The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

[espresso]

Not sure about that, I have a netgear router, if that helps!!!

That's a no then!

:eek:

Follow this step by step guide (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471408&postcount=37) to make your network secure and to stop others using it.

:beer:

[HCDayantis]

Just got emailed from Staples...

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Pi1505
Intel Core duo processor. T2050
512 Mb RAM
100 Gb HDD
DVD +/-RW
15.4 inch widescreen

£ 499


That sounds pretty good to me . I have been holding out for a core 2 duo at a resonable price but I mainly only do office work on mine so will this be speedy enough for me?? My current 2 yr old celeron IBM R40e is now feeling very slow.

I have that bookmarked, and it does indeed look to be a good deal. (Last time I checked it was 60GB from Staples, but they've improved it - good on them!) I'm still holding out for the Lenovo personally (waiting for some responses from the vendor over queries), but for office work the Fujitsu is more than capable of meeting your needs. What puts me off is the distinct lack of information provided by their site.

I'll give you some reviews and tech specs:

http://www.itreviews.co.uk/hardware/h1032.htm (review)

http://blog.whatlaptop.co.uk/page/whatlaptop?entry=fujitsu_siemens_amilo_pi_1505 (review)

http://www.fujitsu-siemens.co.uk/home/products/notebooks/amilo_pi_1505.html (although not much info. apparent, you can download a data sheet on PDF)

I couldn't find a cnet review, unfortunately.


Oh, and (this doesn't apply to your Fujitsu query, but I'm bunging it in) if you want an accessory, or a memory upgrade or something when buying from LaptopsDirect look elsewhere! They are cheap for laptops, but RAM, peripherals and the like they charge at RRP prices exc. VAT. I know this because I have been in email correspondence with them. Oh, and for faster replies, give the impression you want to buy from them over the phone. Probably they get commission. (I actually do intend to buy over the phone, though):cool:

[itsfrommark]

Hi Jbatista, Where is this at the price of £342, as I can only find at £399 on Dell site.

....so is the dell inspiron 1300 currently the best value laptop for this specification?
Intel® Celeron® M Processor 380 (1.60 GHz, 1 MB L2 Cache, 400 MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive#
15.4" Widescreen WXGA (1280x800)
60GB Hard Drive
Memory - 512MB

Expert advice, IT user comments please, much appreciated Mark

[Kilty]

Dell Inspiron 1300 is the best value out of all < £400 laptops.

Build quality just pi**es all over anything Acer can churn out.

[HCDayantis]

The Dell site can be confusing with its pricing. The only REAL price you get form them is at the 'customise and buy' stage, to the right. The rest I take as a guideline, really.

As for quality and price, if you're happy with those specs, then yes. The Inspiron is a very good deal.

[Sky Digiman]

Can someone give me a link for a good £430< Laptop?
With:

PCMCIA Type II Slot
At least 512MB Ram and 60gig HD
Wireless built in
Intel proccessor (or any good 1...)

Thanks:)

[HCDayantis]

Your wish is my command, good sir!

I'll give you a few:

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_TravelMate_2428AWXMi_LX.TDJ05.121/version.asp

http://www.technoworld.com/productdisplay.asp?ProductID=41925 - it doesn't say yay/nay on the slot, however if it's the same laptop as here (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5101AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH05.237/version.asp), you should be okay.

There'll be many more out there, but take this as a sample, at least. i'll look in more depth for you, but have a look at these for now.

[itsfrommark]

Kilty and HC, thanks for advice....re inspiron 1300....mark

[i-luv-free-stuff]

ok....
ive posted elsewhere about this topic but im looking for a decent laptop becuase i have to get rid of my desk top due to a new baby on the way
i need it for internet
for downloading films/music etc and watching them
burning cds
maybe a little photo editing , nothing major

i will be going wirless soon and have been sent these links

do any of you kind people have any comments , suggestions and advice please.

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286&tab=specification

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=362964&tab=specification

any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated and make me more confused!!

:confused:

[skinnerneil]

Just got emailed from Staples...

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Pi1505
Intel Core duo processor. T2050
512 Mb RAM
100 Gb HDD
DVD +/-RW
15.4 inch widescreen

£ 499

That sounds pretty good to me . I have been holding out for a core 2 duo at a resonable price but I mainly only do office work on mine so will this be speedy enough for me?? My current 2 yr old celeron IBM R40e is now feeling very slow.

bought one today - very impressed so far.
lightyears ahead of my 2 yr old IBM thinkpad.
didnt want a dell as pain in the rear to send back if goes wrong (plus they come stuffed to the gills with crapware).
Was tempted by the Lenovo but again , prefer to buy from the highstreet.

[angus1]

Am really confused and would appreciate some advice from all you people who are obviously much more clued up on this than I am! :confused:

I have a budget of maximum £400 (but would prefer less) to buy a laptop for my 14 year old daughter. Think it needs to be wireless enabled and have enough memory and graphics to run games like the SIMs and be able to operate MSN from etc.

There are so many available I know, but I find it impossible to compare all the specifications.

Would rather not order it from somewhere really obscure.

Many thanks

[pin]

Dell Inspiron 1300 is the best value out of all < £400 laptops.

Build quality just pi**es all over anything Acer can churn out.

Remember neither Dell or Acer actually make their own computers.

[HCDayantis]

Hi Jbatista, Where is this at the price of £342, as I can only find at £399 on Dell site.

....so is the dell inspiron 1300 currently the best value laptop for this specification?
Intel® Celeron® M Processor 380 (1.60 GHz, 1 MB L2 Cache, 400 MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive#
15.4" Widescreen WXGA (1280x800)
60GB Hard Drive
Memory - 512MB

Expert advice, IT user comments please, much appreciated Mark

This one here that Mark mentioned is probably your best bet at said budget, Angus.


As for you, 'I-luv-free-stuff', between the two you showed, the first one is definately better suited to your needs, rather than forking out an extra £100 unnecessarily. In my experience, high-street shops tend to give you less for your money than more 'obscure' internet shops, as I am on the brink of ordering this Lenovo here (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Lenovo_3000_N100_TY06VUK/version-1.asp). (I say on the brink of, because I've done some borderline obsessive research on the store and laptop, looked at reviews and the like, and it's definately the one I want. I'm 16, with enough money from my part-time job to buy it (just!), but I need to persuade my father to let me have it, as I don't own a credit card!)

Anyway, from what I've read (I have no first-hand laptop experience except with old Toshibas), Acer quality of build/ sturdiness is inferior to that of Dell and Lenovo (for those unaware of it, Lenovo ate IBM. They still do ThinkPads, but are also in the commercial (non-business) side as well, far more than IBM). were.

[HCDayantis]

Remember neither Dell or Acer actually make their own computers.

That doesn't really matter, though; you can have someone else build something well, and someone else build something badly. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter who builds it, but how well it's done.

Fair point, though.

[i-luv-free-stuff]

Remember neither Dell or Acer actually make their own computers.

does this make a difference?

[i-luv-free-stuff]

As for you, 'I-luv-free-stuff', between the two you showed, the first one is definately better suited to your needs, rather than forking out an extra £100 unnecessarily. .

ok
but i notice the difference in the processor i.e. amd turion 64 x 2 dual core and also the processor cache is only 512kb compared to 2mb on the 2nd one.

is this a major difference?
aslo what is a gigabit lan as it is not featuerd on the 1st one?

thanks for the help

[HCDayantis]

LAN is Local Area Connection. It's for networking computers. Gigabit just means increasing the data transmission speed of a conventional LAN to nearly 1 billion bits per second. Nothing you need to worry about unless you want LAN.

The second one does have a faster, better at multitasking and the like. No need to fork out £600 for it, though. You can get that processor on this Lenovo (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Lenovo_3000_N100_TY06VUK/version-1.asp) and this Acer. (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp) True, the Hard Drives are smaller, but it depends on how much you need. Unless you're planning on storing thousands and thousands of pictures on iit, or installing a lot of recent games on it (some take ~3gb+ or so these days), then 80GB should be plenty. Really, gaming is the one that would drain the HD and graphics card. If you don't intend on heavy gaming (I certainly don't), then these two should satisfy your processor needs. Hope it helps!

[i-luv-free-stuff]

so a LAN is when you want to connect up more than 1 computer?

[espresso]

so a LAN is when you want to connect up more than 1 computer?

A LAN connection (Ethernet 10/100) is used to connect other computers or your router.

[pin]

does this make a difference?

Sometimes it does, however in reality probably not. However what you will find it that often the same ODM will be making computers for both Acer and Dell, therefore built quality will often be the same. It more about the aftercare that may be a bit of a difference.

[HCDayantis]

Local Area Connection, does what it says on the tin. Have a dictionary-type definition:

A user-owned and operated data transmission facility connecting a number of communicating devices (eg computers, terminals, word processors, printers, and storage units) within a single building or floor.


Just to clarify, you don't need Gigabit LAN for connection to the internet via router or otherwise. You can quite easily connect with a number of devices, like wireless network cards. I haven't looked in detail at the others, but the Lenovo has integrated wireless connectivity, and I'd assume that the others would too. The 802.b etc. is all wireless connection, by the way.

[Kilty]

I've held an Acer in one hand, Dell in the other, same price range.

Dell wins hands down. Acer felt like it'd break with a bit of rough treatment that ANY laptop is bound to recieve if you are travelling with it.

[angus1]

Originally Posted by itsfrommark


....so is the dell inspiron 1300 currently the best value laptop for this specification?
Intel® Celeron® M Processor 380 (1.60 GHz, 1 MB L2 Cache, 400 MHz FSB)
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive#
15.4" Widescreen WXGA (1280x800)
60GB Hard Drive
Memory - 512MB



This one here that Mark mentioned is probably your best bet at said budget, Angus.


Thanks for that. Is there anything for under £400 with anyone other than Dell (or Acer but you all seem to think Acer not up to much)? I've been told by person who I'm buying this present jointly with, not to get a Dell (for whatever reason I don't know ...)

[i-luv-free-stuff]

I've held an Acer in one hand, Dell in the other, same price range.

Dell wins hands down. Acer felt like it'd break with a bit of rough treatment that ANY laptop is bound to recieve if you are travelling with it.
thats not really a problem as i wont really be traveling with it much it is just a replacement for my desktop as we need the spare room.

also...sorry for being a bit slow but i want to connect with a router and this dosent have gigabit LAN http://http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=362964&tab=specification so will i not be able to go wireless with a router with this notebook?

[HCDayantis]

Not necessarily - a LAN can be from computer to component - for example, a wireless PC to a wireless Printer still counts as a wireless LAN connection. Same applies with Router > PC. Basically, 'Not Featured' on gigabit LAN means that they don't have the capabilities to go for a whole gigabit in speed of LAN. You are going to go wireless, and this will NOT affect that. Gigabit LAN is just something for the Big Bad Boys of the computing world. They still can be wirelessly networked.

Computer with no Gigabit LAN doesn't mean no LAN. Gigabit is just something to boast about that you'll never use ;) You can, with the right software (Microsoft Windows can do it) wirelessly network two computers with wireless capability. You do not need this Gigabit stuff. Don't let that confuse you!

You can go wireless with it, as it says - it has integrated wireless. If it didn't, you'd probably find a slot where you could buy a network card to connect to the router anyway. Basically, you will be able to connect to a router. When you have a router, it will probably come with software that you can use to connect using the integrated wireless.

I'm afraid the Comet site suffers from oversimplification - it just ticks a box. I'd assume that means Integrated wireless 802.11 a/b/g LAN, like this one (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp). In fact, I'd recommend that one over the Comet one - look at the price difference, and it appears to have approx. the same specs!

[i-luv-free-stuff]

thanks HCDyantis
its becoming a little clearer now.
is this laptopsdirect.co.uk a reliable company?
also i can get money off at comet thrugh quidco or mutual points but it will only be about 20-30 quid

[HCDayantis]

I've spoken with a rep. on the phone, they seem reliable. They have countless reviews, and I've snooped around on the web a bit. So, take it from me as a bit of a paranoid, this is a safe and trusted site!

[i-luv-free-stuff]

thanks again
im going to wait untill saturday i think.
my mate raves about scan.co.uk and says they have special offers on at weekend so i see what happens then but i am seriousley considering the one you recomended and if nothing else comes up i might go with it....
cheers

[HCDayantis]

Okay, best of luck with it!

[angus1]

Partner has just come in from Tesco with an Iqon Qompanion 5010. It's in a box with a laptop case, lexmark printer, mouse and usb key. Price was reduced from £500 to £400.

It's specifications are:
Intel Celeron processor 370
Windows XP home
512MB RAM
40GB hard drive
DVDRW
15.4 widescreen
56 k modem
wireless enabled
10/100 LAN
4 usb ports
6 cell li-ion battery
1 x PCMCIA

None of this means anything to me, buy I want to make sure it's suitable. It's for my 14 yr old daughter so quite light use but needs to be capable of playing games like Sims and running MSN etc.

Would really appreciate someone's advice on this.

Thanks very much

[steve1221]

Can't see anything on this model on the Tesco site and nothing comes up if you google it !!

The Lexmark printers aren't too bad until you try to get ink for them, at which point you find it's cheaper to buy a new one than to restock the old one with carts... (last one I checked for a guy at work, a black was 25 quid and the colour was close to 30. New printer cost 39.95 !!! It's true what they say, they make their momey from the ink, the printers a loss leader to get you hooked, it's just that Laxmark take it to new levels !!).

[angus1]

I think it's old stock, which is why it was reduced. I'm not really bothered about the printer - didn't really want one - it was just in with the package. Really just need to know if the specifications of this laptop are good enough for my daughter to play games, eg sims and go on MSN etc. I don't understand specifications but there's nothing in that list that I recognise about graphics so am worried that it doesn't have the capability to run the games etc.

Please help, thanks

[HCDayantis]

Just to clarify - is this The Sims or The Sims 2? If it's the Sims (1), graphics card shouldn't really be much of a problem, as I can't imagine the integrated graphics card being less than a 64mb in this day and age, as a bare minimum. Still, you never know.

That processor can be found here (http://www.intel.com/products/processor_number/chart/celeron_m.htm).

