The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

[BP56134]

Ebuyer seem to think it can - they do two 'bundles' - one with an extra 1GB, the other with an extra 2GB, and that is also listed as the maximum in the specs for the laptop.
Has anyone got any experience of this please?

[JDPower]

Ebuyer seem to think it can - they do two 'bundles' - one with an extra 1GB, the other with an extra 2GB, and that is also listed as the maximum in the specs for the laptop.
Has anyone got any experience of this please?
I have just checked on Crucial and it does only have two RAM slots so you would have 2GB RAM with that deal. Still a good deal though as it's Crucial memory in the deal and works out a couple of quid cheaper than their own site.

EDIT: By the way here's the link to Crucial so you can see for yourself: http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=3000%20N200%20Series%20%28All %20Types%29 (http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listparts.aspx?model=3000%20N200%20Series%20%28All %20Types%29)

[BP56134]

They have a memory thing that I think is one stick with 2GB on. Is it do you know, and if so would this do if I got this instead?
Or do you think it should be OK with the 2GB in total?
Thanks for all your help!

[BP56134]

Whoops should have given you the link to the 2GB one

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/131133

[JDPower]

They have a memory thing that I think is one stick with 2GB on. Is it do you know, and if so would this do if I got this instead?
Or do you think it should be OK with the 2GB in total?
Thanks for all your help!
You could do but it's generally recommended to have matched pairs of RAM (eg 2x1gb). If you got a 2GB stick you'd have one 512MB and one 2GB (not ideal).

I wouldn't worry though, unless you're using some heavy resource programs 2GB is absolutely fine, it's what I have in my laptop (with a very similar spec to that Lenovo) and it is plenty. I doubt there'd even be any noticeable difference between 2 and 3GB (the max XP can use), at least with Windows XP which is what that comes with (if it were Vista I might say otherwise but it's not) ;)

[rliu]

Hi I'm in a pickle over whether to go for the XPS M1530, which is on sale at the moment, for a configuration that gives a Blu-ray or not. The configuration without is reduced by £150, so I can get it for a 2.4 Ghz Intel Core Duo T7700 with 2GB memory, 250 GB hard drive, 9 cell battery and 15.4" inch screen with 1440*900 display for £980. Whereas with Blu-ray the same configuration is £1130 but reduced by £300. Is Blu-ray worth investing with an extra £150 for at the moment? Or is it better to go for a better processor and a larger battery? Also have Dell reduced prices by as much as £150-300 before, as part of the reason I'm tempted to buy now is that I fear they won't reduce prices by as much in future.

[JDPower]

Hi I'm in a pickle over whether to go for the XPS M1530, which is on sale at the moment, for a configuration that gives a Blu-ray or not. The configuration without is reduced by £150, so I can get it for a 2.4 Ghz Intel Core Duo T7700 with 2GB memory, 250 GB hard drive, 9 cell battery and 15.4" inch screen with 1440*900 display for £980.

How much :shocked:. Whether you get a Blu-Ray drive depends on whether you want to watch Blu-Ray discs on your laptop or not.

[rliu]

How much :shocked:. Whether you get a Blu-Ray drive depends on whether you want to watch Blu-Ray discs on your laptop or not.

Yeah I was just agonising over whether I want that exactly. It's a new format and it's up against HD-DVD so one of them will at some point become obsolete, and I read articles saying older Blu-ray players have become incompatible with newer discs and firmware. So do people think it's worth going for Blu-ray?

[JDPower]

Yeah I was just agonising over whether I want that exactly. It's a new format and it's up against HD-DVD so one of them will at some point become obsolete, and I read articles saying older Blu-ray players have become incompatible with newer discs and firmware. So do people think it's worth going for Blu-ray?
Like I said, are you actually going to watch Blu-Ray on your laptop??? Me personally I wouldn't, I'd rather wait and buy a standalone Blu-Ray and watch them on my actual TV. (Although there are the advantages of the increased storage size of the Blu-Ray disc for burning backups etc to but I've no experience of using them for that)

[cyclotron451]

Hi I'm in a pickle over whether to go for the XPS M1530, which is on sale at the moment, for a configuration that gives a Blu-ray or not. The configuration without is reduced by £150, so I can get it for a 2.4 Ghz Intel Core Duo T7700 with 2GB memory, 250 GB hard drive, 9 cell battery and 15.4" inch screen with 1440*900 display for £980. Whereas with Blu-ray the same configuration is £1130 but reduced by £300. Is Blu-ray worth investing with an extra £150 for at the moment? Or is it better to go for a better processor and a larger battery? Also have Dell reduced prices by as much as £150-300 before, as part of the reason I'm tempted to buy now is that I fear they won't reduce prices by as much in future.


these Dell prices are getting into Apple or Sony territory! I've always bought the €449 Dells (with XP and C2D)
As for Blu-Ray, most techies think that Blu-Ray has won, though there may be some last gasps from the HD-DVD community. Steve Jobs indicated last week that he preferred downloadable movies to either disc format.
as for 'cheap' Apples I usually buy from http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=A8E69317&nclm=Certified hopefully this will link to Apple Refurb where currently the White Shiny Macbook is on offer at £599 instead of £699. (sometimes the UKstore links time-out, in which case just look to the bottom right of the http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/ukstore and you'll see the "Save" area!)

just a reminder that all the new Apples run Windows XP perfectly, (even Vista if you must), it is recommended to use a two button mouse

[dieseldog]

I was in tesco today looking at the dell 1720 laptop,very nice machine £699 bit steep i thought.Just had a look on the dell website same laptop £429 a nice machine for that price.

[uktyler]

Morgan have more of the £250 laptops in:

Howeer they don't seem to know if they have 1GB or 512MB memory, I would call them before you order:

http://morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=4473&CategoryID=11&SubCategoryID=345

Full featured factory rework notebook sub �250 - 1GB RAM, 80GB storage, DVD writer, UltraBright widescreen display and wireless networking


Intel Celeron M 520 processor (1.6GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 533MHz bus)
512Mb DDR2 RAM, 80GB hard disk and 8x multiformat DVD writer
15.4" widescreen Ultrabright display (1280 x 800 WXGA resolution)
Intel GMA 950 chipset with 224MB shared graphics
Wireless networking, 4-in-1 card reader, 10/100 LAN and 56K modem
High definition sound & stereo speakers, 6 cell lithium-ion batteryStock Status
Factory rework stock
Warranty
Six month warranty

[Itchy Niagras]

For people who are happy with refurb deals, this model represents decent value, IMHO!:wink:

Gateway refurbished laptop (http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=297665&CatId=2743) from Misco.

[JDPower]

Morgan have more of the £250 laptops in:

Howeer they don't seem to know if they have 1GB or 512MB memory, I would call them before you order:

http://morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=4473&CategoryID=11&SubCategoryID=345

That's only worth about £250 brand new, wouldn't pay that much for a refurb one.

[davethecue]

Hi
Which is the best laptop for battery life. My friend has a Dell c600 and the battery only seems to last 10 mins. Is this usual. I 've seen a refurb of this for £250 and was considering it
Sorry if this has been asked before but I tried searching and couldn't find the answer
A big thanx in advance

[Computertec]

Hi,

Dell Vostro 1500

Intel Duel Core 2
160gb
3 GB RAM
VISTA Premium
Wi-fi Card

Only £375
Getting It Now :)

[ioscorpio]

LIDL Thursday 7 Feb new store opening at Chesterfield have a Targus 12" Traveller Notebook with 60gb RAM and 512 RAM and Win XP for £249

[d123]

LIDL Thursday 7 Feb new store opening at Chesterfield have a Targus 12" Traveller Notebook with 60gb RAM and 512 RAM and Win XP for £249


Do you have a link?

There is nothing showing on the LIDL website for Chesterfield, and a web search seems to indicate that Targus only make laptop cases and bags, not laptops.

