price and meeting my needs. Thanks
>>>>.
That Toshiba I was looking at as well because you can buy a 12 cell li ion extended life battery that will give you a whopping 8 hours battery life for computing on the go

over time like all batteries this will deteriorate Dell do a Latitude E6400 E6500
very expensive Dell same battery life as far as I am aware www.dell.co.uk

I noticed that Staples website said businesses only and that the price listed was ex vat at 15% try ebuyer instead what are Staples customer service like?
versus ebuyer or amazon.co.uk have some reviews listed their let me know how you get on

Thanks

Samantha

[Samanthas]

Thanks Bobby for replying.
The more I read the more confused I am, I do not play lots of games or watch T.V. on my computer. not bothered about it being lightweight, do need DVD rewriter and it will be mainly used as a desktop.
The Medion at Aldi seemed to suit especially with te spec and 3 year warranty, however they are sold out and although have loooked at the Medion site they do not seem to have any either, so it's back to the drawing board.
>>>>>
These willl be back in March 2009 every three months approximately subscribe to their
newsletter on Aldi's Website I like their desktop too it was a quadcore featured just before Christmas had everything but ran on dreaded Vista Operating No choice
like the XP downgrade Vista Option that Dell do addmittely you pay for it though

Samantha

[Samanthas]

I'm still deliberating!

I've just discovered that Toshiba are offerijng £30 to £100 cashback on selected laptop models bought before the end of the month.

Here's a link to a PDF of the inlcuded models...

http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/images/en/cashback/downloads/cashback.pdf

Anyone got any thoughts on whether this tips the balance in Toshiba's favour?
>>>>>
Hmmm Laptops are a depreciating asset the minute you purchase your brand new laptop in the store by credit card etc it becomes secondhand immediately and loses 50% of its value this info was given to me by repo bailiffs lol :)

Windows Vista Business No XP Professional downgrade allowed?

Whats the best store for customer service in UK & price for Toshiba Pcs and what do which magazine think of them?

Samantha

[Samanthas]

I have looked at lots of laptops over a period of time and have plummed for one of the three below (i think)

1) http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/508934/FUJITSU-LI-2727

2) http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-214EM_515039.html

3)http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-212EM_515033.html


I use the laptop for e mailing surfing the net and similar not gaming. Any advice would be appreciated Thanks
>>>>
Not familiar with the company saveonlaptops if any thing goes wrong your contract is with them NOT the manufacturer and of course the credit crunch could mean they will eventually go under paying by credit card is not always as wonderful as it seems.

Samantha

[berbatov10]

I am not necesarily going to purchase from these companies but was interested in peoples view on the specs

[JDPower]

I have looked at lots of laptops over a period of time and have plummed for one of the three below (i think)

1) http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/508934/FUJITSU-LI-2727

2) http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-214EM_515039.html

3)http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-212EM_515033.html


I use the laptop for e mailing surfing the net and similar not gaming. Any advice would be appreciated Thanks
Firstly I'd discount the first one, not really enough RAM to run Vista smoothly. And of the other two I'd go for the last one (the £349 one), for the price it is the better deal of the two - faster processor and dedicated graphics (a rarity at this price). The other does have more RAM (but this is easy and cheap to upgrade yourself if needed but 2GB should be fine to run Vista smoothly).

[wxmlad]

HP make the best laptops

[boobbby]

I have looked at lots of laptops over a period of time and have plummed for one of the three below (i think)

1) http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/508934/FUJITSU-LI-2727

2) http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-214EM_515039.html

3)http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-212EM_515033.html


I use the laptop for e mailing surfing the net and similar not gaming. Any advice would be appreciated Thanks

I would not dismiss an Acer laptop out of hand. Have a look at the feed back for this model.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-15-6-inch-Laptop-Intel/dp/B001G7PI26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233019677&sr=1-1

[berbatov10]

I didnt want to really go over £300 and the Fujitsu I can purchase for £249 and upgrade the memory to 2 gb for and extra £19 which makes it £268. Unless anyone has any other suggestions as a better option

[sam79]

can someone tell me what the difference is between vista basic and vista premium as i noticed the

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Compaq_Presario_CQ60-214EM_515039.html

[sam79]

ops had the basic and the number 3 one had premium

[sam79]

sorry sorry sorry.....cocked up there
i meant the 3rd one had basic and the 2nd one had premium

[Col5ter]

Saw this on eBuyer this morning

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/158364

..there's also this with a free 1GB RAM upgrade

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152309

[MiM]

Okay, I've been looking through the Misco site comparing the potential savings on the offers using the money off fom the Toshiba offer.