It's a 1.5Ghz, so it's okay speed-wise. MSN shouldn't be a problem with it. The only thing I could find about it was on Iqon's Site, here (http://www.iqon.ie/product_info.php?cPath=26_34&products_id=32&osCsid=1dcd712d76c7acb5ec169cec819192af). This says 5016WS, not 5010, but it seems to me that the specs are the same.

[steve1221]

Without a spec for the graphics it's hard to tell.
I would have thought that if it is old stock it could struggle to play the newer stuff. The 3D rendering may very well be beyond it ( I guessing Sims 2 here ?). If the cpu speed is fast enough and if you can allocate enough memory to the graphics you might be able to run stuff in it’s lowest settings but I would imagine that would be about all. (sorry)…

[angus1]

Thanks Steve and HCDayanthis. She has sims 1 at the moment but will prob get sims 2 for xmas so don't want her to be restricte too much.

I know this sounds a really daft question but can you tell from those specifications that it even has a graphics card? or do they all have one?

If the graphics in the computer isn't enough as she gets better games, is is easy and reasonably cheap to update them?

thanks again

[i-luv-free-stuff]

whats the best deal anyone can find for this

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp

as recomended by HCDayantis.
i found £486.45 delivered but its not in stock

[HCDayantis]

Thanks Steve and HCDayanthis. She has sims 1 at the moment but will prob get sims 2 for xmas so don't want her to be restricte too much.

I know this sounds a really daft question but can you tell from those specifications that it even has a graphics card? or do they all have one?

If the graphics in the computer isn't enough as she gets better games, is is easy and reasonably cheap to update them?

thanks again

Laptops are a grey area for updates, I'm afraid. The q-thing is a company I've never heard of before (based in Ireland, it seems), so I have no idea, I'm afraid.

Every computer has a graphics card - without one, it couldn't display anything at all. I found nothing on the machine online - it appears they don't tend to deal to the UK.

I found this on them as a company here (http://www.alphacc.ie/iqon.html), but nothing on graphics cards. I'll keep an eye out, though.

The laptop which seems identical to the one you have is on eBay here (http://!!!!!!!.com/ycypqv), with more specs. Still no Graphics Card info. Strange.


Here, try calling this number, it's Iqon's techies.

0800 279 9808

0800 is freephone (I think...), and this is their UK offices. They, if anyone, will know the graphics card.

[HCDayantis]

whats the best deal anyone can find for this

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp

as recomended by HCDayantis.
i found £486.45 delivered but its not in stock

Again, 'awaiting stock', from here. (http://www.digiuk.com/productdetail.asp?id=8047)

Beware, though, as it is the same product but the specs are different. This one has only a 60GB HD, and 512mb RAM for example.

Of course, the problem with the laptop I linked you to in the first place is that it has an AMD Turion processor. This is a decent speed of 2.0Ghz, but it isn't a core Duo. For multitasking, and a more futureproof laptop, Core Duo is the way to go. Still, it depends entirely on your needs.

[pin]

Thanks Steve and HCDayanthis. She has sims 1 at the moment but will prob get sims 2 for xmas so don't want her to be restricte too much.

I know this sounds a really daft question but can you tell from those specifications that it even has a graphics card? or do they all have one?

If the graphics in the computer isn't enough as she gets better games, is is easy and reasonably cheap to update them?

thanks again

Upgrading a dedicated graphics card (GPU) on a laptop is pretty much impossible. Probably doable, but two things, it will invalidate your warranty and also be very very tricky to do.

You will probably want to buy a laptop with dedicated graphics card if you want to play sims 2. If you go on the sims 2 website, it will give you an indication of what you need. Also they have forums where you can ask what the recommended specs are for a computer.

[i-luv-free-stuff]

Again, 'awaiting stock', from here. (http://www.digiuk.com/productdetail.asp?id=8047)

Beware, though, as it is the same product but the specs are different. This one has only a 60GB HD, and 512mb RAM for example.

Of course, the problem with the laptop I linked you to in the first place is that it has an AMD Turion processor. This is a decent speed of 2.0Ghz, but it isn't a core Duo. For multitasking, and a more futureproof laptop, Core Duo is the way to go. Still, it depends entirely on your needs.

i sent you a pm

[angus1]

about my messages bout the Iqon Companion 5010 and whether it is suitable for playing games like Sims, as you suggested, I phoned the technical support number and was told that it has an integrated graphics card and would not be suitable for playing such games - would only very basic games such as solitaire and sonic hedgehog. So that's not much use.

He said all I needed to do was buy a graphics card - nvidia or something like that - he said was easy to install. Does anyone know anything about this - is it as easy as that and what sort of price are they? Is it going to be the case that I would be better buying a more expensive laptop? I think i can take this one back ok.

Am in such a muddle - it's very difficult when you don't understand all the terminology!
:confused:

[Nickynoo1]

Hi,
I am torn between a toshiba A110-252, and a Lenovo 300 N100. Rubbish with pc's so dont know how to link, but seem to both have same spec on core duo processor, ram. Lenovo has bigger hard drive and a few other nice bits, and is cheaper. Which would you choose based on names etc. Also, would you recommend getting extended warranty?

Nickynoo1

[Blagalot]

Can recommend Lenovo. Bought my sprog the lower spec 3000 C100 and is very solidly built compared to a lot of other laptops in the same price bracket. Don't know what the Toshiba's like though.

[HCDayantis]

Hi,
I am torn between a toshiba A110-252, and a Lenovo 300 N100. Rubbish with pc's so dont know how to link, but seem to both have same spec on core duo processor, ram. Lenovo has bigger hard drive and a few other nice bits, and is cheaper. Which would you choose based on names etc. Also, would you recommend getting extended warranty?

Nickynoo1

The pedigrees of each are pretty much equal, and as for extended warranty - I'm not personally going to buy an extended warranty purely because of pricing. If something goes wrong after the 1st year, I'll just despair instead.:rotfl:

Oh, and the site I've been watching has just lowered the N100 from 520 - 500. (Below smiley is a link).

:beer: (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Lenovo_3000_N100_TY06VUK/version.asp)

[HCDayantis]

about my messages bout the Iqon Companion 5010 and whether it is suitable for playing games like Sims, as you suggested, I phoned the technical support number and was told that it has an integrated graphics card and would not be suitable for playing such games - would only very basic games such as solitaire and sonic hedgehog. So that's not much use.

He said all I needed to do was buy a graphics card - nvidia or something like that - he said was easy to install. Does anyone know anything about this - is it as easy as that and what sort of price are they? Is it going to be the case that I would be better buying a more expensive laptop? I think i can take this one back ok.

Am in such a muddle - it's very difficult when you don't understand all the terminology!
:confused:

Well, I'm afraid I have absolutely no idea about the installation of graphics cards in laptops. Of course, it depends on the card and the laptop - I'm no expert. People on this forum (http://www.whatlaptop.co.uk/Forums/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=220) may be able to help you more, too. Try posting there.

As for costing on graphics card, you can probably get a fairly decent one for ~£100-150. £200 is the price for a modern, mid-range (by today's standards) card. Ebay is good for graphics cards, in my experience with desktops, but laptop cards may be different. nVidia GO! cards are laptop ones, methinks.

[drunknmunky]

Evening all, I am thinking of going to comet next week to pick up an Acer 5102 WLMi for £499 with the following spec...

Processor AMD Turion 64 x2 Dual Core
Processor model number TL-50
Processor speed 1.6 GHz
Processor bus 1600 MHz
Processor cache 512 kB
Memory (RAM) 1024 MB
Storage (hard drive) 120 GB
Shared graphics 256MB
Screen size 15.4"
Screen type WXGA Widescreen TFT Screen with CrystalBrite Technology
DVD Dual Layer Drive
Built-in wireless networking Yes
Battery life (maximum) 2:30 hours
Laptop weight (kg) 2.85 kg

...does anyone know if this a good deal or not? From what I can see, for 499 it comes with a dual core processor, 1024MB RAM and 256 shared graphics, which is better than what I've seen elsewhere for the same price.

The full spec is here... http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286&tab=specification#spec

Any advice would be much appreciated...
Many thanks
Munky

[i-luv-free-stuff]

ok im confused agian.
could any one compare these 2 and advise please.

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286&tab=specification#spec

or

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp

i need a a decent machine for internet , downloading music etc , a little basic photo editing (very basic)

thanks

[HCDayantis]

Well, your demands are quite low, and Comet's is cheaper. It wins there. It also seems to have better graphics and a Dual Core processor. It looks better to me overall, especially if you don't need any special slots for xD cards or anything...

[i-luv-free-stuff]

should i cancel my order then?
gulp.....i really dont know what to do!

[HCDayantis]

should i cancel my order then?
gulp.....i really dont know what to do!

If it's possible, and you will get ALL your money back, yes. Especially as the site's just dropped the price from 510 to 500 pounds again. (Laptops Direct).
Unless the following appeal to you:

The Comet one doesn't have the following which the LD (Laptops Direct) one does:

Card Reader 5 in 1 for:
Memory Stick Duo
Secure Digital (SD)
Multimedia Cards (MMC)
xD Picture Cards
Memory Stick (Memory Stick will be a USB one which the Comet one WILL have, it's just that this one is part of a 5in1 array. The rest is exclusive to the Laptops Direct one)

I think that's it. So, if you're not intending on using any of the above, and cancellation is hassle-free, go ahead.

[drunknmunky]

Afterrnoon all,

I'm looking to get a laptop and have narrowed my search down to the following 2:

ACER 5102 £499

- AMD Turion 64 x2 Dual Core Processor 1.6GHz
- 512 MB Cache
- 1024 MB RAM
- 120 GB Hard Drive
- 256MB Shared graphics
- Screen size 15.4" WXGA Widescreen TFT Screen with CrystalBrite Technology
- DVD Dual Layer Drive
- Built-in wireless networking
- Battery life 2:30 hours
- Laptop weight 2.85 kg

Full Spec: http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286&tab=specification

ADVENT 7111 £479

- Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.60GHz
- 2 MB Cache
- 1024 MB RAM
- 80 GB Hard Drive
- 128 MB Intel UMA Integrated graphics
- 15.4" Widescreen Display
- DVD Dual Layer Drive
- 128MB Intel UMA Integrated graphics
- Built-in wireless networking
- No. of Firewire Connections 1
- Battery life 3:00 hours
- Laptop weight 2.7 kg

Full Spec: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1505689909.116221678 6@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccekaddjfdmdlefcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&category_oid=-27751&sku=387548&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null

From what I can see, the Acer one only has 512 cache (will this make a big difference?), but comes with 256Mb graphics.
However the Advent has a 2MB cache but only 128MB graphics.

(The hard drive size, laptop weight, battery life, £20 pound difference etc aren't that important to me)

The laptop will be used for filesharing, watching DVD's and a small amount of gaming.

So which should I go for?
Any ideas much appreciated....

[HCDayantis]

'Small amount of gaming' - what sort of games? Really old 2D ones, few years old strategy games, new games? Put it this way: What's the most graphically demanding game you'll want to play?

[drunknmunky]

I'll mainly be playing a football game called pro evo 5, which is a new game that is quite graphically demanding. Here are a few screenshots...

http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=-1;6;-1;-1&sku=408000

what do you think?

[crayon]

I have that game and it'll probably struggle on a lappy except for on the lowest resolution settings IMO.

[HCDayantis]

Well, yes. Playing a game like that on shared graphics is kind of a 'not really going to happen' kind of thing. You'd need a dedicated card for that, I think.

[drunknmunky]

This is going to sound like a stupid question, but could i install a dedicated card and use that instead of the shared graphics?

[i-luv-free-stuff]

well the comet laptop
http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286&tab=specification
is nowhere in stock and comet cant say when they will get some in..but the LD one
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp
has been orderd and coming tomorrow.
when i ordered there were 25 in stock now they sold out!

[magicrichard5]

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5101AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH05.237/version-1.asp

I have just bought the laptop in the link above, no problems so far, and they even matched a competitor (Technoworld) and gave me £20 off.

Processor: AMD Turion 64 MK-36 - 2.0GHz, up to 1.6GHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache
RAM: 512MB DDR2-533MHz -
Hard Drive: 60GB
Screen: 15.4" Widescreen TFT (1280x800 - 16:10)with CrystalBrite Technology
Optical Drive: DVD±RW Super Multi Double Layer
Graphics: ATI Radeon Xpress 200M supporting 128MB
Wireless LAN: 802.11b/g - Call for advice on Wireless Networking
Battery Life (Depending on Use): 2.5 Hours
Weight: 2.82kg

List price £409.97 + 2% quidco. They will pricematch competitors though.

[HCDayantis]

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5101AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH05.237/version-1.asp

I have just bought the laptop in the link above, no problems so far, and they even matched a competitor (Technoworld) and gave me £20 off.

Processor: AMD Turion 64 MK-36 - 2.0GHz, up to 1.6GHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache
RAM: 512MB DDR2-533MHz -
Hard Drive: 60GB
Screen: 15.4" Widescreen TFT (1280x800 - 16:10)with CrystalBrite Technology
Optical Drive: DVD±RW Super Multi Double Layer
Graphics: ATI Radeon Xpress 200M supporting 128MB
Wireless LAN: 802.11b/g - Call for advice on Wireless Networking
Battery Life (Depending on Use): 2.5 Hours
Weight: 2.82kg

List price £409.97 + 2% quidco. They will pricematch competitors though.

*Chuckle*

They match competitors on the laptops themselves, but only the laptops. Accessories and RAM, they don't. *mumble-grumble*

I have yet to order a laptop, but I've been doing preliminary finding of total costs etc. I'm not actually allowed a laptop until 6th January 2007, due to a deal with my dad (he says that the prices will have fallen dramatically by then. Whether or not they do, he's paying the excess, so I'm not complaining! I like deals where the other person thinks they know better but don't.:rotfl: )

[Browntoa]

This is going to sound like a stupid question, but could i install a dedicated card and use that instead of the shared graphics?

not in a laptop

[HCDayantis]

I think it depends on the laptop. Some have PCI Express 16x Architecture. The Lenovo 3000 N100, for example, does. The means you can fit in a graphics card that uses a PCI Express 16x connection. Of course, you'd have to check that the card was small enough to fit into hte laptop itself first!

[Molly Mops]

Hello helpful people!