[toasterman]

Not sure if this has been posted already but I was just downloading some print drivers and there's a HP advert for this:
http://h41306.www4.hp.com/itemDetails?SID=298cee12dd41c744452f2ffb1d6bd9fb96 3:1223&sku=KQ630AA

Operating system installed - Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
Processor type - Intel Core Duo T2400 / 1.83 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Memory - 1GB
Internal hard disk drive - 120 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Optical drive type - DVD±RW (+R double layer) / DVD-RAM
Display size - 15.4" TFT active matrix 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )

Ok it's only vista basic and I don't think it's quite as fast as the core2duo chips, but for £311 inc vat, it looks like a bargain to me. And you can get another 5% off buying through Quidco.

Almost wish I was in the market for a laptop myself

[StickS]

Not sure if this has been posted already but I was just downloading some print drivers and there's a HP advert for this:
http://h41306.www4.hp.com/itemDetails?SID=298cee12dd41c744452f2ffb1d6bd9fb96 3:1223&sku=KQ630AA

Operating system installed - Genuine Windows Vista® Home Basic
Processor type - Intel Core Duo T2400 / 1.83 GHz ( Dual-Core )
Memory - 1GB
Internal hard disk drive - 120 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Optical drive type - DVD±RW (+R double layer) / DVD-RAM
Display size - 15.4" TFT active matrix 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )

Ok it's only vista basic and I don't think it's quite as fast as the core2duo chips, but for £311 inc vat, it looks like a bargain to me. And you can get another 5% off buying through Quidco.

Almost wish I was in the market for a laptop myself

£40 off with this voucher code. HPOPTF

Although i don't think its a Core Duo, its a Celeron. I know it says otherwise in the spec, but when you look at it on this page http://h41306.www4.hp.com/section?SID=c5867192ff5f5d8a70442b642a1e1f58100:12 23&secid=47413
it says Celeron and the next model up is a Core Duo. Think there has been a mix up somewhere.

[toasterman]

£40 off with this voucher code. HPOPTF

Although i don't think its a Core Duo, its a Celeron. I know it says otherwise in the spec, but when you look at it on this page http://h41306.www4.hp.com/section?SID=c5867192ff5f5d8a70442b642a1e1f58100:12 23&secid=47413
it says Celeron and the next model up is a Core Duo. Think there has been a mix up somewhere.
Ah shame. It's not all that special if it's just a celeron.
£300 for a celeron laptop is pretty commonly available now. Thought it was too good to be true.

[ioscorpio]

d123
There was an advert in the local free paper Chesterfield Advertiser 1/2/08

12" widescreen, wireless, 3 year warranty, it says Targa on the ad but also says Win XP, AMD, LG, Western Digital

http://www.targa.co.uk/index.jsp?NAV=236&PCAT=2&PTUBE=12

[toasterman]

Only thing wrong with that is the "up to 2 hours battery life". That's pretty poor.

[apartridge87]

I'd personally recommend the toshiba satellite range..they have a higher spec than those previously mentioned but still for a pretty good price..cheapest Ive seen is here: http://www.dcsplc.co.uk/product/98220

Thats one im heavily considering myself on the recommendation of a friend that it lasts longer than 10 minutes and costs less than 500 quid!

[dekh]

Have you seen the teeny tiny Asus Eee PC?

Not hugely powerful but teeny weeny :)

[d123]

In a moment of madness (or so I thought) I have bought a laptop from PC World, and to make it worse it was an Advent. (It was just supposed to be a cheap short term stopgap after a problem with my Toshiba.

But after 2 weeks of use I am really pleasantly surprised by it, it's the Advent 9912 (£349.99), and the build quality is at least as good as my now gone Toshiba u200 (which cost £749.99). I have no plans to replace with another machine in the forseeable future.

The Toshiba was a core2duo 1.66mhz with 1GB RAM while the Advent is (only) a Celeron 1.73mhz which also came with 1GB RAM, I had a spare 512MB module which I have added (Advent had the decency of using 1x1GB, rather than 2x512MB that Toshiba used).

Surprisingly the apparent defiencies of the Advent don't actually have an impact on performance in comparison to the more expensive Toshiba, especially as the Tosh ran XP while the Advent runs Vista Home Premium.

Even heavy duty duty programs like Photoshop CS3 run as well on the Advent.

My conclusion, anyone looking for a cheapish small laptop (12" screen) can do far worse than the Advent 9912, it's nothing like the Advent I tried about 2 years ago, it has good build quality, very good LCD, good battery life and performance to match a Toshiba 12" laptop that cost more than double the price.

[Pecunia_non_olet]

Have you seen the teeny tiny Asus Eee PC?

Not hugely powerful but teeny weeny :)

Saw it in PCWorld, wanted it straightaway!

Spec stuff:
£220
800 mHz processor
512 mb RAM
4 gig hard drive - solid state drive
3 x usb
built in wireless, webcam, microphone & speakers
Linux OS

I wouldn't have it as my main computer but I reckon it'd be great for taking with you to work or friends, etc.

Plus it's got Linux not Windows so you get a lot more out of your 800 mHz processor and 512 mb RAM.
:cool:

[dekh]

It weighs less than 1Kg
You can add more memory.
It comes in black or white
Later this year there should be an 8Gig version

[lkoky]

Has anyone bought this HP 17" laptop from ebuyer?
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/133331

It supposedly comes with a £50 cashback, I just wondered whether this is the right model? Because on the claim form there are three 6820 models and only one is with £50 cashback and I couldnt find any details on this particularly model.

Just want to make sure the £50 cashback is actually claimable before order

thanks.

[Saeed]

Dell were doing a Vostro 1500, core 2 Duo 1.4Ghz, 2GB RAM, 120GB HDD, DVDRW, 15.4" Trulife, 1yr business hardware warranty, for £311 a little while ago and the Vostro 1500 is rock solid with little flex anywhere.

[cath76]

Hiya!!!

Is this a good deal please????

I want it for the internet, emails, burning cd's and dvd's, doing comps.

Is this ok, or are there better deals out there?

Any opinions appreciated.

Thanks

Cath








Fujitsu Siemens Esprimo Mobile V5535 15.4" Laptop
Catalogue number: 203-6392
http://direct.tesco.com/pi/Product/2/SS08203-6392TPS301354.jpg (http://direct.tesco.com/product/images/?R=203-6392) http://direct.tesco.com/direct/i/b/enlargeImageWhiteBg.gif (http://direct.tesco.com/product/images/?R=203-6392)

<LI class=priceNow>£299.00 <LI class=cc>299 Clubcard points <LI class=cat>This requires an adult to sign upon delivery <LI class=general>
Save £10 off selected laptop bags when you buy any laptop - please add both to your basket (http://direct.tesco.com/promo/?id=S00005196)

[lkoky]

Dell were doing a Vostro 1500, core 2 Duo 1.4Ghz, 2GB RAM, 120GB HDD, DVDRW, 15.4" Trulife, 1yr business hardware warranty, for £311 a little while ago and the Vostro 1500 is rock solid with little flex anywhere.

This seem to be placed under Dell small business section, can I as a consumer order it?

[spud17]

Copied and pasted from dmxdimension (http://www.dmxdimension.com/dell-uk/vostro-deal-comparison/)

The links provided below will take you to the Vostro systems on the Dell UK Small Business website. You are still allowed to purchase these systems if you are a home user. During the checkout process you will be asked to provide a business name, however it is perfectly acceptable to enter your own name in this space.

[Saeed]

This seem to be placed under Dell small business section, can I as a consumer order it?

I bought mine from the home section using an e-value code. You can still buy from small business side, but you need to know that you have less rights with regards to retuns as a business seller, so make sure you know what you want as dell may not accept it back if you don't like it. if you want to see dell's in the flesh, currys are stocking the inspiron 1502 at inflated prices so go theer and see what you amke of them. the inspirons are the same as the vostro's.

[AliceBanned]

In a moment of madness (or so I thought) I have bought a laptop from PC World, and to make it worse it was an Advent. (It was just supposed to be a cheap short term stopgap after a problem with my Toshiba.