Anyone got any thoughts on this deal, which has one of the biggest savings?

It's the Satellite Pro U400-12Y, details below from Misco site...

Features

Intel Pentium® Dual-Core T2390 1.86GHz Processor
1GB DDR2 RAM / 120GB Hard Disc Drive
DVD Super Multi drive (Double Layer)
13.3" Toshiba TruBrite® WXGA TFT High Brightness display
Integrated Web Camera & Microphone
Toshiba Face Recognition
Microsoft Windows Vista® Business/XP Professional Media
Microsoft Office 2007 Ready 60 Day try before you buy
Toshiba's TPP ex-VAT is £539 inc but Misco's price is £459.99. Take off Quidco at 4% that leaves £441.59, then the £75 cashback makes the final total (if my calculations are correct!) £366.59.

That machine does not sound like it's got the greatest of spec compared to some of the others in this thread. Am I get hooked in by the Toshiba offer into considering a deal that's not all it looks or is this a bargain?

[jag_dhami]

HP FM180EA/G7095EM for £369.99 - COMET

If you buy this from comet based on what pics they have shown, be prepared to be disappointed, its doesn't look anything like their pics and will not have the soft keys to control volume & DVD, also it will not be silver.

Best to look at HP's site for their full description and real pics http://h20195.www2.hp.com/PDF/c01489377.pdf

If you buy this and want to return it based on their misrepresentation be prepared to fork out £37 quid for them to take it back

[PM]

I just got HP

HP Compaq Presario CQ60-212EM Notebook PC (NG447EA) is £349.

Use quidco 10% code or the HP one on website (NYSALE09) Also extra 3% cashback from Quidco bringing Price down to £305.10 + Free Delivery.

AMD Sempron Processor for Notebook PCs SI-42
2.10 GHz
15.6" Single channel LVDS HD BrightView
NVIDIA GeForce 8200M
160 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive
2048 MB RAM
2.75 kg

[chocolateteddy]

HP FM180EA/G7095EM for £369.99 - COMET

If you buy this from comet based on what pics they have shown, be prepared to be disappointed, its doesn't look anything like their pics and will not have the soft keys to control volume & DVD, also it will not be silver.

Best to look at HP's site for their full description and real pics http://h20195.www2.hp.com/PDF/c01489377.pdf

If you buy this and want to return it based on their misrepresentation be prepared to fork out £37 quid for them to take it back

Hi I have received the said computer today I didn't realise that the comet picture was actually the correct picture anyway I assumed they just used any picture as a representation as I too had looked at the link to the HP site before I ordered it and noticed the different picture but also noted in the small print at the bottom it says

"The product could differ from the images shown."

So I just went by description rather than photo.

I was a tiny bit dissappionted as I did ask on this forum if it had a numeric keypad to the right hand side. I originally thought it didn't but someone said it did. I can say it doesn't. I would have preferred one with but when I placed the order I didn't know anyway so it would have been a welcome bonus if it had turned up with one. I have spent so long looking for a laptop and missing them that I probably would have waited ages to get the perfect machine!!
I am one happy bunny and now am about to try and connect it to the internet for the first time
Wish me luck!!!

[JDPower]

Am I get hooked in by the Toshiba offer into considering a deal that's not all it looks or is this a bargain?
Yes you are, and no it's not ;)

[JDPower]

I didnt want to really go over £300 and the Fujitsu I can purchase for £249
Then why say you're looking at two that are £349+ asking for an opinion, then have us wasting time checking them out to offer advice when they're too expensive?