I am thinking about buying an HP NX6325 from Student-laptops.co.uk for £449.00 incl VAT and delivery. However, I have no idea if this is a good buy or not - it has 512MB, DVD-RW, Wifi and Windows XP Pro, all of which I think I want but this is where my knowledge runs out. I don't need the laptop for gaming - I will mostly use it for accessing the internet and lots of office work but also possible occassional copying of CDs, music downloading, and photo printing from my mobile if I can find a way to do that.

I would be very grateful for any thoughts you have.

Molly Mops

[drunknmunky]

Thanks for all the advice everyone, it really is appreciated.

Just one final question, this laptop...

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=325481&tab=specification

...has 512MB ATI1400 Mobile dynamic graphics.
How does dynamic graphics differ from dedicated? are they better?
Will they make much difference compared to 256 ATI1100 shared graphics?

I will be using it mainly for watching dvd's/tv but also a small amount of online gaming (pro evo 5)

I'm off to comet tomorrow to make my choice! so any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks

oh, and what benefit is there to having firmware installed on a laptop?

[HCDayantis]

To quote from here (http://www.karbosguide.com/hardware/module7b1.htm),

UMA and DVMT
On some older motherboards the video controller was integrated. Using SMBA (Shared Memory Buffer Architecture) or UMA (Unified Memory Architecture ) parts of the system RAM were allocated and used as frame buffer. But sharing the memory was very slow and the standards never became very popular.

A newer version of this is found in Intel chip set 810 and the better 815, which also integrates the graphics controller and use parts of the system RAM as frame buffer. Here the system is called Dynamic Video Memory Technology (D.V.M.T.).


It looks like dynamic is pseudo-shared to me, I'm not so sure. If I'm guessing (that'a ll it is) right, then not quite as good as dedicated. The comic 'i' tells you that dynamic means there is memory dedicated to graphics, but it can also leech off of the processor's memory for increased performance. i.e. it's not 512mb of memory dedicated to graphics - a portion (not stated) of that is made up for by taking the processor.

[lesley2004]

Hi

THINKING OF BUYING LAPTOP WITH THE FOLLOWING SPEC FROM DELL, WILL IT PLAY SIMS 2 AND WORLD OF WARCRAFT??

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5500 (1.66 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB)

Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 (incl Symantec PC Restore Recovery)

15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display

512MB 533MHz Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM (1x512)

120GB (5,400rpm) Hard Drive

Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW with Software

256mb radeon x1400 hypermemory graphics card

6 Cell, 56Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter

Intel® Pro Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card for Core 2 Duo Processors

Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy® ADVANCED HD™ Audio- Trial Version

[moob]

magicrichard - good luck with laptopsdirect - you'll need it!:rotfl:

[Sky Digiman]

Dell has a new cheap NoteBook in:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspn_1501?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs
I think its new, please dont shout at me if its not.

[HCDayantis]

Yeah, Dell are looking pretty good currently! Lesley, the graphics card is the most important thing to know when looking at games like Sims 2, and to a lesser extent WoW. 256 is pretty good, so I would assume it could run such games, yes. I'm not overly knowledgeable, but I think that looks like a decent gaming package.

[Pete283]

Hi

THINKING OF BUYING LAPTOP WITH THE FOLLOWING SPEC FROM DELL, WILL IT PLAY SIMS 2 AND WORLD OF WARCRAFT??

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5500 (1.66 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB)

Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 (incl Symantec PC Restore Recovery)

15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display

512MB 533MHz Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM (1x512)

120GB (5,400rpm) Hard Drive

Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW with Software

256mb radeon x1400 hypermemory graphics card

6 Cell, 56Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter

Intel® Pro Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card for Core 2 Duo Processors

Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy® ADVANCED HD™ Audio- Trial Version

It should do but if you go on play.com for example and type in the products - click on the product you want each time and check the system spec matches what you have list above or the above is better - then it will work ;)

[Sky Digiman]

Why isnt HP on the poll?

[jaydizzy]

*** sorry if you already know this ***

Hi all,

just to let you know that if your thinking of buying from dell as with a previous thread i read you can push them for further reductions on their deals.

I called 08709075128 ext 73569 I talked to Ramkrishna Reddy

1. Tell the person that you are thinking of buying a laptop and which one ( I said that I wanted the cheapest value one, he immediately tried to change my mind) then say that you would consider another one (the one that you really want) if they reduce the delivery price...they will go and speak to their manager and comeback

2. tell them that your still not convinced, if they can double the memory you will consider it as you have seen similar deals elsewhere, tell them that you will definitely buy the product today.. they will hopefully agree as in my case.

3. I pushed a little further and asked for a case, they agreed to give me an executive carry case worth £35

4. don't agree to any extra upgrades, only go for collect and return

Result - Dell inspiron 6400m, 1024mb ram doubled on request, free executive carry case worth £35, half price delivery £29, total £500.40 pence.

hope this helps, I really really regret not pushing for more I feel I could have got at least one extra addition, so just try your luck!

thankyou to whoever posted the thread in the first place

[AbLoOmInOuS]

I have been looking for time for a laptop I have around £400 to spend can anyone tell me the best laptop for the following needs:

MSN
School Work
Football manager
and
Wireless Internet

Thanks :D

[FF99]

What would be the general consensus on these two models as value for money, reliabillity etc. It will be used mainly for MS Office applications and watching DVDs on the road.

I travel a great deal so am looking for mobility. Obviously the 2nd is lighter etc. but is quite a bit more pricey. Both are from Currys (normally my last port of call for a computer, buit these do seem a good deal) and are list price minus 10% using an online discount voucher (but excl delivery).

Model 1:
TOSHIBA A100-147 £450
Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.6GHz
533 MHz FSB
2 MB Cache
1024 MB RAM
60 GB Hard Drive
DVD ReWriter SuperMulti
15.4" Widescreen TruBrite Display
Microsoft Windows Media Center
128mb Intel UMA 945 integrated Graphics
1 year FREE warranty

Model 2:
PHILIPS X56 Thin and Light £630
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 Processor 1.83GHz
667 MHz FSB
2 MB Cache
1024 MB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive
Dual Layer DVD ReWriter MultiDrive
12.1" Widescreen Display
Microsoft Windows Media Center
224MB Intel GMA950 integrated graphics
1 year FREE warranty

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Sky Digiman]

id go with the Toshiba as you get a express upgrade to Vista from Toshiba ;)

[simonts]

I have been looking for time for a laptop I have around £400 to spend can anyone tell me the best laptop for the following needs:

MSN
School Work
Football manager
and
Wireless Internet

Thanks :D

All of that is a doddle other than Football manager which is a very hungry number crunching program

[steve1221]

anyone have a thought on this one from Comet...
http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=362972

ACER AS3692WLMI
1.6 Cel mobile
1 gig
60 gig hd
up to 224 meg shared graphics memory
15.4 wide screen
Wifi

?

[celticprince]

"What would be the general consensus on these two models as value for money, reliabillity etc. It will be used mainly for MS Office applications and watching DVDs on the road.

I travel a great deal so am looking for mobility. Obviously the 2nd is lighter etc. but is quite a bit more pricey. Both are from Currys (normally my last port of call for a computer, buit these do seem a good deal) and are list price minus 10% using an online discount voucher (but excl delivery).

Model 1:
TOSHIBA A100-147 £450
Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.6GHz
533 MHz FSB
2 MB Cache
1024 MB RAM
60 GB Hard Drive
DVD ReWriter SuperMulti
15.4" Widescreen TruBrite Display
Microsoft Windows Media Center
128mb Intel UMA 945 integrated Graphics
1 year FREE warranty

Model 2:
PHILIPS X56 Thin and Light £630
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 Processor 1.83GHz
667 MHz FSB
2 MB Cache
1024 MB RAM
80 GB Hard Drive
Dual Layer DVD ReWriter MultiDrive
12.1" Widescreen Display
Microsoft Windows Media Center
224MB Intel GMA950 integrated graphics
1 year FREE warranty

Any thoughts appreciated."

I think both will do what you are looking for although as you have said the Phillips will be easier to transport.

I have recently looked at both of these and I must say that the Phillips does look cheaply made. The internal spec is good for the money but the Toshiba appears better put together. I really do not like the finish of the Phillips.

Also, the Tosh is £599 in store so it is a decent 'saving'.

I have just raised my budget a bit to include: Tosh Satellite U200-161 (nice quality)@ £809 using Currys code and a further £40 off with Quidco;

Sony FJ3S @ £809 same Currys deal plus Quidco for further £40 savings;

HP Pavillion DV2000 range (my favourite by far) various prices from £580+ depending on spec.(cheapest so far at MISCO).

Hope this helps

Chris

[AbLoOmInOuS]

anyone have a thought on this one from Comet...
http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=362972

ACER AS3692WLMI
1.6 Cel mobile
1 gig
60 gig hd
up to 224 meg shared graphics memory
15.4 wide screen
Wifi

?
Been looking at that one two looks pretty good! :D

[Hillfly]

When buying from Comet remember to get a Virgin credit card to save 13%. Requires a bit of forward planning but worth it for the savings.:money:

http://uk.virginmoney.com/members-shop/rewards/getHomeCatalogues.do


You also get discounts at Boots, Argos and Sainsburys.

[IT Troll]

Well after much deliberation I went for the TOSHIBA A100-147 Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.6GHz for £450. It does look to be a very good spec and from a well regarded manufacturer.

Many of the 10% codes came up as expired but I eventually got EMAIL10 to work.

[HCDayantis]

Anyone got any idea where I can get a MacBook Core 2 Duo from cheaper than the Apple site?

Thanks!

[phillip3153]

The cheapest I have seen is currys - with 10% EMAIL10 discount, any others out there as I am interested as well.:confused:

[codetown]

do you recommend any particular supplier/ place to start my hunt? all i seem to be able to find are replacement batteries

To find external battery packs that can help with laptop battery life, you need to search for 'Generic battery' , or 'generic laptop battery supply' or similar. They are usually found in laptop shops.
They are quite handy for long trips or whenever you need more battery life!

One example product I just saw is this one:
http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/miscpages/maxpower_batteries.htm

Cost starts at ~90 pounds (for the 60 Wh slim model) and I think it is worth it as they can easily double (or more) your battery life bringing it over 10h

[toastydave]

When buying from Comet remember to get a Virgin credit card to save 13%. Requires a bit of forward planning but worth it for the savings.:money:

http://uk.virginmoney.com/members-shop/rewards/getHomeCatalogues.do


You also get discounts at Boots, Argos and Sainsburys.

Hi Hillfly, I've just checked the virgin web site and is say it gives you vouchers (you can buy) to get the discount. Does this mean you can only use these in a high street store, not on the internet?

Thanks

D

[Hillfly]

Hi Hillfly, I've just checked the virgin web site and is say it gives you vouchers (you can buy) to get the discount. Does this mean you can only use these in a high street store, not on the internet?

Thanks

D

Yes - you can only use them instore (well i think that's the case - might be worth calling them to check). However i have heard that some people have managed to get the online price instore - though i can't confirm this. But if you could then that would be the best scenario. Might be worth not mentioning your paying with vouchers before you try and haggle for an online price. In fact go to the store and see if you can get the online price before you order the vouchers. If they agree ask them to reserve it for you while you wait for the vouchers to arrive.

[Frugal_Moose]

Hi, not sure if this is the correct place to ask but my Dad has asked me to recommend a laptop for him. He will only need basic internet and email capability but will take it around europe when they go off in their motorhome so it needs to be wireless. I was looking around the £500 mark and wanted to future proof it as much as possible because he really looks after stuff so it will last him ages (!) I found the following two
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0479589980.116328028 2@@@@&BV_EngineID=cceiaddjgfehdhdcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&sku=058358

Basic spec is Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.6GHz

533 MHz FSB

2 MB Cache

1024 MB RAM

60 GB Hard Drive

DVD ReWriter SuperMulti

15.4" Widescreen TruBrite Display

Microsoft Windows Media Center

128mb Intel UMA 945 integrated Graphics

1 year FREE warranty

and this dell one which is a bit more as went for the bigger battery

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&oc=N11646&rbc=N11646&s=dhs&sbc=ukdhsrsinspn_6400_3

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5500 (1.66 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB) edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005 (incl Operating System Re-Installation CD) edit
SUPPORT SERVICES Collect & Return, 1 Year Service only edit
LCD 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display edit
MEMORY 1024MB 533MHz Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM (1x1024) edit
HARD DRIVE 80GB (5,400rpm) Hard Drive edit
OPTICAL DRIVE(S) Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW with Software edit
GRAPHICS CARD Intel® Media Accelerator 950 Graphics Up to 256MB shared graphics memory edit
PRIMARY BATTERY 9 Cell, 80Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery

Comes out at £560

I presume the Currys one is the one mentioned above which with the 10% code makes an excellent deal.
Any help appreciated, cheers

[codetown]

Will he have access to a WLAN while out and about in Europe? Do not confuse WLAN with GPRS (which gives you full mobility but usually costs a lot!).
I would say 90% of modern laptops come with a WLAN card and if not this can be bought (either PCMCIA or USb) for 10-15 GBP. So that is not really the differentiator you should look for!

Going myslef a lot around I suggest you check two other parameters:- weight (the lower the better) and - battery life (the higher the better). These are crucial to those who are a lot around!

I ofen use this table to compare laptops:
http://www.reportlabs.com/testbed/version1/nbv1/nbtop10bat.php

it reports major models with battery life analsys, weights and some performance stats (les important for me). In my experience the Dell 640m (9-cell battery) is the best compromise between long battery life, portability and price (i.e. one of the few laptops below 3kg, 600 GBP and with over 6 hours of good working life!). Of course some Sony and Lenovo models are better and lighter but they cost over 1200 GBP!

So, check well your priorities before judging the laptops!
If the battery life is not a priority, then I would suggest this Packard Bell:
http://www.hotukdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30893
Those specs for 310 delivered are spectacular!
I did not buy it just for the battery life which was too short for me!

[HCDayantis]

The Celeron-M is looked a little dated too, mind. Still, for 'basic internet and email', that really shouldn't be an issue! Personally, I'm after a Core Duo and preferably a Core 2, but my needs are different.

[Frugal_Moose]

I presume there are wireless hotspots in europe same as here, I (mistakenly) thought that centrino mobile meant you could access the internet from anywhere.
Battery life will be important since he wont always be near to a mains hook up to recharge it. Weight not that important as he wont actually physically carry it anywhere.
Do you know how good the battery is with the Toshiba model from Currys?