But after 2 weeks of use I am really pleasantly surprised by it, it's the Advent 9912 (£349.99), and the build quality is at least as good as my now gone Toshiba u200 (which cost £749.99). I have no plans to replace with another machine in the forseeable future.

The Toshiba was a core2duo 1.66mhz with 1GB RAM while the Advent is (only) a Celeron 1.73mhz which also came with 1GB RAM, I had a spare 512MB module which I have added (Advent had the decency of using 1x1GB, rather than 2x512MB that Toshiba used).

Surprisingly the apparent defiencies of the Advent don't actually have an impact on performance in comparison to the more expensive Toshiba, especially as the Tosh ran XP while the Advent runs Vista Home Premium.

Even heavy duty duty programs like Photoshop CS3 run as well on the Advent.

My conclusion, anyone looking for a cheapish small laptop (12&quot; screen) can do far worse than the Advent 9912, it's nothing like the Advent I tried about 2 years ago, it has good build quality, very good LCD, good battery life and performance to match a Toshiba 12&quot; laptop that cost more than double the price.

HiI found your post useful - am aiming to buy a laptop this week. Was going to go for a Toshiba but then realised that I don't like the keyboard, and as it will be a desktop replacement rather than portable that I'm after, the keyboard is important. I liked everything else about the Toshiba Satellites so was disappointed that I couldn't touch-type on them. Then in PC world today (I know!) I tried the Advent9517 (17" screen) for £475. Has windows Vista (dont know whether this is best), built in webcam, 2gb ram, 160gb. Screen is matt unlike most others nowadays.Also tried out similar models by Packard Bell and Acer, all preferable to the Toshiba "slippery" keyboard. Price wise I don't want to go much over £500. John Lewis offer 2 years guarantee on all their laptops, whereas only 1 year for PC world. Does anyone know where I can get better deals than either of these? The assistant in John Lewis was recommending Toshiba as the better brand in general but it isn't comfortable for me.I'm getting all mixed up by having so much choice! Any other advice would be appreciated - eg where I might get better deals on the internet?Thanks!

[ageandjo]

I know I have asked this before but I never got round to purchasing a new laptop, I now need to get one for my OH, it will be used for just mooching the net and using excel and word and that's about it really, no playing games etc... I would like to get one withing the next week or so, so if you kind peeps could point me in the direction of a decent lappy I would appreciate it.:j

[tradetime]

I know I have asked this before but I never got round to purchasing a new laptop, I now need to get one for my OH, it will be used for just mooching the net and using excel and word and that's about it really, no playing games etc... I would like to get one withing the next week or so, so if you kind peeps could point me in the direction of a decent lappy I would appreciate it.:j

This looks reasonable value for the spec

http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.aspx?sku=343857

or this if you can live with Vista Basic and without Dual core

http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.aspx?sku=345638
Don't think it represents as good value, but is cheaper.

[ANDENA]

just had my dell inspiron 6400 price £329 which i was happy with included vat and postage now i can get it for £279 at laptopsdirect.co.uk with free postage i have sent email to dell saying about it to see if they would give me a deal,You see dell is in Ireland that is why it cost so much.to get over here, dont think they will do anything it is worth a try any help on this would be most greatful.

[littleange]

I'd go for a Dell. Prices are good, support is good and batteries seem easy to take out.

[JDPower]

I'd go for a Dell. Prices are good, support is good and batteries seem easy to take out.
Price is good - agreed. Support is good? Not in my experience (dreadful/non-existent). Batteries easy to take out? I've never seen a laptop with a battery that's difficult to take out :huh:

[littleange]

Price is good - agreed. Support is good? Not in my experience (dreadful/non-existent). Batteries easy to take out? I've never seen a laptop with a battery that's difficult to take out :huh:

I've had a replacement dvd writer and keyboard, both sent out next day.

Batteries are sometime screwed in so you can't take them out on a daily basis.

[fjeer]

Asus EEEPC is here, £197

http://www.google.co.uk/product_url?q=http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Asus_Eee_PC_2GS_EEEPC2GS-BK004/version.asp%3Frefsource%3Dldfroogle&fr=AFJOqZ2fPc7FGyT8LsOJmVeTJpUzs3HQwUeUwBdMK8hOf8b M-mDA3tpBOOiVB-OSOvqIZVXFbiN_HJq5m4e6CUgmcBbVHFQMJFX6IO5muqwjVDjd 4hz72kps7odIGn7X9kKzDPVpTs55oIr0JU3qA_WUzAiH-4Ow0AAAAAAAAAAA&gl=uk&hl=en&sa=title

It also comes with Linux instead of Windows, which (after a month or so) you'll wonder how you lived without!

[Erica1]

Hi

I'm about to start a CELTA (teaching english as a foreign language) course and will need a laptop as I write painfully slowly due to being dyspraxic. It needs to be no more than £500 and preferably less than that. It needs to be light as I will be carrying it around quite a lot and have a bad shoulder (advice on cheap good laptop bags also gratefully accepted).I'm going to use MS Word/Excel also inspirations software and am also interested in whether you can get any equipment/software that can either print onto overheads or project onto a white screen as I obviously don't like writing on the board either. Preferably with quite a big memory as I have Itunes and a lot of music!Also advice on printers to go with it please as I need a printer too! Hope I've posted in the right section I'm new at this and don't have a clue about computers.

I was reading how buying in the USA can save money on laptops is it worth doing this?

[fatbobbutler]

Can i get an expert opinion on this laptop..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Dual-Core-Processor-Hard-drive-Accelerator/dp/B00131QZS6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203895474&sr=1-2



It's the Sony VAIO NR21..

I'm currently changing my beloved study into a nursery and will have no room for my 6yr old desktop, although I do need an upgrade anyway. I'm not going to be doing anything flash with it, but will be storing a lot of music for my I-pod and probably lots of photos too, all this along with the usual surfing and stuff, I have a wireless router for my Wii, so a decent laptop seems the obvious choice. I've got about £500 to spend..

I like Sony and think this is all I'll really need..

What do we think? Shall I go for it?

[MUDGUTS]

Asus EEEPC is here, £197

http://www.google.co.uk/product_url?q=http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Asus_Eee_PC_2GS_EEEPC2GS-BK004/version.asp%3Frefsource%3Dldfroogle&fr=AFJOqZ2fPc7FGyT8LsOJmVeTJpUzs3HQwUeUwBdMK8hOf8b M-mDA3tpBOOiVB-OSOvqIZVXFbiN_HJq5m4e6CUgmcBbVHFQMJFX6IO5muqwjVDjd 4hz72kps7odIGn7X9kKzDPVpTs55oIr0JU3qA_WUzAiH-4Ow0AAAAAAAAAAA&gl=uk&hl=en&sa=title

It also comes with Linux instead of Windows, which (after a month or so) you'll wonder how you lived without!


For a lot of people, the EEEPC is going to be a very viable alternative.

I think I'm going to get one. For me, the fact that it doesn't use MS windows is great.

In the longer term, I think this will bring down the price of cheap laptops, which seem to be stuck at £300 or so at the moment.

Once people who only need a small laptop start buying the EEE, other laptop makers will have to compete. This has a solid state drive, boots quickly, is tough, very portable and runs Openoffice and Linux.

[JDPower]

For a lot of people, the EEEPC is going to be a very viable alternative.

I think I'm going to get one. For me, the fact that it doesn't use MS windows is great.
That's only cos it can't as it only has a tiny 2GB flash hard drive, fine if you're only gonna use it for office stuff and only install one or two programs but anything else and it's pretty hopeless.

[Gary Delaney]

Hello,

I know little of tech stuff but I was wondering if someone wyse could point me in a better direction that tescos.

I want something to run word, excel, that i can play dvds on when on the road, download and store lots of music on, not too heavy to carry, that can use wi-fi and hopefully will last a few years. Budget, prepared to pay up to £500 I guess, but obviously cheaper would be nice.