[JDPower]

I was a tiny bit dissappionted as I did ask on this forum if it had a numeric keypad to the right hand side. I originally thought it didn't but someone said it did. I can say it doesn't. I would have preferred one with but when I placed the order I didn't know anyway so it would have been a welcome bonus if it had turned up with one. I have spent so long looking for a laptop and missing them that I probably would have waited ages to get the perfect machine

If you really can't do without one you can get usb number pads for little money, eg like this (http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3437371/Labtec-USB-Number-Pad-For-Notebooks/Product.html) (not recommending this just so you know what to look for), admittedly not the same as being attached to the laptop but thought I'd point it out just in case it was of use to you :)

[SuperSal]

After traipsing around our nearest (25miles away) retail shopping park, I've just given up looking.
Going from P.C. World to Curry's and Comet, I'm even more confused than normal!

Not one place had the same computer in of the same spec, if it had this it did not have that, and the pro's and con's of each one wore me out.

Even went into Staples after that marathon, they had about 4 on display, pathetic. I'm sure everyone was buying before Xmas but surely they have had time to stock up.

On top of that my hubbies favourite Australian Red wine had gone up 70p in Tesco's so that just about finished him off.:mad:

We'll just have to carry on booking time slots on our desk top!:eek:

[suzid]

HP FM180EA/G7095EM for £369.99 - COMET

So sorry chocolateteddy, I told you it had a numeric keyboard because I was told twice in local Comet that it had. Second time was told they "take one out of the box and photograph it, what you see is what you get, don't worry". :mad: So I'm going to be disappointed tomorrow :o . DH has already told me I could get a plug in, but that's not the point, I'm still cross :mad: .

[chocolateteddy]

HP FM180EA/G7095EM for £369.99 - COMET

So sorry chocolateteddy, I told you it had a numeric keyboard because I was told twice in local Comet that it had. Second time was told they "take one out of the box and photograph it, what you see is what you get, don't worry". :mad: So I'm going to be disappointed tomorrow :o . DH has already told me I could get a plug in, but that's not the point, I'm still cross :mad: .

Don't worry as I was ordering it thinking it didn't have one anyway would have been a nice bonus. I can understand why you are annoyed though, you would think the staff would know what they are selling!!Like your DH and another poster said you can get one that plugs into a usb port but I am already getting used to using the numbers across the top so won't bother. I am really pleased with my purchase it arrived on said day at 12.30 and was dead easy to set up and get online via my wireless connection that my desktop uses. Just about to try and install microsoft office now it has downloaded all 43 windows updates!!!!!!!!
Good luck

[cookie monster]

Some help please, after a basic laptop just to go wireless around the house for surfing not playing games apart from the basic on line free bbc kids ones for my kid(he's 5)
Narrowed it down to 2, which would be the best or maybe some other recomendations would be great, don't want to spend more than 300.

eMachine E520 M575 1GB 15.4" Laptop
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-3376.aspx

eMachines D620 Athlon
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-5882.aspx

thanks.

[JDPower]

Some help please, after a basic laptop just to go wireless around the house for surfing not playing games apart from the basic on line free bbc kids ones for my kid(he's 5)
Narrowed it down to 2, which would be the best or maybe some other recomendations would be great, don't want to spend more than 300.

eMachine E520 M575 1GB 15.4" Laptop
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-3376.aspx

eMachines D620 Athlon
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-5882.aspx

thanks.
There's not a great deal between them but I think the first one just edges it on the slightly better processor. The second has better graphics card but as you'll not be bothering with games the graphics in the first should be more than adequate.

[jamiensam]

Some help please, after a basic laptop just to go wireless around the house for surfing not playing games apart from the basic on line free bbc kids ones for my kid(he's 5)
Narrowed it down to 2, which would be the best or maybe some other recomendations would be great, don't want to spend more than 300.

eMachine E520 M575 1GB 15.4" Laptop
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.204-3376.aspx

eMachines D620 Athlon
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-5882.aspx

thanks.
Staples have a couple of good laptops at the moment, very similar. Just remember the website doesn't always include VAT but the prices are sill good.