I have a Pentium M Dell laptop and wanted to future proof this new one for him so will go for a Centrino duo rather than the Packard Bell one.
Thanks a lot for responding.

[AnnieH]

Is there a website like find-cd.co.uk where you can type in which laptop you want and it will find the cheapest seller of it? Or anything similar.
Thanks in advance:)

[HCDayantis]

Aside from the usual usual generic suspects (kelkoo, froogle, pricerunner, dealtime and the like), I don't think there is I'm afraid. Nothing specialised in laptops to my knowledge.

[codetown]

I presume there are wireless hotspots in europe same as here, I (mistakenly) thought that centrino mobile meant you could access the internet from anywhere.

Hotspots are still sporadic. You find them basically only in airports, hotels and some major cities. A good tool to check them is:
http://www.jiwire.com/search-hotspot-locations.htm


Battery life will be important since he wont always be near to a mains hook up to recharge it. Weight not that important as he wont actually physically carry it anywhere.
Do you know how good the battery is with the Toshiba model from Currys?


The technical specs on the Currys site mention:
Battery life (up to) 3.4 hours

This is probably more or less equivalent to the 'reader' test of mobile mark (i.e. test under very low usage conditions). At around 200 min is not exceptional but I would say starts to be useable. Probably the real-life productivity test for the Toshiba would be around 130-160m (which is close to the A110 similar model reported in here http://www.reportlabs.com/testbed/version1/nbv1/detnb.php?rcnb=117).
For comparison the Dell 640m has 538 min in the reader test and 473 min in the productivity test (i.e. lasts far more than double without need for recharging).

I have a Pentium M Dell laptop and wanted to future proof this new one for him so will go for a Centrino duo rather than the Packard Bell one.
Thanks a lot for responding.
To be very frank, that is a bad parameter to track. Unless you do professional 24x7 video editing (or professional gaming) the processor is not a critical parameter. They change all the time with continuos improvements. And yet you can do an exceptional good job with any of the typical office/internet tools with any processor even dated 6-7 years ago if coupled with a decent amount of RAM. I still have an exceptionally good server running all the time at high volumes of traffic and is centered around a Duron 700 MHz processor (more than 6 years of life). I have no problems whatsoever with that one!

Today I would buy an Intel Core 2 Duo (or a Turion 64x2) only if it is sold at a decent price. Keep in mind that Intel has already announced the Core 2 Quadro which will arrive in the next 3-4 months for desktops and then very soon after for laptops. And AMD will do the same.
You cannot afford to play their game! Choose the processor that suits your needs today and use it knowing it will be out of date anyway (whatever you buy) in 6 months time.

Being out of date does not mean unusable. I used a wonderful Pentium 100 MHz laptop (bought in 96) until 2003 and was still going strong in any of the Productivity Tools (not gaming of course, but good with Internet, Office, text editing, programming etc). And I stopped using it after about 7 years not because of its age, but because the screen crashed and it was not worth repairing it! The CPU still runs perfectly well and was not an issue at all!

In short: check again your needs against your budget.
At present I would either go for a slightly lower spec at bargain price of ~350 pounds (and there are often deals) keeping in mind I can change it in 2 years time (if I wish to), or spend a little more (but not more than 600 pounds) and get more mobility for example with the Dell D640m (9 cell and great battery life) or this nice Philips at 569 pounds (very light and decent specs for such a portable laptop):
http://www.hotukdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32850&highlight=laptop

[nev808]

Has anyone actually got one of these x56 from Currys/Dixons ?

The spec seems great for the price but surely there must be a catch ?

Nev

[HCDayantis]

Keep in mind that Intel has already announced the Core 2 Quadro which will arrive in the next 3-4 months for desktops and then very soon after for laptops.

Hopefully this will drive down the price of duos.:D


Oh, and as for the advantages etc. of Duos and the like, I have two happy links for all!

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/146/cpu-megatest/products.html - brief comparison of mobile processors (click for detail on each)

http://www.whatlaptop.co.uk/Forums/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=192535 - A simple guide to dual-core.

[rourkey]

i've just been on the dell wabsite and the cheapest laptop is £399.

While i was there i seen a notebook for £329

i only want to surf the web and run my OU software should i get a note book.

Are there any cheaper notebook's than dells £329?

would appreciate any feedback

[HCDayantis]

I have absolutely no idea how demanding OU software is on any level, I'm afraid. I mean, for 'cheaper' you've only got to look at older models on ebay and the like. Similarly, many sites have 'refurbished' sections, like Apple and laptopsdirect. They are often consideably cheaper.

[navig8r]

Don't forget to disable the wireless network on a laptop when you are not actually on the intenet ...it slows some down to a crawl as it constantly looks for a signal.

Dave

[codetown]

If you are after a Dell, aslo worth considering their own 'Oulet', i.e. their section on refurbished laptops. Most of these are just returns out of users who saw the product and immediately did not like it or even changed their mind 1 days or so after ordering and even before receiving it.

The link should be this:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=uk&cs=&l=en&s=dfo&~ck=mn

The laptops in there vary frequently, but every so often you get a good bargain! Check their final price tough (i.e. after adding VAT and delivery, which I think is 60 pounds).

[mcgsp]

Had decided to go for the Toshiba A100-147 at £450 (with 10% discount) as there seems to be agreement that it offers good value but I cannot find a discount code which has not expired; can anyone help me to obtain the discount?

[phillip3153]

Yes, try 10EMAIL (home delivery only)

[mcgsp]

Thank you. Discount code successful for £50 discount

[Nikolic]

They just emailed me, TENEMAIL is the new one =D

[Sobraon]

If anyone is travelling to the US "Engadget" have posted the following http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/17/circuit-city-to-sell-100-compaq-laptop-on-black-friday/
available from Circuit City - probably wont get the $99 price but at £157 ($299)including the "instore rebate" might be worth following up.

[sillysi]

Had decided to go for the Toshiba A100-147 at £450 (with 10% discount) as there seems to be agreement that it offers good value but I cannot find a discount code which has not expired; can anyone help me to obtain the discount?

Hi,
Did the Total with your discounts = £450 or £400 ??

[mcgsp]

Hi,
Did the Total with your discounts = £450 or £400 ??

Total was £450!

[madcow2006]

Have you tried running DVD films on the Toshiba? I asked in Currys tonight for them to play a DVD & they had a Pirates of The Caribean (excuse spelling) demo disc & it appeared a bit jerky. What is your experience in playing films?

I was thinking of getting one for my son for christmas with a TV receiver to act as a TV in his bedroom. Do you think it is up to it.

Thanks

Madcow

[shandypants5]

Hi everyone.:j

I have been thinking about a cheap laptop for my missus.
I have no idea what spec to buy, I just want the cheapest. (but I really want the best:rolleyes: )
Will be used for college work and internet mostly,
I noticed that Woolworths have a couple of £399 laptops, are they anygood?
or should I buy from a "real" computer shop?
Allso are refurbished laptops really ok..??

Any advice welcome..:o

[Fivenations]

I am thinking of buying an imac for my son to help with his Media Production coursework. Does anyone know how to get the best price as it look as if the prices are the same everywhere?

Thanks

[panther]

I'm on the lookout for a budget laptop and noticed that Makro have a Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo L3720GW for £349.99 +vat (411.24). Does this sound ok for the price?

Intel Celron M390
1024mb RAM
80g HDD
DVD dual layer burner
Unichrome Prographics with upto 64mb shared memory
15.4" WXGA crystal view display
wireless lan
winxp home
MS works 8.5

P.S,
Staples have the above on there Instore deals for 399. I've just been to my local store but the only one they had was a returned unit which they said the only reason it was returned was because the customer wanted the next spec up. They let me have it for £20 knocked off with the option to return it if I find anything wrong. I'm in the process of re-formatting it and for £379 I'm pleased with it.

[HCDayantis]

I am thinking of buying an imac for my son to help with his Media Production coursework. Does anyone know how to get the best price as it look as if the prices are the same everywhere?

Thanks

Not quite. The best place to buy apple is here:

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukInd

Media coursework says to me either further or higher education. At the above link, you get discount for being in (or being a parent of one who is is) Further or Higher Education.* Not just pennies, either.

Take, for example, the cheapest MacBook. £749 normal store price, £704 with education discount. £45 on that is a pretty decent saving, if you ask me.


*Copy/Paste T&Cs:

Who is Eligible To Purchase?
The following education individuals are eligible to purchase through the Apple Store for Education Individuals:
- a teacher, lecturer, tutor or other supervisor of students at a UK education establishment
- a student aged 18 and over with a valid student card, attending, or accepted into, a UK education establishment
- a parent purchasing on behalf of their child who is a student currently attending or accepted into a UK Higher or Further Education establishment

Purchase Quantity.
Staff, students and parents purchasing from the Apple Store for Education Individuals will be allowed to purchase the following quantities of product per academic school year:

a. Desktop: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
b. Mac mini: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
c. Notebook: One (1) may be purchased per academic year
d. Display: A maximum of two (2) may be purchased per academic year
e. Software: A maximum of two (2) per software title may be purchased per academic year
f. iPod: there is no limit on the quantity of iPod purchases per academic year

[Lynndy]

Not sure if this website will be the cheapest but they are who supply Aldi with all their computer stuff and they now seem to have Laptops etc in their online shop.

www.medion.co.uk (don't know how to do one of those nice links :()

They currently have 9 Laptops listed for sale ranging from £399 for a refurbished one - with 1.7Ghz Celeron Processor with windows XP, 20GB hard drive, 256 memory and loads of other stuff
up to the highest priced one for £799 Notebook Intel® Pentium® 4 with 2.6 GHz MD6488 with Microsoft® Windows® XP Home, Intel® Pentium® 4 with 2.6 GHz, 15&quot; TFT XGA Colour Display, 512 MB DDR-RAM, 40 GB hard disk, DVD/CD-RW Combo drive Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce# 4 488 Go with 64MB DDR-RAM along with a few bits of software - Microsoft Works 2003, Cyberlink Power DVD and Nero Burning Rom. If they are anything like the ones Aldi get in I am sure they will be well worth the money. I have no link at all to Aldi or Medion but I do now that Computeractive always reviews Aldi's computers and gives them top marks. I have an Aldi laptop- paid quite abit for it 2 years ago- but it's great- their specs are excellent and the included software etc comprehensive. Mine is a Gericom. They have a high spec notebook for sale for £399 as from today- get there soon- they'll soon sell out!

[descartesmum]

I have a Medion bought from ToysRUs last year. It's no longer available there. I love it.My sister in the states couldn't get over the size of the screen. My son was impressed (I bought it on his recommendation) with the speed of it.

[noelt]

Anyone who got the Toshiba for £499 from Currys got a good deal. I recommended that my Mum get one. She delayed and today the price is £599!!!

There is an Advent on pcworld and dixons for £499, looks the same spec but not a Tosh!

[livelife]

I found the Toshiba online last night at £499 had to check a detail and today its £599!:eek:
You win some you lose some!

Anyone find anything as good as this deal?

[livelife]

Just been round to a friend for tea. I just missed getting the Toshiba this morning - it had gone to £599. She got one today in a shop and made an enquiry about the price at £499. The manager got pretty flustered, checked all the details and said Curry's had got the price wrong. It should have been on display at £599 but the system was in error. So he hiked the price there and then on the system but my friend got the £499 deal. In other words, this deal won't be reinstated in the short term. The laptop is a beauty and I am still tempted with the TENEMAIL code (10% off) and through quidco (3% off)

Mike

[liverpoolrdbest]

Hi there, great thread!

Anyone know of a good spec, reasonably priced Sony VAIO laptop? I'm happy to pay a max of around £700.

I know the BX294VP is reasonably priced but only has intel centrino.

Any bargains!?!

Many thanks:D :D

[wazza]

I found the Toshiba online last night at £499 had to check a detail and today its £599!:eek:
You win some you lose some!

Anyone find anything as good as this deal?

i was just thinking about buying it today. Doubt they will honour the old price will they? (ok i will not hold my breath). just wondering why on their website they say delivery only?

[Bridgy]

Very helpful thread - thanks for all those who have offered advice so far. I'm looking to buy a laptop myself, and would be very grateful for some advice.

The laptop will be used at home mostly, for internet and e-mail, and I'd like to use it to store & download music and some photos. It won't be used for games.

I'm thinking that a 60gb hard drive should be sufficient for my needs, but am a little confused as to what I should pay for regarding ram. I think it will be rare that I'll be running more than 2 applications at any one time, so am wondering whether I'll get any benefit from more than 512mb ram, or even from a dual core processor - and even if I won't now, am I likely to wish I had it in a few years time, even if my usage stays the same?

I am looking at the Advent 7109 in Currys costing £399.99 (£359.99 after 10% discount code) - it has 1024mb ram and a 60gb hard drive - but have read mixed views on the quality of the Advent....they also have a Toshiba L30-134 for £395.99 with 512mb ram and also 60gb hard drive.

So (sorry if I've waffled) my basic question is - for the type of use I'm putting it to, am I better getting the (suposedly) better quality Toshiba with 512mb ram, or the advent with 1024 mb ram or should I spend even more for a dual core processor?

Many thanks for any advice you can offer

[espresso]

so my basic question is - for the type of use I'm putting it to, am I better getting the (suposedly) better quality Toshiba with 512mb ram, or the advent with 1024 mb ram or should I spend even more for a dual core processor?

I would say yes go for the Toshiba as it's easy to add RAM quite cheaply in a matter of minutes. See Crucial (http://www.crucial.com/uk/?gclid=CIaTsuXw34gCFQX-ZgodpXnRpQ) for more info but you don't have to buy from them.

[pampam]

I am looking to buy a core duo laptop.
Main use will be internet and wordprocessing.
I have been warned off Toshiba.
Any advice appreciated.
Willing to pay up to £550, must have wireless connection.
thanks
pam

[wazza]

Anyone who got the Toshiba for £499 from Currys got a good deal. I recommended that my Mum get one. She delayed and today the price is £599!!!

There is an Advent on pcworld and dixons for £499, looks the same spec but not a Tosh!


how is Advent like for reliability?