Do I need to buy any add ons? anti-virus stuff? etc.

cheers

Gary

[d123]

Hello,

I know little of tech stuff but I was wondering if someone wyse could point me in a better direction that tescos.

I want something to run word, excel, that i can play dvds on when on the road, download and store lots of music on, not too heavy to carry, that can use wi-fi and hopefully will last a few years. Budget, prepared to pay up to £500 I guess, but obviously cheaper would be nice.

Do I need to buy any add ons? anti-virus stuff? etc.

cheers

Gary

Have a look at the Advent 9912 at PC World, £349.99 for a sub-notebook 12" screen, 1.8kg, so nice size for portability. I've had the model for over a month now, and build quality is very good.

For DVD's it has a DVD multi burner, so watching and burning DVD's is covered.
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0397454251.120413594 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdcadedgijflffcflgceggdhhmdgmj.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=001065&category_oid=-27757

With regard to anti-virus, look at avast ( www.avast.com (http://www.avast.com) ) for a very good free anti-virus program.

Direct link to the free English version - http://files.avast.com/iavs4pro/setupeng.exe

[JDPower]

Do I need to buy any add ons? anti-virus stuff? etc.
There's no need to pay for stuff like anti-virus, there are plenty of excellent free anti-virus (AVG Free (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-virus/us/frt/0), Avast (http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html)), anti-malware programs (SuperAntiSpyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/), Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html), Spyware Blaster (http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html)) and firewalls (Sygate (http://www.filehippo.com/download_sygate_personal_firewall/), Online Armor (http://www.tallemu.com/free-firewall-protection-software.html), Comodo (http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/)). Personaly I use AVG, Spybot, Spyware Blaster and Sygate.

As for laptop recommendations, read back a few pages, there are plenty already mentioned (you mentioned wanting lots of music download space so look for something with a biggish hard drive - 120GB+)

[fatbobbutler]

Hello all,

Is this a good laptop / deal??

http://www.shop.bt.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=4XKR#imagegallery

Thanks in advance ;)

[JDPower]

Hello all,

Is this a good laptop / deal??

http://www.shop.bt.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=4XKR#imagegallery

Thanks in advance ;)
Looks pretty good to me.

[buglawton]

I bought a Thinkpad T42 from these folks a while ago. If you are looking for an old-school business machine with a nice matt non-wide screen, XP and 1GB RAM, light in weight yet bulletproof build, then these folks are a now offering T43s for £250:

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/ipodstore/Items/T43%20G4?

Delivery was fine but this supplier offers no real support.- check if it is Lenovo's Warranty (they say 12 months, check that 12 months includes software issues too) - and ensure you use it to resolve any niggles, then you will have a great machine.

To get this price, (1st 50 only) use Promo Code 50ONLY. Normal price is £350.

edit:

The spec list:

Intel Pentium P4 M 1.8 Ghz Processor (Pentium M Centrino processor optimised to get the most out of your battery)
1024mb RAM (an incredible 1gig of memory!)
ATI Radeon X300 video card with 64mb dedicated video memory
40Gb Hard Drive
14.1" TFT (XGA 1024x768 resolution)
Windows XP Pro Pre-installed
802.11 built in wireless card
DVD/CD ROM Drive
10/100 Networking
56k Fax Modem
Stereo Speakers
2 x USB 2.0, Parallel, 2 x PCMCIA, 10/100 Networking, External VGA, Audio Out, TV Out
1Gb Ethernet installed via the system board
Charger & Mains Cable included
The Battery has been tested as working but the amount of charge held IS NOT GUARANTEED in any way.
As with any refurbished product the condition is excellent but may display some signs of wear which include marks to the plastics, and a small mark on the screen.
1 YEAR RTB warranty

[Erica1]

Hi

I wanted a laptop around £300 that I could store my large quantity of itunes on, use for MS Word/Excel and Inspirations and was light to carry around and that I could use wireless internet on. I've found several under £300 but which do you think? I know nothing about computers, I would prefer one with reliable support if something goes wrong but that's not a necessity.

Toshiba satellite pro l40 or Acer Aspire 5310wlmi, Acer Extensa 5220, Fujitsu Siemens Esprimo mobile V5535.

Hopefully hear from you soon! Thanks

[buglawton]

If the above includes a genuine Lenovo Warranty it would be worth it at £250.
When you buy new nowadays, you are pushed into Windows Vista. In which case you need 2GB of ram to make it work well. Budget is more like £450 then.

[d123]

Hi

I wanted a laptop around £300 that I could store my large quantity of itunes on, use for MS Word/Excel and Inspirations and was light to carry around and that I could use wireless internet on. I've found several under £300 but which do you think? I know nothing about computers, I would prefer one with reliable support if something goes wrong but that's not a necessity.

Toshiba satellite pro l40 or Acer Aspire 5310wlmi, Acer Extensa 5220, Fujitsu Siemens Esprimo mobile V5535.

Hopefully hear from you soon! Thanks


None of those really match your requirements, all are 15" machines weighing around 3kg, it's the type of machine to replace a desktop when space is tight, not a machine you would want to carry around over your shoulder for any length of time.

[buglawton]

The T43 is ok at 2.4kg - you would not use it on the bus or carry around on a world tour maybe. Subnotebooks often don't have an internal DVD drive.

[d123]

The T43 is ok at 2.4kg - you would not use it on the bus or carry around on a world tour maybe. Subnotebooks often don't have an internal DVD drive.

I agree the T43 isnt that bad, I was referring to the other list

" Toshiba satellite pro l40 or Acer Aspire 5310wlmi, Acer Extensa 5220, Fujitsu Siemens Esprimo mobile V5535."

However most modern 12" machines now have a internal DVD writer, For a carry-around type of laptop the extra £50-100 will make a big difference to whether the laptop is carried around or just left at home like a pseudo-desktop.

[buglawton]

Around £300, and you need 1G with XP or 2GB with Vista (ie most new machines). Plus it must be lightweight. Erica1 is going to have a job getting the ultimate perfect choice here. I rate IBM x32, 12" screen, very portable, wireless, but no inbuilt DVD though and external units can be expensive and a bother. Again a used or refurb buy from £150 on up.

[shootingstarXX]

I have £400 to £450 to buy a laptop with, I want one to use for internet and photos.

Any suggestions???

[froggy_girl128]

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1846791864.120449929 6@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccladedgmmhldjcflgceggdhhmdgmj.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=536918&category_oid=
will suit your needs for £450 - you can get cheaper if you are happy with a brand like advent ( and there is nothing wrong with them!)

[windswept]

Just bought an acer extensa 5220 - 80g hard drive/ 1024 mb ram / 4 x usb ports / 15.4 screen for my daughter to take to uni - £279 delivered, from bt shop. It's a nice looking machine with a business style keyboard for presentations etc.

[fatbobbutler]

Have just ordered this deal from dabs,

http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=4RWR

seems like a bargain to me at £400..

[pandora205]

I've just had delivery of a Dell Inspiron 6400, which was custom made and had lots of stuff, including Vista an advanced graphics card (son plays online gaming etc) and wide bright screen. It cost £456 and everyone who has seen it has been really surprised at the price.
I think that offer might have finished but Dell have a number of others if you order directly, and include free delivery.

[lovingheart]

Can I get an expert opinion on Medion Akoya MD 96630 notebook for 499.99 from Aldi? Thanks in advance.

[AndyD_OHD]

Anyone got a Laptop recommendation?
I am going to have to buy one today and the nearest place is Currys, but think I'll travel that wee bit and go to PCWorld. Ideally I would like one without Vista as I've read about software incompatabilities recently. And I'd rather have lots of RAM for my work rather than just to keep Vista running. I'm doing some graphics and web design work so something for those purposes as a recommendation please. I have a maximum of £799.

Cheers
Andy

[Guy_laister]

hi,

im thinking of buying this

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-8277.aspx

it's a laptop with a free all-in-one printer.

Is this a good deal as im soon hoping to buy it?

[JDPower]

hi,

im thinking of buying this

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-8277.aspx

it's a laptop with a free all-in-one printer.