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?Description=UK_CL_Other+Brands&CatIds=21797,35750,90636&webid=397636&affixedcode=WW+

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?Description=UK_CL_Other+Brands&CatIds=21797,35750,90636&webid=397637&affixedcode=WW+

[bockster]

i'm quite liking the hp g60 116em laptop £379 from tesco, i'm completely new to laptops, so am interested in anything you guys have to say, good or bad, about this one. will be for mostly home use, surfing, photos etc, no heavy gaming.

if this one is a winner, whats the best way to go about buying, not familier with quidco, can i search quidco for all the suppliers of this laptop and it will show me their discounts???

thanks in advance

[stee01]

This is this best valued laptop going (I know i was surprised that PC World came up cheap too). Out of stock at the moment though and the monkey on the phone had no idea when they were getting stock. Guess i'll try again later when theyve rotated staff.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/editorial/dell-laptop-tvdeal&camp_id=1018132

Gaming laptop. You should be able to play most games on low settings on it.

If anyone can find one with this graphics card in (8600m GT) elsewhere cheaper please let me know as it would make a nice birthday present for myself.

[boobbby]

This is this best valued laptop going (I know i was surprised that PC World came up cheap too). Out of stock at the moment though and the monkey on the phone had no idea when they were getting stock. Guess i'll try again later when theyve rotated staff.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/editorial/dell-laptop-tvdeal&camp_id=1018132

Gaming laptop. You should be able to play most games on low settings on it.

If anyone can find one with this graphics card in (8600m GT) elsewhere cheaper please let me know as it would make a nice birthday present for myself.

First appeared on the scene in August 2007 so may no longer be available (cost about £820 in those days)

[MiM]

i'm quite liking the hp g60 116em laptop £379 from tesco, i'm completely new to laptops, so am interested in anything you guys have to say, good or bad, about this one. will be for mostly home use, surfing, photos etc, no heavy gaming.

if this one is a winner, whats the best way to go about buying, not familier with quidco, can i search quidco for all the suppliers of this laptop and it will show me their discounts???

thanks in advance

No, Quidco doesn't work like that. It has deals in place with certain suppliers to pay a referral fee or percentage on orders places via their portal.

So you sign up for Quidco membership, make sure your cookies are clear and then visit Tesco via their link and you'll get a payment of 4% or whatever it is into your Quidco account.

If you don't do it exactly this way you won't get anything.

But Quidco won't tell you where the best deal is among their merchants.

[stee01]

First appeared on the scene in August 2007 so may no longer be available (cost about £820 in those days)

True, however i no people have bought these as recently as november, so worth a shot maybe?

The £399 deal didnt come about until august 08. Getting annoyed now as i want "that" laptop (im very fussy about these things, spent a lot of time researching them), and pc world are the cheapest i can find them (the model with the 8600m that is).

[littlestar1981]

Please can someone give their expert opinion on these? Have to buy from Argos as I have vouchers. Want to use it for internet surfing (wireless using home broadband) and word/excel. Not very patient with pages loading so want it to be a good speed!

I have set up the comparison of all five here

http://!!!!!!!.com/d2rb3c

but if it doesnt work heres all 5 separately

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080843.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5070190.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080881.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080908.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080867.htm

TIA!!!

[boobbby]

True, however i no people have bought these as recently as november, so worth a shot maybe?

The £399 deal didnt come about until august 08. Getting annoyed now as i want "that" laptop (im very fussy about these things, spent a lot of time researching them), and pc world are the cheapest i can find them (the model with the 8600m that is).

This is the nearest your going to get for that price and your wanted specs..out of stock for home delivery but it is available in a small store near me. Might also be near you!


http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/622920

[JDPower]

Please can someone give their expert opinion on these? Have to buy from Argos as I have vouchers. Want to use it for internet surfing (wireless using home broadband) and word/excel. Not very patient with pages loading so want it to be a good speed!

I have set up the comparison of all five here

http://!!!!!!!.com/d2rb3c (http://%21%21%21%21%21%21%21.com/d2rb3c)

but if it doesnt work heres all 5 separately

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080843.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5070190.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080881.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080908.htm
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/catalogId/1500001501/partNumber/5080867.htm

TIA!!!
Short answer IMHO - The last one (the Acer), with the 4th (the Tosh L3001DN) a close second (but £30 more expensive)