[hornets]

Regarding the A100-147 laptop. I was told the price jumped cos their was stock problems and it was to stop people trying to buy it. However if you go to the Dixons web site using code TH100 it reduces the price to 499

[Kittee-Kat]

Hi there....this sounds a good buy on Staples...anyone know if its a good reliable make?...the specs look good to me but I'm not really that techy....Fujitsu Siemens AMILO L7320. A.d are there any extra discount codes for Staples going around?

[jpe20]

Kittie ...... I know u get 6% back using quidco. Bear in mind that the AMILO L7320 price on the web EXCLUDES VAT! Does not make it clear on the website so I nearly checked out !!! --- back in stock and not a bad price even at 399 - (24quid quidco) = 376quid.

It has a weakish processor which I don't think you will notice if you are just using for surfing and running office apps. The 1GB memory and 80GB memory are hard to come by at this price.

I am being stingy and looking for a better deal again!!!!!

Jules

You could also try and get a free gift as well as there are some free gift codes for staples floating around like a free mp3 player or free digital scales to name a few. Whether these still work I dunno... do not be surprised if they don't work.

[Kittee-Kat]

Thanks Jp...didnt realise it was ex VAT,most ppl put it as that dont they..I'll keep looking and let me know if you find a good one,lol. Only want it for basic net stuff and work,office etc but want a decent spec so it doesnt go out of date too fast...and as cheap as poss. I quite like the one on Comet too...ACER AS3692WLMI at £395 but read somewhere where Acers not so good...but then again it seems like theres good and bad points about all of them. What are the EI systems like at PC World?..oh well, on with searching..

[espresso]

I quite like the one on Comet too...ACER AS3692WLMI at £395 but read somewhere where Acers not so good...but then again it seems like theres good and bad points about all of them. What are the EI systems like at PC World?..oh well, on with searching..

There is one poster on here who like to knock Acers but they are better than the Ei systems that you have mentioned!

[Schneaky]

What do people think about this Compaq laptop, at PC World for £399:

Features for this COMPAQ C300EA
- Intel Celeron M 420 Processor 1.60GHz
- 1024 MB RAM
- 80 GB Hard Drive
- DVD ReWriter MultiDrive
- 15.4" Widescreen HD Brightview Display
- Microsoft Windows Media Centre
- 128 MB Intel GMA 950 shared Graphics
- 1 Year FREE Warranty

It looks pretty good to me, and I'm thinking of buying one, so would be interested in some MSE advice.

[elliotwax]

Hi all
What do folks think of this Lenovo laptop? I know that Lenovo have great build quality and I wondered if this was reasonably priced, or is it another "fake" discount? I know you can go via Quidco for another discount.
Thanks very much.
Pea
......................

Processor: Intel Core Duo T2300 - 1.66GHz (x2), 667MHz FSB, 2MB L2 Cache
RAM: 512MB DDR2-667MHz - Low Cost Double Memory Offer - Call For Details!
Hard Drive: 60GB Serial ATA 5400rpm
Screen: 15.0" TFT (1024x768 - 4:3)
Optical Drive: DVD Writer
Graphics: Integrated Graphics
Wireless LAN: 802.11a/b/g - Call for advice on Wireless Networking
Bluetooth: Bluetooth Enabled
Battery Life (Depending on Use): 2.5hrs
Weight: 2.94kg
Warranty: 1 Year Carry-in
Operating System: Windows XP Professional Edition - FREE Upgrade To Windows Vista
Windows Vista Compatible
Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000
56k Dial-Up Modem
PCMCIA Type II Slot

www.laptopsdirect.co.uk
Search for item: UQ14TUK

[consultant31]

Ok, have been looking for a laptop and found a Packard Bell at Curry's.

I hate Curry's with a passion, but if this is a good deal I'm willing to lower myself to deal with them, lol.

PACKARD BELL S4996 INTEL PENTIUM M 740 PROCESSOR 1.73GHz LAPTOP, selling at £449, but there's a discount taking it to £405 with free delivery.

Opinions requested from those in the know please!!!

[spike87]

I wouldn't say the Curry's laptop is a good deal. It's not bad but there are cheaper, better laptops out there. I would never buy something from Comet, Currys, PC World etc because I always seem to find a better deal online somewhere.

[HCDayantis]

I'm in a similar mindset of 'the high street MUST be more expensive, right?'. Comet do seem to throw the odd good deal out there, though.

[eightiesclassic]

Very interested to hear people's experience of prices altering.

I saw this machine (Toshiba A100-147) on Currys website for £499.99, shopped around a bit but couldn't better this. Went back onto Currys a few days later only to find it there for £599.99! Phoned the number on the website and talked to a bloke who had to "go away and check", only to be told that this was a mistake and would soon be reinstated to its previous price. Ok, I thought...

Checked it again the following week, still displayed at £599.99. Phoned again to ask what was going on, and was told that £499.99 was a sale price and that the sale was now over. There was nothing to indicate this, though. She then told me to keep checking the site, though, as prices can fluctuate.

So, who was telling me the truth? They either a)don't know what they're talking about and just fobbing me off, or b)Cynically hiking the price every now and then to catch people out. I feel for the people above who got stung for the higher price

Oh yeah, checked the site today and it's back at £499.99! What is going on?

I want to get this machine but am now going to wait for the sales. Has anyone seen a machine of this spec for less?

And how do these money off codes work? Where do they originate, and how come these shops honour them?

[eightiesclassic]

Very interested to read other acconts of price altering.

Was quite interested in the Toshiba A100-147, found it on Currys website for £499.99. Shopped around, couldn't better this so went back to the site a couple of days later to find it at £599.99. Phoned the order hotline to enquire, the bloke had to "go away and check", came back to tell me that this was a mistake and it would be rectified that day. Checked again a couple of days later, still at £599.99. Phoned again to ask what was going on, only to be told that £499.99 was a sale price, and the sale was over. Eh?

Now, either a) They don't know what is going on and just want to fob you off, or b)They cynically raise the price every now and then to catch punters out.

Checked the website again today, back at £499.99!!

Sod it, I'm waiting for the after xmas sales now.

Anyone seen a similarly specced machine for cheaper?

And where do these discount codes originate, and what makes the shops honour them? Would they work at sale time?

[consultant31]

Do I hear an echo???????????:rotfl:

[Carlsbrosound]

Hi,
I'm interested in the Toshiba A100-147 from Currys but need 2 so I'd appreciate the latest discount code (TENEMAIL ran out yesterday). Anyone got the latest?
While I'm on any comments on the choices I'm looking at:
HP NX6325 with AMD Sempron 3500+ (1.8Ghz or 2.0Ghz?)
Toshiba A100-147 Core Duo 1.6Ghz
Compaq V6133EU AMD Turion 64 X2 TL50 1.6Ghz
All have 1G ram and similar otherwise and are around £450 (with discounts)

[phillip3153]

Try XMASFREE199 - its good till XMAS.

[johnd]

Try XMASFREE199 - its good till XMAS.

Sorry - doesn't seem to work.

[littleange]

Hi,
I'm interested in the Toshiba A100-147 from Currys but need 2 so I'd appreciate the latest discount code (TENEMAIL ran out yesterday). Anyone got the latest?
While I'm on any comments on the choices I'm looking at:
HP NX6325 with AMD Sempron 3500+ (1.8Ghz or 2.0Ghz?)
Toshiba A100-147 Core Duo 1.6Ghz
Compaq V6133EU AMD Turion 64 X2 TL50 1.6Ghz
All have 1G ram and similar otherwise and are around £450 (with discounts)

over299 10% should save you £100

[spike87]

PC World and Dabs.co.uk have Fujitsu Siemens laptops for around £360.

Pc World's one was in The Sun today and www.dabs.co.uk is offering one for £359.98 inc VAT:

http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=4B8V&InMerch=1

[simon42]

Hi,

I've been following this thread and thought I would add the following for general information:

The Toshiba A100-147 is being sold for £499.99 in the Grantham branch of Curry's. I nipped in this afternoon for a quick look.

It is also listed at that price on the Currys and Dixons website at the moment.

Which is to be expected as they are both owned by DSG International plc, but so is PC World... PC World want £595 for the same laptop! :naughty:

I would also be grateful if anyone out there does have a valid promotional code as I'm also keen to grab a bargin. I've tried all those listed before and haven't had any luck yet.

[GeordieLad]

As Little_ange mentions above (thanks!), over299 still gets you 10% discount at Curry's.

I like the look of the Toshiba too, my only question would be whether it is better to buy a laptop before Christmas - or will there be significant reductions to be had in the January sales? I realise that this is not necessarily easy to predict, but any thoughts welcome. For example, is some new processor technology likely to be released then, meaning that firms will want to get rid of older stock?

[Nikolic]

As Little_ange mentions above (thanks!), over299 still gets you 10% discount at Curry's.

I like the look of the Toshiba too, my only question would be whether it is better to buy a laptop before Christmas - or will there be significant reductions to be had in the January sales? I realise that this is not necessarily easy to predict, but any thoughts welcome. For example, is some new processor technology likely to be released then, meaning that firms will want to get rid of older stock?

This Toshiba is already sort of old tech. It uses the older Core Duo Processor, instead of the latest Core 2 Duo.

[Craftyscholar]

Comet has ACER AS3682WXMI for £349.00.

I only need a fairly basic laptop. Main requirements are low weight, cost and reliability. I know the lightest ones are expensive so it will be a trade off.

Can anyone advise if this ACER is a good idea and would there be any advantage in waiting till January for sale deals?

[johnd]

This Toshiba is already sort of old tech. It uses the older Core Duo Processor, instead of the latest Core 2 Duo.
There's actually precious little difference in notebook use (as opposed to desktops). It does depend what sort of applications you're running but for general use the Core 2 Duo might be say 5% faster (for the same clock speed). (See http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2808 for example for a fairly techie review and bear in mind that the max 15% difference quoted was only for top-end CPUs and for certain specialised apps only.)

I've been tempted by a Toshiba A120 (not dissimilar to the A100 series but with a stronger case) and found a Core 2 Duo version today for around the £500 mark, which I think is a good deal. This is available from online shops only sadly, but I've trusted my cash (or rather my business's cash) to More at:
www.morecomputers.co.uk/textra.asp?extension=&product_number=PSAC1E%2D04E010EN

There's also the same model at TechnoWorld for a few pounds cheaper:

www.technoworld.com/laptops/Toshiba_Satellite_Pro_A120-144_PSAC1E-04E010EN.htm

I don't know anything about these two outlets and never bought from them before so caveat emptor. But the reviews for More seemed a bit more reassuring so I used them.

Also there's no DVD writer on these models (DVD-reader/CD burner only) but for my intended use that's fine. But there is XP Pro and hence an £11 upgrade route to Vista in the New Year.

I'm not convinced I made the right decision!! Well almost, but there's another variant of the A120 in the A120SE-177, which has the Core Duo CPU and costs about the same price as the one above. Why am I not sure? Well, turns out that on certain A120SE models Toshiba have a cashback scheme running currently. (See www.toshibacashback.com/). IF you spend over £50 (+VAT) on accessories when buying your notebook they'll refund £50. So I could have bought a 512MB memory expansion plus cheapest carry bag to take the price over £50. This would have given me a Core Duo PC with 1GM RAM that would probably have been the same speed as a Core 2 Duo one with the standard 512MB and I'd still have £50 left. But in the end I succumbed to the lure of the Core 2 Duo label.

If you're happy with a 40GB hard drive (which is still reasonably OK for a laptop) and XP Home then there's some even cheaper deals around eg

www.savastore.com/productinfo/product.aspx?catalog_name=Savastore&product_id=10290493&pid=30&rstrat=0

(Play the little video on this page to see the benefits in the A120 design - well worth a look.)

[Carlsbrosound]

Hi,
thanks for the Curry's discount code but in the end I've picked up 2 x Acer Travelmate 4262WLMi from an Ebay shop (bluecentstore) at £500+£20p&p each. They had 4 but there all gone now!

I was after something more than a basic laptop which my lads would have half a chance at some games on, but at a basic price. This model has a T2300 Core Duo and an Nvidia GeForce Go 7600 graphic card.

If your struggling to compare processors & graphic cards as I was, I found the best reference was:http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Graphics-Cards-Benchmark-List.844.0.html for the cards and http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html for the processors.

[CheeseOnToast]

Hi,

I've been following this thread and thought I would add the following for general information:

The Toshiba A100-147 is being sold for £499.99 in the Grantham branch of Curry's. I nipped in this afternoon for a quick look.

It is also listed at that price on the Currys and Dixons website at the moment.

Which is to be expected as they are both owned by DSG International plc, but so is PC World... PC World want £595 for the same laptop! :naughty:

I would also be grateful if anyone out there does have a valid promotional code as I'm also keen to grab a bargin. I've tried all those listed before and haven't had any luck yet.

I want this machine too, its backup to £599 again, the cheek!!
I am going to keep my eye on the site..

[HCDayantis]

This Toshiba is already sort of old tech. It uses the older Core Duo Processor, instead of the latest Core 2 Duo.

Not really. Although intel call Core 2 '25% better', that's not so much the case. It's more in the region of 10-15% by independant testing, so getting a normal Core Duo isn't a great loss. You probably wouldn't notice the difference. RAM has more of an influence on speed than whether you run core 1 or core 2 duos.

[Nikolic]

When I said 'old tech' I meant that it wasn't the newest - shops want to be slowly getting rid of Core Duo stock and replacing it with Core 2 Duo.

I didn't mean it was old tech as in slow or anything - sorry about that :rolleyes:

[wazza]

I want this machine too, its backup to £599 again, the cheek!!
I am going to keep my eye on the site..

looking at currys website the toshiba is listed at £599. BUT while in town today i popped into currys digital who has it at £499. So pop into or phone your local currys digital store to see if any in stock etc.

[jfeb]

Any one got any opinions on the Sony Vaio VGN-N11M? It is being sold for £550 at play.com and has an Intel Core Duo T2050 processor, 512mb ram and a DVD re-writer - which seems rare on laptops at this price point.

Thoughts?

[gamston]

that look a good lappie
has anyone got any codes or discounts for play.com

"Any one got any opinions on the Sony Vaio VGN-N11M? It is being sold for £550 at play.com "

[Browntoa]

quidco also offers 2% which you did not make clear

http://www.quidco.com/play-com/

and you know you are not allowed to tote for referrals outside the referral section Lewt

no asking for PM's for referrals

[cmorgan]

Can anyone recommend me a laptop which we intend to buy for my Father in Law for his 70th birthday.