Is this a good deal as im soon hoping to buy it?
Looks a reasonable laptop for the price ;)

[GavinS]

I got a laptop from Lidl with 1Gb of Ram, 100Gb hard drive, an AMD Turion dual core processor and all the things like wifi, bluetooth dvd etc for £300. You have to look out for the special offers though.

[chaddy7604]

Views on this please would be appreciated Toshiba P200D-139 Entertainment Laptop (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0357375700.120596572 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfhadedilmijehcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=133895&category_oid=#)

[froggy_girl128]

Views on this please would be appreciated Toshiba P200D-139 Entertainment Laptop (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0357375700.120596572 1@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfhadedilmijehcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=133895&category_oid=#)

Hello
whats the main use for the laptop? the laptop is okay but if you wanted a 15" screen you could get a better spec for the same price. Also for £100 more compaq/hp do a 17" with 160gb hard drive but you could always get a seperate storage unit.

[chaddy7604]

Hello
whats the main use for the laptop? the laptop is okay but if you wanted a 15" screen you could get a better spec for the same price. Also for £100 more compaq/hp do a 17" with 160gb hard drive but you could always get a seperate storage unit.
Hi froggy

it would be used for everything generally I suppose, no real specific use

Internet, Microsoft Office, iTunes, Digital Photo's, possibly some 3D computer modelling
Was looking for something around the £300 mark really, but this one seemed a good spec for the £400

What alternatives would you have in mind?

I also looked at this one FUJITSU SIEMENS ESPRIMO V5535 (http://www.asda-electricals.co.uk/shop/product/fujitsu/siemens/black.html?)

[froggy_girl128]

Hi froggy

it would be used for everything generally I suppose, no real specific use

Internet, Microsoft Office, iTunes, Digital Photo's, possibly some 3D computer modelling
Was looking for something around the £300 mark really, but this one seemed a good spec for the £400

What alternatives would you have in mind?

I also looked at this one FUJITSU SIEMENS ESPRIMO V5535 (http://www.asda-electricals.co.uk/shop/product/fujitsu/siemens/black.html?)

comet have that laptop but they list it with a better spec at £299 http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/435864/FUJITSU-SIEMENS-ESPRIMO-V5535

[Joe_Millionaire]

Can anyone tell me if this is any good?

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-1098.aspx

I had my mind set on

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/467236

Looking at buying this tomorrow morning, Thanks

[JDPower]

Can anyone tell me if this is any good?

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-1098.aspx

I had my mind set on

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/467236

Looking at buying this tomorrow morning, Thanks
That Tesco one is quite nicely specced for the money, it's the one I'd go for I think ;)

[froggy_girl128]

That Tesco one is quite nicely specced for the money, it's the one I'd go for I think ;)

That tesco one is also in comet at £399 but you can collect it in store or get cash back through quidco - just incase tesco sell out

[mazza245]

Has anyone come up with a list of best buys at all? I have looked at a few pages on this thread but every reply talks about a different laptop or deal. We need 2 Gb RAM with 120 Gb upwards hard drive. Please?

[highway_star]

Has anyone come up with a list of best buys at all? I have looked at a few pages on this thread but every reply talks about a different laptop or deal. We need 2 Gb RAM with 120 Gb upwards hard drive. Please?

I think we are all looking for the holy grail! I wouldnt mind comments on this refurbished Laptop at PC World. They even bothered to put on 2Gb to support Vista (shockerooni!) instead of the normal 1, also has 120GB hard drive:

Advent 8315 Recon (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0466951349.120670232 3@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccgadedjiellgecflgceggdhhmdfho.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=138239&category_oid=-28487)

Looks a bargain price for what you get

Cheers

[crankup]

I've gone off Advent brand over the last yr or so. The build quality was always entry level, but its got a lot poorer imo.

Refurbished means secondhand. Probably returned with an intermittent fault that nobody could repeat after 2mins of trying, so they sell it again.

[highway_star]

I've gone off Advent brand over the last yr or so. The build quality was always entry level, but its got a lot poorer imo.

Refurbished means secondhand. Probably returned with an intermittent fault that nobody could repeat after 2mins of trying, so they sell it again.

Hmmm, I will bare that in mind! :think: last laptop we had was an Advent and it did act up pretty quickly.

No surprise I have seen something else that catches the eye! :rolleyes2


Cheers

[edsb]

Hi all, looking for a decent laptop under 500£ although budget could stretch a bit, preferably 2.0+ghz and 2gb+ ram. Also a decent graphics card because i do have a few hard hitting pc games! So far I have found this although it really does stretch the budget: http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/437174/SONY-VGN-NR21Z-T.CEK/tab/specification . Any help is appreciated, thanks!

EDIt: also, I have noticed that American laptops are significantly cheaper than uk laptops, any idea if there would be any technical differences between the two because other wise ebay usa seems a good stop.

[highway_star]

Hi all, looking for a decent laptop under 500£ although budget could stretch a bit, preferably 2.0+ghz and 2gb+ ram. Also a decent graphics card because i do have a few hard hitting pc games! So far I have found this although it really does stretch the budget: http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/437174/SONY-VGN-NR21Z-T.CEK/tab/specification . Any help is appreciated, thanks!

EDIt: also, I have noticed that American laptops are significantly cheaper than uk laptops, any idea if there would be any technical differences between the two because other wise ebay usa seems a good stop.

careful with overseas buying - there is a support issue if you have problems with what you bought but also in terms of money you could be hit with import tax and suddenly that cheap deal isnt so cheap anymore!

Mesh are in the ball park but good luck with a 2Ghz+ laptop under 500!! (wish I could find one! - someone will now prove me wrong! :rotfl: )

Mesh (http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?GCLID=CPyh5aLGs5ICFQW_1AodGRoNQw&PAGE=PRODCATEGORYVIEWPAGE&USG=RANGE&ENT=RANGE&KEY=2&APPS=234454,234442)


Cheers

[jje]

Have a look at the Samsung R60 range . Varying specs . Lovely looking machine excellent keyboard . I bought dual core 1.4Ghz 1GB ram 80GB HD about £350 from ebuyer . Their are varying specs to this machine and a fair few of the PC mags have them listed as good buys .Laptop ram is cheap now so you can always buy to upgrade ram fitted .

jje

[linx]

The mrs is harping on about getting a laptop for her birthday next week can anyone help we have looked at the HP dv6750 £549 is this value for money or is there a better 1 out there for less or the same price:confused:


Linx

[edsb]

Completely busted this open (if you'll excuse the cheesy language!). A dell vostro 1500 for £514 (ex vat and delivery) with the following specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40 ghz (!!!)
Vista Home Prem.
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA DISPLAY with TrueLife
3072MB DDR2 SDRAM (!!!)
320GB SATA HDD (!!!)
256MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT (!!!)
DVD RW drive

All in all, if you can claim VAT back through your business, head to dell uk's small business section now, choose the vostro 1500 and customize it with these specs or your own choice.

Even with VAT this works out just under £600, so brill

[JDPower]

Completely busted this open (if you'll excuse the cheesy language!). A dell vostro 1500 for £514 (ex vat and delivery) with the following specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40 ghz (!!!)
Vista Home Prem.
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA DISPLAY with TrueLife
3072MB DDR2 SDRAM (!!!)
320GB SATA HDD (!!!)
256MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT (!!!)
Should be just enough to run Vista smoothly :p

[monterey]

Another option. This is quite a big, heavy Laptop, so if you are looking for something to carry around every day, this isn't the one. More of a desktop replacement that you CAN move to other places if you want too :)

Refurbished Gateway 17" Laptop with 1440x900 res, Intel Core 2 Duo T5300 1.73GHz processor, 2GB RAM, 120GB 5,400rpm SATA hard drive, 8x DVD+/-RW for CD and DVD writing, Vista Home Premium, 1-year Collect and Return warranty from Gateway. (Nice touch considering this is a refurb.)