Overriding requirements;


Ability to connect to broadband wirelessly.
Decent battery life.
Decent memory 512k+
Use for office applications and internet.
Budget £400 (preferably less).Any ideas as I am completely confused by laptops.

Any help gratefully received.

[reknaw]

After reading several threads like these on this site, I thought I would just put down the amazing deal I got today. Basically:

Wanted a Mac Desktop
Mum wanted a home PC
Bro wanted a stereo

Total: £1700 (phew!)

I asked how much of a discount I would get with these products. Told that it would depend on whether or not I bought the extended warranty (which I did, and am cancelling tomorrow, within my defined 14 day cooling off period). For this, the PC World guy serving me dropped the price to £1600. Bearing in mind I also picked up a book, which he threw in (£15), and the refund I will get for cancelling the warranty (£15), I saved £130. Not bad!

For those of you who might not feel that confident about doing this, neither am I! I simply said to him, 'what type of discount would I get if I bought all of these now?', and let him do the rest of the talking!

Good luck folks!

[Blagalot]

Does mum like your user name? :D

[Thenotsowyzewun]

This thread is gigantic!!

Here's the laptop I found (on HKUD (http://www.hotukdeals.com), I'll copy the post from there...):

-------ORIGINAL POST BY EDI-----------

ADVENT 7110 15" 1.7GHz Centrino 1GB RAM 40gb HD DVDRW WiFi XP laptop is just £359 inc Free delivery from Currys.co.uk

Use code RSANEW5 to get this price and go via Quidco for further 3% in cashback. Good price for a Centrino with descent specs.

Features: Intel Pentium M 735A Processor 1.70GHz | 533 MHz FSB | 2 MB Cache | 1024 MB RAM | 40 GB Hard Drive | Dual Layer DVD ReWriter MultiDrive | 15" Display | Microsoft Windows Media Center | 128MB Intel UMA Integrated graphics | 1 year FREE warranty

http://www.currys.co.uk/images/103549_01_large.jpg

Link to Advent 7110 (http://www.currys.co.uk/product.php?sku=103549)

--------- END OF COPY 'N' PASTE ---------------

As he said, go by Quidco for 3% cashback (and use a cashback credit card too if you've got one ;) ).

Is there a better value deal around this pricemark (give or take £100)?

I'm talking better value by the way, not just a higher spec at a higher price (OK, value's a matter of opinion...)

EDIT: Just ordered one of these, having read the thread a bit it looks like I'd normally only get a Sempron or Celeron around this pricemark, and I can't really afford to spend any more so it's a blinding deal (and if I'm wrong, I'll return it and buy something else!)

[zenmaster]

I've ordered the Advent 7110 too, Let's hope they are good.

Just one annoying thing though. I printed out the Curry's confirmation of order - it's 9 pages long!!

[Thenotsowyzewun]

Not sure if this link will work...

Returns Policy (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0189172698.116645531 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccekaddjjhedldjcflgceggdhhmdgml.0&page=GenericEditorial&genericeditorial=RefundsReturnsPolicy)

As it says, you're allowed to carefully remove it from it's packaging and examine it, and if you're not completely satisfied repackage it and take it to your local Curry's with the receipt for a refund.

So, I've got 5 days til it arrives (probably) and a further 7 til it has to be returned (starting the day after delivery) so I'm going to spend that time bargain hunting on Loot, Gumtree and eBay (and MSE & HKUD) for an even better deal - TBH I would prefer a 2 core processor, from a better brand, it's just this is the best value machine I've found (and I've been looking all day (bought it yesterday)).
Not sure about second hand machines; I'm wondering whether it's worth waiting for all the unwanted presents in January and Feb (aswell as the sales) after all I don't actually need a laptop until I move to Italy in Feb (I've got a Tecra M1 at the moment, slightly lower spec than the one I've just bought but this one isn't mine, wish it was though; the build quality is fantastic (this keyboard is so nice!).

Anyway enough rambling, just wanted to point out the returns policy :)

[Sparky29]

These seem good to me for about £500 http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/nbrange.html?REM

Best I can find for a dual core (Intel Core Duo T2050 1.66GHz 2MB Cache Dual Core Processor)

[vinylmusic]

I bought a fujitsu Siemens laptop from Staples
Everything looked great until I set it up for wireless networking.
When wired with an ethernet cable to the modem/router everything was fine but to have it working wirelessly was a pain in the backside
I tried everything possible and even went to Staples who couldnt help.

Ideally you should be able to open the lid and go straight to it. I had to make no less than 6 manouvres to get it to work.
Open the lid and turn it on
rightclick on the wireless icon

Choose search for available networks

In the next window search for available networks again... nothing happens

press fn+f2

Then click search for available networks again and the signal comes up

then click connect


If I try using fn+f2 before anything else I still have to do it again after clicking on the search option.

There has to be an easier way

I finally called fujitsu-siemens avoiding any 0870 numbers and got through.

They wouldnt help me and insisted the only way I could get support was through a premium rate number at 60p a minute. and theres no email support
It gives me a bad taste having to call such a number not knowing the final cost and wether or not I would be put on hold.
I dont think that a new customer with setup problems should have to pay for support in that way and its totally wrong not to give an email alternative.

For anyone wishing to buy a Fujitsu item I advise them to consider this when weighing up their options

[espresso]

So have you ticked the "connect when this network is in range" box in your wireless settings. Presumably the fn+f2 switches on your wireless, to conserve battery life when wireless is not required.

[vinylmusic]

So have you ticked the "connect when this network is in range" box in your wireless settings. Presumably the fn+f2 switches on your wireless, to conserve battery life when wireless is not required.
Ok fair enough but there has to be a manual override so that users have a choice in how their equipment behaves.
Fn+F2 turns it on or off
If that was all I needed to do then ok but 6 manouvres each time is going a bit far
It isnt a problem when coming off standby. Only after a fresh reboot which isnt much good when it comes to power saving.

[Smickan]

I have a Fujitsu Siemens Amilo pi1505 that was bought from Staples for £500. It's 100gb, dvd writer, dual processor, wide screen and.... <3 I wouldn't be without it.

In the week we bought it, Computer Active, unbeknown to us had it as the computer to buy :)

http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/home/products/notebooks/amilo_pi_1505.html

[ioscorpio]

PC World 2 day sale have a laptop for £199, but only had 10 for the store, I missed out today but they should have the same tomorrow.

Although the assistant did say that they are not Intel, Via C7 processor and they only have 20gb hard drive, apparently it's the one they have recently advertised on TV at £299, Ei system model 3084

I don't think I'll bother going back tomorrow.

[mrbnewc1]

I bought a fujitsu Siemens laptop from Staples
Everything looked great until I set it up for wireless networking.
When wired with an ethernet cable to the modem/router everything was fine but to have it working wirelessly was a pain in the backside
I tried everything possible and even went to Staples who couldnt help.

Ideally you should be able to open the lid and go straight to it. I had to make no less than 6 manouvres to get it to work.
Open the lid and turn it on
rightclick on the wireless icon

Choose search for available networks

In the next window search for available networks again... nothing happens

press fn+f2

Then click search for available networks again and the signal comes up

then click connect


If I try using fn+f2 before anything else I still have to do it again after clicking on the search option.

There has to be an easier way

I finally called fujitsu-siemens avoiding any 0870 numbers and got through.

They wouldnt help me and insisted the only way I could get support was through a premium rate number at 60p a minute. and theres no email support
It gives me a bad taste having to call such a number not knowing the final cost and wether or not I would be put on hold.
I dont think that a new customer with setup problems should have to pay for support in that way and its totally wrong not to give an email alternative.

For anyone wishing to buy a Fujitsu item I advise them to consider this when weighing up their options

Hi

I have the same laptop from Staples. The easisest way to solve this problem is to press fnf2 whilst the laptop is starting up - by the time it's reached the log on screen the wireless connection is active.

Hope this helps

Mrbnewc1

[buckrogers]

hi all
hope you had a good xmas

can someone give me advice on buying a laptop
its for my daughter
i was hoping they wwould go down in price, but dont seem to be :-(
my budget is £450
i was looking at these two and would like advice which would be the best to buy
thankyou
Woolworths
£399
http://www.woolworths.co.uk/ww_p2/product/index.jhtml?pid=50790683

and dell
£439
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&oc=N01157&rbc=N01157&s=dhs&sbc=ukdhsftdppnotebook1

[FLC]

Well I've had bad experiences with Dell so I wouldn't pick them. (My Dell PC broke just outside warranty and they were going to charge me £200 for the part, never mind what the labour would have cost. All their parts seem to be proprietary hence the high cost.)

I bought a Toshiba from John Lewis for £499, which I am very happy with. You get a free two year guarantee which is definitely worth having. It's out of stock on the web but they will probably have it in store (they also have a wider selection in store there were two different ones at £499 when I went in).
http://www.johnlewis.com/Computing/Computers/Computers/Laptops/398/1/1/ProductType.aspx

[Malestrom]

Ok fair enough but there has to be a manual override so that users have a choice in how their equipment behaves.
Fn+F2 turns it on or off
If that was all I needed to do then ok but 6 manouvres each time is going a bit far
It isnt a problem when coming off standby. Only after a fresh reboot which isnt much good when it comes to power saving.

It depends on the particular model of Fujitsu laptop that you buy, some have this annoying 'feature' whilst others don't. I could be wrong but it might be all the Celeron based ones that need the Fn+F2 to switch wireless on every time you boot up, our Centrino based laptop doesnt. A friend bought two of these Celeron based Fujitsu laptops for his twins and we found the easiest way around it was to hibernate the systems instead of shutting down. They still power off completely but all the settings, including wireless, are saved. You can set the laptop to hibernate when the lid is closed too.

[womble12345]

In this thread the Advent 7111 from PC World has been reccomended so I went to buy one and they are out of stock:
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0039996182.116742143 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccgfaddjkgjefjmcflgceggdhhmdgml.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=387548&category_oid=

Next door in Currys they had a Advent 8111 which seems even better:
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0819274210.116742160 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdjaddjkgjefjhcflgceggdhhmdgml.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=734893&category_oid=

Any thoughts?

Simon

[bestvalueformoney]

After very extensive research I recommend the Advent 8111: at £494.98 on PC World's Website it's the cheapest machine to meet my minimum specification: Intel Core Duo T2050 Processor 1.6GHz and 1 GB RAM. Beware it's about £100 more in-store but you get the Website price using their collect@store service: I hope to get 3% cashback as I placed my reservation through Quidco.

Advent is a brand used by Dixons/Currys/PC World. I could have saved a bit more by ordering with my Egg credit card from Dixons (5% cashback) but I was uncertain whether the "shiny" screen would prove acceptable from a reflections perspective (it's great from a colour and clarity perspective) so I preferred PC World's in-store returns policy.

Note that the website specifications omit the fact the machine also has a wired LAN connector, a memory card reader (various formats including SD) and an S-Video connector.

Hope this helps

John

[skinnerus]

Im thinking of this laptop Novatech Revo Max T2050 Pro http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/nbrange.html?REM which was mentioned on a previous link can anyone give me some advice or views on whether this is a good deal or if there is somthing better around. Was looking to buy a Fujitsu Siemens Amilio 1505 but this model seems to be no longer available. The novatech seems to match it on spec / price although it is sold with no software any thoughts ?????

[Grumpy Old G*t]

If you are thinking about buying 'Advent' from DSG (Dixons, Currys & PCWorld) be aware that the name Advent is just a badge and the PC's are made by various manufacturers like Medion, Quanta & Uniwill. DSG must get them cheap as they are on the face of it good value for the spec.

However
The 3 year warranties offered by DSG are often considerably more expensive than companies like Acer and Toshiba.
and
Customer support is DIRE-try the Advent links on the PCWorld support page:rolleyes:

But we don't want to be totally negative do we?

So I agree with bestvalueformoney the Advent 8111 is quite good. Made by Uniwill who are owned by ECS (Elite) a pretty big Taiwanese manufacturer.
and a source of drivers should you ever need a reinstall. (Uniwill model number is L51 II)

Buy from Dixons £499.99 and use the laptops20std discount makes £479.99 for a very good value laptop.

Great site for Advent info
http://www.w00tw00t.co.uk/support/

[zenmaster]

I have just ordered the Advent 8111 from PCWorld. PCWorld offer a Vista upgrade which Curry's and Dixon's do not.

There is also a 5% discount code around but it is FOR NHS STAFF ONLY.

[foreign correspondent]

Hi,
have ordered one of these:
http://www.woolworths.co.uk/ww_p2/product/index.jhtml?pid=50790683

was looking for a decent amount of RAM for less than £400, and with 1024Mb of memory (2 x 512MB) DDR2, and 80GB hard drive this looks like the best spec available at that price range.

On the downside, its not tiny or particularly lightweight, (although its not too bulky either)and the battery life isnt massive (90 mins according the the spec, which I expect is optimistic) but I can live with that!
;)

[CAFCGirl]

Hi, sorry total techno-phobe here.

On the above from Woolworths is that 90 min battery life from full charge.

Can it still be run just straight from the mains?

[foreign correspondent]

"On the above from Woolworths is that 90 min battery life from full charge.

Can it still be run just straight from the mains?"

Yes it can be run straight from the mains, the 90 minutes is just how long it will run for on a charged up battery and without being plugged into the mains. I dont need to use mine away from a power source for that long at a time, so the battery life isnt much of a problem.

[linzi_h]

ive just got a compaq 310 for £400 - thats with staff discount of 10% so its usually £449 from currys.digital. here is the laptop itself on the pc world website but its £50 more on here

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1291953801.116821411 3@@@@&BV_EngineID=cceiaddjlegllifcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&pageFrom=SimpleSearchProducts&page=Product&sku=889047
its a great laptop for the money. plus i sold my other 1 for £200 that was given to me so therefore it only cost me £200 in total! bargin!