It's on sale for £399.99 inc VAT and delivery HERE (http://svp.co.uk/product/gateway_mx8716b_17_inch_laptop_refurbished_44266)

There's a review for it HERE (http://www.vnunet.com/computeractive/hardware/2195711/review-gateway-mx8716b-notebook)

M-

[Lady_K]

Can't find a greatest desktop hunt on here, is there one anywhere?

[m_k_dons]

Hi, I need a little advice please.

I have about £450 to spend on a laptop and have seen a couple for £430 but there is so many different models it is making it hard to decide.

First is the Toshiba A210-1AS with a TK-60 processer. (£430 -3% Quidco, Dixons)
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0116736957.120696947 7@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdfadedjkimjemcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&chain=Dixons&seo=yes&int=deal-2-Toshiba+A210-1AS&sku=536918&channel=WEB&page=Product
Second is the Dell Inspiron 1525 with the Intel T5550. (£430 -small% Quidco)
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1525?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs
Thid is a HP G6062ea from Tesco for £380 with a TK-57, although I have read elsewhere on MSE that HP+AMD not a great mix?
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-1098.aspx

Both have 15.4 screens, vista, 2GB RAM, basic graphics etc so am just not sure which to opt for, or maybe one of the other million laptops at this price range would be better.

Basically I am after a laptop as my new flat is too small for my old desktop. 15.4" screeen is big enough for me so 17" is needed. The most streesfull thing I will need it to do is to multitask Dreamweaver with Photoshop Elements with only basic graphic work.

Can people offer their opinion? Maybe something with specs but a better than X3100 graphics card as I've heard it is rubbish?

Thanks,
m_k_dons
:confused:

[Enji_Benji]

Hi,

Just wondering if any of you can help me.

Looking to buy a laptop for £500 - £600. Probably will be using it mainly for internet, games and 3D stuff.

I just had a feel and look of my brother's gf's Sony Vaio. Very, very nice - but no idea how good it is for the money!

Appreciate any help

Thanks

[jaydeeuk1]

mkdons, the X3100 is absolutely fine for what you'll be using it for. Rubbish for games, yes, everything else, more than adequat.

Enji Benji - check out edsb's post, that laptop would be great for gaming (for the price that is), I doubt you'll find anything better for the same money.. unless you wait 6 months

[JDPower]

Hi, I need a little advice please.

I have about £450 to spend on a laptop and have seen a couple for £430 but there is so many different models it is making it hard to decide.

First is the Toshiba A210-1AS with a TK-60 processer. (£430 -3% Quidco, Dixons)
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0116736957.120696947 7@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdfadedjkimjemcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&chain=Dixons&seo=yes&int=deal-2-Toshiba+A210-1AS&sku=536918&channel=WEB&page=Product
Second is the Dell Inspiron 1525 with the Intel T5550. (£430 -small% Quidco)
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1525?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs
Thid is a HP G6062ea from Tesco for £380 with a TK-57, although I have read elsewhere on MSE that HP+AMD not a great mix?
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-1098.aspx

Both have 15.4 screens, vista, 2GB RAM, basic graphics etc so am just not sure which to opt for, or maybe one of the other million laptops at this price range would be better.

Basically I am after a laptop as my new flat is too small for my old desktop. 15.4" screeen is big enough for me so 17" is needed. The most streesfull thing I will need it to do is to multitask Dreamweaver with Photoshop Elements with only basic graphic work.

Can people offer their opinion? Maybe something with specs but a better than X3100 graphics card as I've heard it is rubbish?

Thanks,
m_k_dons
:confused:
Out of that selection I would go for the Tosh myself, the combination of Toshiba with AMD processor rather than Intel brings it out on top for me (as you said the rest of the specs are near identical). Also the graphics card in that is fine for what you need (my laptop has similar and copes fine with photoshopping etc and even some older 3D games run ok).

[NineThreeNine]

The X3100 is a lot better than the older Intel cards -- the GMA 9xx series; however, if you really want 'decent' graphics it HAS to be a card by either ATi or nVidia.

Your post is a bit hard to understand, do you want a 15" or a 17"?

The Dell is the best laptop out of the bunch,. For one simple reason you should pick it over the Toshiba, an Intel Santa Rosa > Turion. In fact, it's usually true that a Core 2 Duo > Turion X2. This will hold true if the clock speeds are within 20%.

As for the Under £600 gaming laptop. Can anyone buy a Vostro from Dell? Isn't it for businesses only? If you can't buy one look at this:

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?NNB-576
£549.99 (without an OS, so ok if you already have windows... £609 with Vista)

15.4" Screen
Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2x2Ghz
nVidia 8600M GS
2 GB RAM
160GB Hard Drive

[m_k_dons]

Thanks for the reply everyone.

NineThreeNine, anyone I think can buy a Vostro but don't forget (like I have!) that the price you see does not include VAT.

I would quite like a 15.4 widescreen with the WXGA+ (those letters might be wrong?) so i can get a slightly higher resolution but still stay with a 15" screen.

Cheers.

[HeaddyMX]

Maybe you guys could help me out... I'm considering getting a replacement laptop for my falling apart Acer, with priority being a long battery life. I'm not sure in which direction to go.

[crel2000]

Maybe you guys could help me out... I'm considering getting a replacement laptop for my falling apart Acer, with priority being a long battery life. I'm not sure in which direction to go.

My frickin Acer died recently, decided to go for a Dell XPS M1330 - reliable, good performance and good battery life, think their are some good offers at the moment too

[HeaddyMX]

My frickin Acer died recently, decided to go for a Dell XPS M1330 - reliable, good performance and good battery life, think their are some good offers at the moment too

You should see the case of my laptop right now - the screws are falling out of it!

Anyhow I completely forgot about Dell, thanks for the reminder.

[JDPower]

The Dell is the best laptop out of the bunch,. For one simple reason you should pick it over the Toshiba, an Intel Santa Rosa > Turion. In fact, it's usually true that a Core 2 Duo > Turion X2. This will hold true if the clock speeds are within 20%.Intel based laptops also have a habit of cooking though - impede any of the vents and it won't be long before you have overheating problems (just something to be aware of).As for the Under £600 gaming laptop. Can anyone buy a Vostro from Dell? Isn't it for businesses only?Yes, anyone can buy a Vostro (I have one ;) )

[Ben Doone]

I hate widescreens for computers .. they are taking over the market ... old square screens are becoming as obsolete as dial up.



That was just a little rant. :p

[Woodsy]

I hate widescreens for computers .. they are taking over the market ... old square screens are becoming as obsolete as dial up.



That was just a little rant. :p


I totally agreen Ben. I've want something much more portable and lightweight but am struggling to find a 14" square screen or smaller laptop for around the £300 mark. I think I might end up with the new EEE PC 900 :o

[AndyD_OHD]

I got one of the Latitude D830s recently, a bit more than I expected or wanted to pay, but it seems worth it so far.

Andy

[linx]

Completely busted this open (if you'll excuse the cheesy language!). A dell vostro 1500 for £514 (ex vat and delivery) with the following specs:

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40 ghz (!!!)
Vista Home Prem.
15.4" Wide Screen WXGA DISPLAY with TrueLife
3072MB DDR2 SDRAM (!!!)
320GB SATA HDD (!!!)
256MB nVidia GeForce 8600M GT (!!!)
DVD RW drive

All in all, if you can claim VAT back through your business, head to dell uk's small business section now, choose the vostro 1500 and customize it with these specs or your own choice.

Even with VAT this works out just under £600, so brill





been on the dell site done all the customizing stuff 634 quid plus vat i must be doing something wrong ...........arggggggggggggg she now wants a dell women eh lol

[HeaddyMX]

been on the dell site done all the customizing stuff 634 quid plus vat i must be doing something wrong ...........arggggggggggggg she now wants a dell women eh lol

I've decided against a Dell now, at least bought new... you can't downgrade anything, and all the upgrades cost a bomb.

[littlesnuggy]

Looking for some advice...

I need a laptop for work for when I'm on the move, basically just to run PowerPoint presentations from, use Word for when I'm travelling and for accessing the Internet. I want the smallest and lightest machine possible for under £400. I was planning on getting the Dell Vostro 1400 (which with a couple of upgrades was £325 ex VAT) but they can't deliver until 7th May - I need it by 21st April, so I'm back to square 1 :(
Any suggestions?

[m_k_dons]

Looking for some advice...

I need a laptop for work for when I'm on the move, basically just to run PowerPoint presentations from, use Word for when I'm travelling and for accessing the Internet. I want the smallest and lightest machine possible for under £400. I was planning on getting the Dell Vostro 1400 (which with a couple of upgrades was £325 ex VAT) but they can't deliver until 7th May - I need it by 21st April, so I'm back to square 1 :(
Any suggestions?

http://www.shop.bt.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=4YK6

£50 cashback from toshiba, and about £10 quidco.

[pad101]

This has probably been answered before, but are AMD dual core processors better than intel ones?

[linx]

This has probably been answered before, but are AMD dual core processors better than intel ones?

Just checked this 1 out my self not 5 mins ago .................simple answer No

Linx

[pad101]

Just checked this 1 out my self not 5 mins ago .................simple answer No

Linx

So you're going to go for a toshiba with intel dual core?

[JDPower]

Just checked this 1 out my self not 5 mins ago .................simple answer No
Less simple answer - depends.

Intel better as in faster, particularly for gaming. (And cooking on if not very well ventilated ;) )
AMD better, particularly for applications apparently (Office etc), and in reliability.

Personally, having used both, I'd choose (have chose with newest lappy) AMD over Intel, especially in a laptop, but that's just my opinion.

[pandora205]

Hi

I found this thread useful when I was looking for a laptop for me and wondered if there are any gamers out there who can advise please? I've promised my 16 year old son, who is a keen online World of Warcraft player, a laptop. He quite likes my Dell Inspiron but apparently it's not quick enough for him.... He will be using the laptop remotely (probably) and we already have wireless.

Ideas please? My budget could stretch to £600 but definitely no more. I'm not sure about widescreen or other features but high spec for graphics is essential, as is reasonable sound.

Thanks

[linx]

So you're going to go for a toshiba with intel dual core?


Going for the best i can afford with her hard earned savings :D .........and it depends on the attitude of the salesperson and how many freebies i get (lets think errr a sat nav cos i cant find my way round the pc never mind a laptop :rotfl: )

[Jake'sGran]

I want a basic laptop just to do some surfing in bed when I am bored with TV and to take on holiday if I ever have another one . I have only ever had Dell desktops. Would anyone like to suggest what would be adequate for me? I have just discovered via another thread that maybe not just any router will do. Is this correct? I am with AOL.

[hakko]

We generally buy Samsungs and Toshibas due to purchasing and discount agreements.

Samsungs have been very reliable. Toshiba's not so. We had 3 Portege R500s, 2 of which had a fault with the DVDRW drive, and both were returned. We've had a several Toshiba Tecras fail for one reason or another. But overall I'd say Toshiba and Samsung are above average in terms of reliability.

Laptops to avoid:
Advent (rebadged Fujitsu laptops?)
Packard Bell
Medion

Acer is somewhere in the middle... and Dells are ok too.

My favourite laptops are Sony Vaio's, because of the keyboard. I like the shape of the keys and CTRL is on the outermost left corner (and not Fn key like in Samsungs and other laptops). But sadly the software support is poor and they don't come in XP Pro, only Vista, and they cost ~£600 +

What's appears important to people seems price and specification, whereas with me I want after sales support. Which usually depends on the retailer, but sometimes they defer to the manufacturer (e.g. Laptopsdirect). Support from Lenovo, HP, Toshiba has been good/above average. But then we are business customers.

For a budget laptop:
1. Check you are happy with the keyboard and screen, although some people can adjust. Best to check the laptop out in a shop first before ordering online.
2. Get the best spec for the money, AMD/Intel doesn't matter. If an AMD has more RAM and NON-intergrated graphics such as Nvidia and ATI, then get the AMD machine.
3. Get XP Pro, not Vista. It's wrong to get a Celeron/"Pentium Dual Core" with 1GB ram and Intel graphics, and hope to run Vista. You'd be mad! You can compensate a weak CPU (celeron/"Pentium Dual Core") with 2GB RAM and Nvidia/ATI graphics.
4. Try and get a laptop with 2GB RAM, or at least 1 stick of 1GB (and not 2 x 0.512GB sticks)

[jaydeeuk1]

If it is just a laptop for basic surfing in bed, then you need spend no more than £299.

All laptops nowadays come with built in wireless internet. The only things that need concern you are:

1) The quality and size of the screen, and how easy you find typing
2) If it runs Vista (will be most likely be vista basic) then as long as you have 2gb ram it will be fine. An ATI or nvidia graphics card will make stuff all difference in vista basic. As for processor, a celeron will be fine for your needs, but if you can find a dual core whether it be intel or amd, then I would go for that.
3) Hard drive space, most come with at least 80gb. For internet use that is fine, no point spending more money for a larger drive.
4) Battery life - I assume you won;t want wires hanging around everywhere. The one problem of cheaper laptops is usually battery life. Batteries usually come in 4cell, 6 cell or 8 cell varieties. The more cells, the longer it will last before being recharged. 2 hours quoted time would be the minimum I would look for.
Other than that, find one you like the look of most, and has the best warranty.

I use my laptop in bed watching films, its an Asus EEE PC. May be too small for your needs but is perfect for browsing the internet etc.

[Jake'sGran]

Jaydee, I laughed at your last sentence as I had kept last Sundays paper and in the motoring section (?) there is an article about ASUS. I thought it was just the job until I saw that it was only very small. Definitely too small for me. The price I had in mind was £300 so I will see if I can get something decent for that...for what I want it for. I would prefer XP because I am used to it. Why do I need graphics? I never do gaming or anything (you can see that I am a little technically challenged).

When you say they all come with built in wireless Internet does this mean I don't need a router? Re the battery: my SinL says the quoted time is often less. I will go hunting and keep your recommendations to hand. Thank you.

[siliconbits]

Guys, I've written a 14-page article entitled Dirty Dozen : The Top 12 UK £299 laptops (http://www.itproportal.com/articles/2008/04/08/dirty-dozen-top-12-uk-299-laptops/) where I list and describe 12 laptops that are available right now for under £300 including VAT and Delivery.
Some of them are white, come with dual core processor, 2 of them have 2GB of memory, one has a Firewire port and one comes with Windows XP. Your feedback is most than welcomed on any mistakes that I've made or observations that you deem important for other readers.
All of these laptops should be available for purchase. Give me a shout if there's OOS situation.
If there's anything wrong with what I am doing, thanks for letting me know and I amend this post

[jje]

When you say they all come with built in wireless Internet does this mean I don't need a router? u.

You need a wireless router to connect to . Laptop has a built in wireless receiver that picks up the signal broadcast from a wireless router .

jje

[Endecay]

We're looking to get our first laptop. Theoretically we have up to £500 to spend but obviously, everyone loves a good bargain.

Spotted this on Simplyacer.com (have bought my Mum's laptop from there and was really impressed, plus they're based 5 minutes away so it's a local company :T ). Is it as good a deal as it seems.

Acer Aspire 9304wsmi, AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56, 17" Screen, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, 2048MB RAM, 160GB HDD, DVD Rewriter, Dedicated Graphics, BLUETOOTH, LX.AWR0X.135 http://www.simplyacer.com/Product/id/405002

Also, we want something that should be fairly easy to record guitar and vocal demos onto so a decent soundcard would be good. Nowhere seems to mention about soundcards anymore.

Help please???

[siliconbits]

We're looking to get our first laptop. Theoretically we have up to £500 to spend but obviously, everyone loves a good bargain.

Spotted this on Simplyacer.com (have bought my Mum's laptop from there and was really impressed, plus they're based 5 minutes away so it's a local company :T ). Is it as good a deal as it seems.