[buckrogers]

got one of these today
http://www.woolworths.co.uk/ww_p2/product/index.jhtml?pid=50790683
after looking around, plenty of memory not to bothered with battery life
as i will use the mains mostly

but very pleased with it :-)

[PeteHerts]

Levono 3000 N100 0768 - Core Duo T2400 / 1.83 GHz - Centrino Duo - RAM : 512 MB - HD : 80 - £447.87

http://www.pyramid.com/Product.aspx?StockCode=633736&ref_Source=Ciao&ref_StockCode=633736&ref_Type=CPC



Product Description Lenovo 3000 N100 0768 - Core Duo T2400 1.83 GHz - 15.4" TFT
Dimensions (WxDxH) 36 cm x 26.7 cm x 3.9 cm
Weight 2.9 kg
Localisation English / United Kingdom
Platform Technology Intel Centrino Duo
System Type Notebook
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, wireless LAN aerial, Bluetooth aerial
Embedded Security Fingerprint reader
Processor Intel Core Duo T2400 / 1.83 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Cache Memory 2 MB - L2 Cache
RAM 512 MB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR II SDRAM - 667 MHz - PC2-5300
Card Reader 4 in 1
Hard Drive 80 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Optical Storage DVD-Writer - integrated
Display 15.4" TFT active matrix 1680 x 1050 ( WSXGA+ ) - 24-bit (16.7 million colours)
Graphics Controller NVIDIA GeForce Go 7300 TurboCache - 128 MB
Audio Output Sound card
Telecom Fax / modem - CDC - 56 Kbps
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g
Wireless NIC Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
Notebook Camera Integrated
Input Device Keyboard, touchpad
Power AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Battery Lithium Ion
Run Time (Up To) 2.2 hour(s)
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP

Home Edition
Manufacturer Selling Program Express Selection
Manufacturer Warranty 1 year warranty

[Schneaky]

I have just purchased the Acer Aspire 5101AWLMi from ebuyer.com, which I am extremely pleased with:

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=24400744139&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=121052

* Processor: Mobile AMD MK-36 Turion 2.0GHz Processor
* RAM: 1024MB DDR2-533MHz
* Hard Drive: 120GB
* Screen: 15.4" Widescreen TFTwith CrystalBrite Technology
* Optical Drive: DVD±RW Super Multi
* Graphics: ATI Radeon® Xpress 1100 integrated 3D graphics
* Wireless LAN: 802.11b/g
* Warranty: 1 Year
* Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition
* Windows Vista Compatible (includes upgrade voucher)
* Fast Ethernet 10/100
* Built-In 0.3 MegaPixel Camera
* Flash Memory Card Reader (MMC, MS, MS-pro, SD, SM, XD)

Lovely machine, and excellent service from ebuyer, with free delivery (quoted at 5 days - took 2).:T

[researcher]

I've been asked by some elderly relatives to recommend a cheap laptop - they will only want it for connecting to the net and writing the occasional letter. Any suggestions - my knowledge is very sparse on laptops. They'd like to spend as little as possible and total beginners regarding computers.

:beer:

[PeteHerts]

Have a look at Dell's site as they are doing some deals for around £300 or less at the mo and also see the Outlet page they have as they are reasonable too.

[dihunny]

If you had a choice-which one would you go for:

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/121052

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286

Or anything better?

Thanks in advance

dihunny

[dihunny]

If you had a choice-which one would you go for:

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/121052

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286

Or anything better?

Thanks in advance

dihunny

:confused:

[dihunny]

Oops-how did I post that twice?

:confused:

[dkent]

If you had a choice-which one would you go for:

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/121052

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363286

Or anything better?

Thanks in advance

dihunny

:confused:

I know a friend of mine who has a similar spec to the comet one and paid £750 not that long ago .

So i was torn between these two as well so please someone help us decide .

:beer:

[speedy gonzalez]

Are there likely to be any good deals on laptops coming up soon with Vista being launched at the end of this month. I'd be more than happy with an XP laptop. I'd probably just use it for surfing, watching movies and downloading music.

[PeteHerts]

Are there likely to be any good deals on laptops coming up soon with Vista being launched at the end of this month. I'd be more than happy with an XP laptop. I'd probably just use it for surfing, watching movies and downloading music.

They'll be alot of Laptops and PC's going cheap next month that have been pre-loaded with XP i would expect.

[mfactor]

I think I have been lucky, a returned but brand new, (boxed and still wrapped) celeron from pc world , all in for £299 its ok for surfing and basic use.

[PeteHerts]

Might be worth having a look at the link below for possible deals.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=337958

[speedy gonzalez]

Anyone else having problems getting into the Dell outlet website?

[cmc_entertainment]

nope

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=uk&cs=&l=en&s=dfh&~ck=anavml

[Hugo Drax]

Do yourself a favour and do not buy a Dell. I paid £1,400 for one two years ago and the motherboard went down after 18 months. Dell is talking about £400+ for a repair, but I will not be paying that, instead writing to the company under the Sales of Goods Act - I expected it to last longer.

Check both Dell's forums for widespread complaints about the firm's customer service and exorbitant prices, then go to Which?'s website to see how the OFT just slapped Dell for poor terms and conditions, elongated repair times and general fobbing-off of customers with faulty goods.

Again, DO NOT buy a Dell.

[zepellin00]

The Lenovo 3000 N100 already mentioned several times in this thread is a superb machine for the money. I have literally spent weeks of my life (sad I know) looking for the best deal and nothing comes close. A dual core lappy for less than £500 with a dedicated graphics card and a decent spec all round. Got mine yesterday and I love it!

http://www.hotukdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43206

[dkent]

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=373249&tab=specification#spec

Hi all is this worth buying it has £200 off price . ?

[dkent]

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=373249&tab=specification#spec

Hi all is this worth buying it has £200 off price . ?

I got one of these so i will let you all know what it is like .

I just hope vista is good .:j :j :j

[Grumpy Old G*t]

dkent
I would check Comet "shop" prices against the manufacturer's recommended prices.
This £200 discount is simply not true. Acer rrp for the same PC with a better CPU and a 100GB hard drive is £599.
I first noticed this with the "half price" laptop bag offer Comet offered
with a laptop purchase
HAMA 26916 BAG £34.99 quote "Fantastic value on this Hama Entry level laptop bag"
The manufacturer's rrp is £24.99
http://www.hama.co.uk/portal/articleTypeId*150/action*1124/q*26916/searchMode*1

[petergatestone]

If you're after a small and lightweight lappy you can pick up a 12" Dell Latitude D410 (http://www.think4.com/notebooks_laptops/dell_latitude_d410_notebook_12_display_pentium_m_7 60_2ghz_xp_pro.html) for £399.99 inc VAT. You'd think smaller laptops would be cheaper than bog standard 15" models but this is not the case. The cheapest 12" laptop I could find on Kelkoo (http://computing.kelkoo.co.uk/ctl/do/drilldown~113501/12_1__-_13_9_) is over £700

[Dan:)]

search the PC world site for a Advent 8109.... class!!
1.6 GHZ Celeron
1024 MB Ram
60GB HDD
Windows Vista
£399

[davidwatts]

I got one of these so i will let you all know what it is like .

I just hope vista is good .:j :j :j

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=373249

Was looking at this yesterday, any chance you could let us know what it's like, DKent?

Also, anyone got any opinion on it's merits v this one at same price?

http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=362964

Any opinions much appreciated.

[lifeinwords]

Hi,

Can this 'Decent laptops' run Vista well?

Thanks,

lifeinwords.net (http://www.lifeinwords.net)

[DKLS]

search the PC world site for a Advent 8109.... class!!
1.6 GHZ Celeron
1024 MB Ram
60GB HDD
Windows Vista
£399

If it had a 120GB HD it would be great, I can fill 60 Gig in one project!!!, Any reccomendations for Great spec laptop, I need 4/5 of them.

[dkent]

If it had a 120GB HD it would be great, I can fill 60 Gig in one project!!!, Any reccomendations for Great spec laptop, I need 4/5 of them.


http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/p....do?sku=373249

I got this one and it is ok at the moment , vista runs fine with no glitches yet .

Hope this helps .

[energy80s]

If it had a 120GB HD it would be great, I can fill 60 Gig in one project!!!, Any reccomendations for Great spec laptop, I need 4/5 of them.

120 Gig Hard Drives can be had from SVP for about 60 quid, still cheaper than the Comet offer and you could sell the old Advent one on Ebay for a few quid as well. Just depends on whether you fancy an Advent or not. I personally am going for an Acer because the UK service centre is 10 miles away from home and they have already promised to look after any "mechanical" probelms I might have with it.

[deedub777]

search the PC world site for a Advent 8109.... class!!
1.6 GHZ Celeron
1024 MB Ram
60GB HDD
Windows Vista
£399

The spec says this is Wirless enabled but other details - anyone know if "enabled" means built-in?

Thanks

[energy80s]

The spec says this is Wirless enabled but other details - anyone know if "enabled" means built-in?

Thanks

Yes, it usually does. It's hard to get a lappy these days that ISN'T wireless enabled.

[spike87]

I am off to PCWorld tomorrow to buy the Toshiba A100-337 Dual Core laptop for £499. Anyone find it any cheaper? I've checked but I think they're the cheapest. Hopefully they'll throw a carry case in with it :rolleyes: .

[deedub777]

Have a look at http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5051AWXMi_LX.AG30J.056/version.asp
Processor: AMD Turion 64 MK-36 - 2GHz, 512KB L2 Cache
RAM: 512MB DDR2 - Low Cost Double Memory Offer - Call For Details! (about £59 fitted)
Hard Drive: 60GB
Screen: 14.1" Widescreen TFT (1280x800 - 16:10)
Optical Drive: DVD±RW Super Multi Double Layer (even does DVD-RAM)
Graphics: Integrated Graphics supporting 128MB
Wireless LAN: 802.11a/b/g
Battery Life (Depending on Use): 2.5 hours
Weight: Only 2.4 kg
Warranty: 1 Year Collect and Return - Upgradeable to 3 Years for only £49!
Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition - FREE Upgrade To Windows Vista
Fast Ethernet 10/100 + 56k Dial-Up Modem
S-Video Output (watch Laptop output on a TV)
Flash Memory Card Reader (MMC, MS, MS-pro, SD, XD)
Built-In Stereo Speakers + Microphone

Order any accessory or software (and get free delivery). If you haggle or quote them a cheaper price elsewhere, they will match it!!

[Tinkerbell21]

I am off to PCWorld tomorrow to buy the Toshiba A100-337 Dual Core laptop for £499. Anyone find it any cheaper? I've checked but I think they're the cheapest. Hopefully they'll throw a carry case in with it :rolleyes: .

I am going to PC World on the weekend to have a look at this laptop. The price online now seems to have gone up to £549.99p.

[spike87]

Yep it has gone up to £549.99, but if you say you've seen it on the net for £499 they'll let you have it for that :rolleyes: . Doesn't come with any Office software and they couldn't even give me a little freebie so I'm still on the look for a new laptop.

[petergatestone]

Just recieved this on a mailshot:


At only £349.99 inc VAT, you would expect the Nec NNAB2000101 laptop (http://www.think4.com/notebooks_laptops/nec_generation_nnab2000101_p_m740_512mb_60gb_dvdrw _wlan.html)to be a low spec, mediocre unit, however, the reality is very different. This robust laptop, is fully equipped with all the latest techonology including Fingerprint recognition and DVD Writer.

FREE BAG INCLUDED

SPECIFICATIONS
Pentium M 740 processor, 512MB memory, 60GB Hard Drive, 14" Widescreen display, DVD-RW drive, Windows XP Home, Thin & light, Comprehensive embedded security, 3 Year Anti-theft Warranty.

ONLY £349.99 inc VAT

[deedub777]

Have a look at [url]
Order any accessory or software (and get free delivery). If you haggle or quote them a cheaper price elsewhere, they will match it!!
Got them down to £388 (matched www.technoworld.co.uk price)

[dihunny]

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-4597.aspx

dihunny

[swizzle]

What about this top seller at laptops direct Acer Aspire 5051AWXMi at £399.97 in vat?

You can send off for a disk free upgrade to VISTA or is it better to stick with the windows xp media edtition that is already on it?
Or wait a bit and buy 1 with Vista already on?

What it for normal home stuff.

Thanks

[deedub777]

What about this top seller at laptops direct Acer Aspire 5051AWXMi at £399.97 in vat?

You can send off for a disk free upgrade to VISTA or is it better to stick with the windows xp media edtition that is already on it?
Or wait a bit and buy 1 with Vista already on?

What it for normal home stuff.

Thanks
I was going to send off for the Vista upgrade but was warned away from it. With only 512Mb RAM, it would struggle with the resource hungry Vista. You would need to upgrade the memory. I'll be sticking with XP

[littleange]

I was going to send off for the Vista upgrade but was warned away from it. With only 512Mb RAM, it would struggle with the resource hungry Vista. You would need to upgrade the memory. I'll be sticking with XP

Is it not worth getting the upgrade disk anyway, incase you decide to upgrade the laptop at a later date?

[southantrim3]

I know this is very hard to believe but this is what I got in their Bangor (Northern Ireland) store on Saturday afternoon. It was an ex-demo so had a few scuff marks. It also had a 1 year warranty.

I got and Advent 1500MHz intel celeron processor
60 GB Hard Drive
512Mb Ram
4 USB ports
Built in mic, speakers, modem.
DVD +/- RW drive
Preloaded Windows XP home and MS Works

All for £213.97!! (inclusive.)

[southantrim3]

BTW this was a laptop!!

[deedub777]

Got them down to £388 (matched www.technoworld.co.uk price)
Taken delivery of this laptop now ad I must say I am very impressed! I heard Acer were good:T
The display is very similar to the Sony Vaio (glossy and bright) if you like that sort of thing, dead easy to setup and got it hooked into the wireless for internet, printing and file sharing easy peasy.
The DVD writer is a Pioneer and they are very good too (also reads DVD RAM disks).
Laptopdirect were very efficient too!

[kirill]

hey, guys anything between £350-400 had a look at a few models most of the good deals are out of stock so quickly, any offers would be really appreciated.

[shazam]

Hi,
there are so many laptops to choose from and so im not to sure which one to get. the ones below seem cheap, but are they any good?
I just need the laptop for work, any other suggestions

thanks

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Fujitsu_Siemens_Amilo_Pro_V3515_VFY:EM71V3515AB2GB/version-1.asp

http://direct.tesco.com/product/default.aspx?R=200-4597

[deedub777]

Hi,
there are so many laptops to choose from and so im not to sure which one to get. the ones below seem cheap, but are they any good?
I just need the laptop for work, any other suggestions

thanks

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Fujitsu_Siemens_Amilo_Pro_V3515_VFY:EM71V3515AB2GB/version-1.asp

http://direct.tesco.com/product/default.aspx?R=200-4597
Go for this one...
Acer Aspire 5051 (http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5051AWXMi_LX.AG30J.056/version.asp) then hunt for cheaper price and they will match it.

[energy80s]

I know this is very hard to believe but this is what I got in their Bangor (Northern Ireland) store on Saturday afternoon. It was an ex-demo so had a few scuff marks. It also had a 1 year warranty.

I got and Advent 1500MHz intel celeron processor
60 GB Hard Drive
512Mb Ram
4 USB ports
Built in mic, speakers, modem.
DVD +/- RW drive
Preloaded Windows XP home and MS Works

All for £213.97!! (inclusive.)

I would be very wary of buying ex-demo stock from PC World as the keyboards especially will be "battered to f**k". Hopefully you will have better luck with your purchase than I've had with mine. Acer going back to PCW tonight with a dead DVD drive!

[petergatestone]

Build quality is important when looking at the budget end of the market. Have a look at the Lenovo 3000 N100 (http://www.think4.com/notebooks_laptops/lenovo_3000_n100_0768_celeron_m_420_1_6_ghz__50398 5.html). This is a Wifi DVDRW laptop for £352.49 inc VAT. Lenovo used to be IBM who have an excellent reputation for building solid, reliable notebooks.

[huddsta]

Go for this one...
Acer Aspire 5051 (http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_...56/version.asp) then hunt for cheaper price and they will match it.

Anyone know of a site worth price matching?

[deedub777]

Anyone know of a site worth price matching?
Yes, try technoworld

Originally Posted by deedub777
Got them down to £388 (matched www.technoworld.co.uk price)

[fitorbust]

Have just ordered this one

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-3601.aspx

and the spec seems great - better than the Acer and the reviews are good.
£399 seems a good price and you can use a tesco code to get either 1000 or 500 extra clubcard points if that is your thing!!
L x

[Guy_laister]

Thisis the best

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-0972.aspx
Audio Features Yes
Bluetooth Yes
Brand Acer
Built-in Webcam Yes
Card Reader Yes
Features of Product Intel Celeron 420 Processor, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hdd, 14.1" TFT screen, DVD-RW optical drive, 5 in 1 card reader, 0.3MP Orbicam, 12 months warranty. Up to 2.5 hours battery life
Graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Hard Drive 80GB
Memory 512MB
Mouse Touchpad
Number of USB Ports 4
Operating System Windows Vista™ Home Basic
Optical Drive DVD-RW
Processor Intel Celeron M Processor 420
Product Depth 26.5 cm
Product Height 2.93 cm
Product Width 35.8 cm
Screen Size 14.1"
TV Tuner None
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi


so good for the money. i have one and its fab

£379.93
379 Clubcard points

[peedy-wessex]

What do we want, folks, the cheapest - or the best? Cheapest won't be much good if you want to manipulate pictures, download videos etc. The best will set you back £2K. In the middle is the happy medium: You'll need to pay £.8K to £1K to get a gig of RAM and a 250 gB HDD, a good graphics card, a tv tuner, twin layer DVD and lots of ports around the edges plus at least a 17 inch TFT. Then you've got a nice machine and worth the extra few quid (well extra 300 quid then. Who's counting?)

[Bascule]

peedy-wessex is right BUT I think something like this would be a very happy medium:

Gateway MT6825B £499

Audio Features Yes
Bluetooth No
Brand Gateway
Card Reader Yes
Graphics Intel graphics media accelerator 950 with up to 224MB shared video memory
Hard Drive 100GB
Memory 1GB DDR2
Mouse Touchpad
Number of USB Ports 4
Operating System Windows Vista™ Home Premium
Optical Drive DVDRW
Processor Intel core 2 duo Processor T5200
Product Depth 15.5 cm
Product Height 43 cm
Product Width 34.7 cm
Screen Size Features 15.4inch wide
Software Load Windows Vista™ Home Premium, Microsoft Works 8.0, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 (60 Day trial), Adobe Reader 8.0, McAfee Internet Security Suite (90 Day Trial)
Wi-Fi Yes

[speedy gonzalez]

That's one of the ones I'm considering. I haven't heard much about Gateway's aftersales service though, which I'd be interested in.

[littleange]

I'd go for a core 2 duo for the extra £100 over the celeron

[Bascule]

That's one of the ones I'm considering. I haven't heard much about Gateway's aftersales service though, which I'd be interested in.

Yes the warranty is not the best. I'm also looking at this one against the Gateway:
Asus F3F Laptop - F3F-AP132C £589.97
Processor: Intel Core Duo T2250 - 1.7GHz (x2), 2MB L2 Cache
RAM: 1024MB DDR2-667MHz - Low Cost Double Memory Offer - Call For Details!
Hard Drive: 120GB SATA
Screen: 15.4" TFT with Colour Shine
Optical Drive: DVD±RW
Graphics: Integrated Graphics supporting 128MB
Wireless LAN: 802.11b/g - Call for advice on Wireless Networking
Warranty: 2 Year Collect and Return - Upgradeable to 3 Years!
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium Edition
Built-In 1.3 MegaPixel Camera

Pros:
Much better warranty
Slightly bigger hard disk
Carrying case + mouse
Integrated webcam

Cons:
Slightly older proc (but not bad)
No MS Works
Bit more expensive

*sigh* never easy is it when you're a money saver? Can't just say "hang the expence" and get the biggest and best!

[jameswick]

Hello all...

Just wondering if you can help... I'm in the market for a new laptop as my desktop's gone up the spout. I do a fair whack of audio editing and use adobe photoshop elements 5 a fair bit, as well as listening to music and going on t'internet. Just wondering what I should go for? I've seen this: http://www.comet.co.uk/cometbrowse/product.do?sku=363294&tab=specification#spec

and this: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/notebooks_better?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs (the one at 599)

Any suggestions as to which is best for me - I'm looking not just at value but also reliability, speed etc.

Thank you in advance. It's a minefield out there!

[Hey Dude]

Have just ordered this one

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-3601.aspx

and the spec seems great - better than the Acer and the reviews are good.
£399 seems a good price and you can use a tesco code to get either 1000 or 500 extra clubcard points if that is your thing!!
L x

Damn - this one seems to be £450 now.

Spec looks good though for the price.

Worth buying? £450 is my absolute limit!

Duder

[spike87]

Not bad, but you can get a Core Duo processor for less.

[Hey Dude]

Not bad, but you can get a Core Duo processor for less.

Can you point me in the right direction?

MTIA

Duder

[spike87]

Keep checking places like:

http://www.dabs.com

http://www.ebuyer.com

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk

One will pop up eventually. I purchased one from dabs at the beginning of Feb for £399, went through Pigsback and got £50 worth of vouchers so in the end it worked out at £349!

[wakandem]

The cheap end of the market is so dodgy. You can get cheap laptops from Aldi, Asda, Tesco etc but at the end of the day the laptops are not built that well, get too hot & do not last that long. Stay well away from any 2nd hand laptops as they will be overpriced and worn out.
Dell laptops are generally robust work horses that will go on and on. There has also been some thought put into the design & build. For economy I wouldn't recomend anything else

[emc]

Has anyone had much trouble with dead pixels on their new laptop?

I've seen a laptop suppliers website offering a charged option for a check of the laptop before despatch, including a check for dead pixels.

Does this imply that

(1) this company sends out laptops without checking them, and

(2) people who buy from this company without paying the premium for the check are more likely to receive a laptop with dead pixels?

[swizzle]

Toshiba Equium A100-027 Pentium Dual Core 1.6GHz / 1024MB / 80GB / TFT15.4 / DVDRW / Windows Vista Home Premium £485

Showing on Pricerunner as 1 of most popular products.

It has a firewire out- but will it be up to the job of editing from my camcorder and burning to dvd?

Also want it for general stuff.

My budget is £500 and I would like Vista home Premium

[i-luv-free-stuff]

I have just purchased the Acer Aspire 5101AWLMi from ebuyer.com, which I am extremely pleased with:

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=24400744139&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=121052

* Processor: Mobile AMD MK-36 Turion 2.0GHz Processor
* RAM: 1024MB DDR2-533MHz
* Hard Drive: 120GB
* Screen: 15.4" Widescreen TFTwith CrystalBrite Technology
* Optical Drive: DVD±RW Super Multi
* Graphics: ATI Radeon® Xpress 1100 integrated 3D graphics
* Wireless LAN: 802.11b/g
* Warranty: 1 Year
* Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition
* Windows Vista Compatible (includes upgrade voucher)
* Fast Ethernet 10/100
* Built-In 0.3 MegaPixel Camera
* Flash Memory Card Reader (MMC, MS, MS-pro, SD, SM, XD)

Lovely machine, and excellent service from ebuyer, with free delivery (quoted at 5 days - took 2).:T

i got this one too from http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp
and i am extremely pleased with it.
i got mine for £489 but price seems to go up and down

[j1mgg]

i usually check out this

www.buyit247.net for good deals or always try misco

[LJ50]

The cheap end of the market is so dodgy. You can get cheap laptops from Aldi, Asda, Tesco etc but at the end of the day the laptops are not built that well, get too hot & do not last that long. Stay well away from any 2nd hand laptops as they will be overpriced and worn out.
Dell laptops are generally robust work horses that will go on and on. There has also been some thought put into the design & build. For economy I wouldn't recomend anything else
Strongly disagree to be honest.

At the cheaper end of the market Acer reign supreme in my view. The only thing they do wrong is the daft partioning are formatting of the drives as FAT32.

Quite how Dell has risen to its prominence in the market is beyond me. I've experienced nothing but problems with them, and even when they've worked properly they've always "creaked" and rattled a bit. Dell's after sales service is woeful. After the markings on the keys on a Dell laptop my mum had started to disappear after only 3 months Dell wanted to charge her £100 for a new keyboard as apparently it counts a a "consumable" and therefore not covered under warranty! A integrated keyboard?! A consumable?!

HP laptops remain far and away the best IMO, but sadly my work have the usual Dell deal. 2 year old HP laptop at home, pristine still, 3 month old Dell for work, creaks, lid catch isn't right and the hard drive is noisy.

[energy80s]

i got this one too from http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Aspire_Aspire_5101_AWLMi_Laptop_LX.ABH0J.083/version.asp
and i am extremely pleased with it.
i got mine for £489 but price seems to go up and down

I got a similar machine (except with an 80 gig HD) from PC World for £480 a few weeks ago. They are now down to £470. I can honestly say that it is a great machine - I have been using mine for both audio and video editing and general multimedia work. Have also been showing it off to friends in work and they are all suitably impressed. Go for it!

[Backbiter]

Quite how Dell has risen to its prominence in the market is beyond me. I've experienced nothing but problems with them, and even when they've worked properly they've always "creaked" and rattled a bit. Dell's after sales service is woeful. After the markings on the keys on a Dell laptop my mum had started to disappear after only 3 months Dell wanted to charge her £100 for a new keyboard as apparently it counts a a "consumable" and therefore not covered under warranty! A integrated keyboard?! A consumable?!



I agree. I've owned 2 Dell laptops (from work) and they've been poor from the day I had them - unbelievably slow. One (an XP) won't recognise a USB stick.
They also refused to honour the £100 cashback deal they were offering, and just ignored the letters we sent.

[nickj]

Have a look at http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5051AWXMi_LX.AG30J.056/version.asp
Processor: AMD Turion 64 MK-36 - 2GHz, 512KB L2 Cache
RAM: 512MB DDR2 - Low Cost Double Memory Offer - Call For Details! (about £59 fitted)
Hard Drive: 60GB
Screen: 14.1" Widescreen TFT (1280x800 - 16:10)
Optical Drive: DVD±RW Super Multi Double Layer (even does DVD-RAM)
Graphics: Integrated Graphics supporting 128MB
Wireless LAN: 802.11a/b/g
Battery Life (Depending on Use): 2.5 hours
Weight: Only 2.4 kg
Warranty: 1 Year Collect and Return - Upgradeable to 3 Years for only £49!
Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition - FREE Upgrade To Windows Vista
Fast Ethernet 10/100 + 56k Dial-Up Modem
S-Video Output (watch Laptop output on a TV)
Flash Memory Card Reader (MMC, MS, MS-pro, SD, XD)
Built-In Stereo Speakers + Microphone

Order any accessory or software (and get free delivery). If you haggle or quote them a cheaper price elsewhere, they will match it!!

i have just purchased this after my dd decided on tuesday that she wanted laptop for her birthday , ordered it at 4-00pm wednesday and it arrived 1st thing friday , it would have arrived thursday , but i upgraded the memory to cope with vista , the service was very good and efficient and i would reccomend them , the notebook is very good too

[swizzle]

Been looking at Toshiba A100-027, 1 thing I like is that it has a firewire port which means I will be able to plug my DV camcorder into it and burn to DVD.

Does anyone eles know of a Vista Premium laptop around £500 that also has firewire?

Thank you

[energy80s]

You can get a firewire PCMCIA card for a laptop from Ebay for a couple of quid. Don't be put off buying a laptop just because it doesn't have a firewire port. However, how well Vista will handle video editing is anyone's guess, as video uses up a lot of resources and Vista has most of those hogged already.

[Haynonnie]

If you're after a small and lightweight lappy you can pick up a 12" Dell Latitude D410 (http://www.think4.com/notebooks_laptops/dell_latitude_d410_notebook_12_display_pentium_m_7 60_2ghz_xp_pro.html) for £399.99 inc VAT. You'd think smaller laptops would be cheaper than bog standard 15" models but this is not the case. The cheapest 12" laptop I could find on Kelkoo (http://computing.kelkoo.co.uk/ctl/do/drilldown~113501/12_1__-_13_9_) is over £700

Unfortunately these sold out mega-fast. They looked fab.

I need an ultra-portable laptop to take on the bus to uni with me every day for wireless internet connection and MS Office applications only - I'm not bothered about it being Vista-enabled and it doesn't need to be powerful, just lightweight.

12" and under 2kg would be ideal but is there anything out there for less than £700? I'm too scared to buy refurbished/secondhand.

Thanks