Acer Aspire 9304wsmi, AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-56, 17" Screen, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, 2048MB RAM, 160GB HDD, DVD Rewriter, Dedicated Graphics, BLUETOOTH, LX.AWR0X.135 http://www.simplyacer.com/Product/id/405002

Also, we want something that should be fairly easy to record guitar and vocal demos onto so a decent soundcard would be good. Nowhere seems to mention about soundcards anymore.

Help please???

Depending on whether you need an extended warranty or not, I would advise you to go to Dell or to one of their numerous refurbishers around.
Go for the no-frill Vostro 1700 range if you are looking for a 17 inch monitor. Type NB417014 in their search and you will get a nice laptop for less than £410 delivered.

If you are really after sound card, why no try the external Asus Sonar card at around £50 at ebuyer.

[JDPower]

If you are really after sound card, why no try the external Asus Sonar card at around £50 at ebuyer.
Almost exactly what I was gonna say. Don't worry too much about the soundcard included within the laptop. Don't pay over the odds for a laptop with a top end soundcard as you will almost certainly be better off getting a cheaper laptop and buying an external soundcard for the important stuff you mentioned ;)

[jje]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/139121

just come through my post box from ebuyer .

jje

[rhodyate]

is this laptop a good deal?
<H1>TOSHIBA SAT A210-1CO

Product code 441252



Screen size: 15 inches
Processor: AMD Turion 64 x2 Dual Core
Memory (RAM): 2048 MB
Storage (hard drive): 120 GB
Operating system: Windows Vista Home PremiumJump to

All specification features (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/441252/TOSHIBA-SAT-A210-1CO/tab/specification#spec)
Accessories & offers (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/441252/TOSHIBA-SAT-A210-1CO/tab/accessories#acc)Product price

£399.99
Save a total of £150

http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/ev2/images/buttons/addtobasket_off.gif (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:OrderProcess(false);)
Collect from store (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:OrderProcess(false);)

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/statusicon/user_online.gif http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/buttons/report.gif (abuse@moneysavingexpert.com?subject=Reporting post http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=10125221)

[Charlton King]

Question:

Are new laptops likely to come down further in price?

[matty2767]

i was looking to purchase one of these http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3477557/Acer-Aspire-5720-Z-Intel-Pentium-Dual-Core-T2310-1-46GHz-2GB-80GB-15-4-DVD-SM-Vista-Home-Premium-Laptop-Notebook/Product.html

but i have read that acer have poor build quality with keys missing and buttons not working. is this true or are they just more widely reported than other manufacturers?

thanks

matt

edit: i just saw this which i think is better http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140414

[cutterschoicenotmine]

is this laptop a good deal?
<H1>TOSHIBA SAT A210-1CO

Product code 441252

Screen size: 15 inches
Processor: AMD Turion 64 x2 Dual Core
Memory (RAM): 2048 MB
Storage (hard drive): 120 GB
Operating system: Windows Vista Home PremiumJump to
All specification features (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/441252/TOSHIBA-SAT-A210-1CO/tab/specification#spec)
Accessories & offers (http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/441252/TOSHIBA-SAT-A210-1CO/tab/accessories#acc)Product price

£399.99
Save a total of £150

http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/ev2/images/buttons/addtobasket_off.gif (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:OrderProcess%28false%29;)
Collect from store (http://javascript%3cb%3e%3c/b%3E:OrderProcess%28false%29;)

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/statusicon/user_online.gif http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/images/buttons/report.gif


Yes that is.

Just be aware folks. As the product is cheap, components inside are cheap. If I hadn't been "In the know" shall we say, I could have spent £100+ replacing my Compaq Pres V5000 CPU FAN from PC world. It lasted 2 years then went finally. Lucky a replacement on ebay was only £7.50 but who without loads of previous training, experiance wants to take a laptop apart?

Also parts like fans can be impossible to find new replacements for. As the products are cheap they aint well supported and replacement parts can have to be second hand.

[Guy_laister]

Anyone recomend me a laptop, it would be used primarilly for:

Listening to music
Photo's - with a bit of editing
Needs WLAN
Webcam (optional - although ideal)
Able to play some games, although FM08 probably the most it will be used for...

Budget is around £500 if possible, ideally like something with 150gb HDD

Cheers

Tom

I would personally recomend the Dell vostro 1400, It's cheap for the money, It's very reliable, looks very nice in black

Descriptionhttp://i.dell.com/images/global/configurator/chassis/149x149/vostro_1400_149x149.jpgVostro™ 1400 NB(N0414002)Date & Time: Monday 14 April 2008 9:14 PM http://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gif SYSTEM COMPONENTS http://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifVostro™ 1400 NB(N0414002) Qty 1 Intel® Celeron® Processor 550 (2.00 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 1 MB L2-Unit Price £309.00 http://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifLimited Offer! Save 10%
Expires 01 May 2008 - £4.00 http://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifhttp://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifLimited Offer! Save 10%
Expires 01 May 2008 - £2.00 http://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifCatalog Number: 202 N0414002 Module Description Show Details (http://ecomm.euro.dell.com/dellstore/PopUps/popup_print_cart.aspx?itemtype=CFG&s=bsd&l=en&cs=ukbsdt1&c=uk&details=true&marketable=true)BaseIntel® Celeron® Processor 550 (2.00 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 1 MB L2-cache)

Microsoft Operating SystemGenuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium - English

Memory2048MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2x1024)

KeyboardInternal Keyboard - UK/Irish (QWERTY)

Video Card128MB nVidia® GeForce® 8400M GS

Hard Drive160GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard Drive

Modem56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter - UK

Optical Devices Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Drive including Software

Wireless Networking Dell™ Wireless 1490 802.11a/b/g Mini-Card - Europe

Shipping DocumentsEnglish Documentation with Eng/Ire Power Cord and English Adobe

Gedis Bundle ReferenceN0414002

Microsoft Application SoftwareMicrosoft® Works 9.0 - English

Standard Warranty1Yr Basic Warranty - Next Business Day

Enhanced Service Packs 1Yr Basic Warranty - Next Business Day Included - No Upgrade Selected

CompleteCare Declined CompleteCare

Protect your new PC No Security/Anti-Virus Protection

BluetoothDell™ Wireless 355 Bluetooth 2.0 Module (up to 3Mbps) with Enhanced Data Rate

Order InformationVostro Laptop Order - UK

Primary BatteryPrimary 6-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (56 WHr)

Carrying CasesNo Carrying Case

Dell System Media KitResource DVD - (Diagnostics & Drivers)

Colour ChoiceMatte Jet Black with 2.0 mega pixel camera

Online Promotion Option for GEDIS ConfigsDell Internet Order

LCD14.1" Wide Screen WXGA (1280x800) TFT Display with TrueLife™

TOTAL :£303.00 Additional Discounts and Coupons http://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifhttp://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifFree Shippinghttp://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifhttp://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gif Expires 30 April 2008 http://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gifhttp://i.dell.com/images/global/general/spacer.gif Total excl. VATVAT RateTotal incl. VATSub-total£303.0017.50 % £356.03Total Delivery Charge£51.0617.50 %£60.00Delivery Charge Discount-£51.0617.50 %-£60.00Total Price£303.00£356.03As low as £15.33/month(ex. VAT)
Get More - Lease IT (http://javascript<b></b>:window.open('http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/topics/promo.aspx/uk/en/0_financing_promo?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd&~lt=popup','Dell','width=900, height=600, resizable=yes, scrollbars=yes, toolbar=no, menubar=no, left=0, top=0').focus();)
Find out more about the benefits of leasing (http://javascript<b></b>:window.open('http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/emea/topics/dfs/home?c=uk&l=en&s=bsd&~lt=popup','Dell','width=900, height=600, resizable=yes, scrollbars=yes, toolbar=no, menubar=no, left=0, top=0').focus();)



£356.03!!!

Not bad for the spec and i just bought one!

You have to spend over 299 ext vat to get free delivery.

Has every thing you would want :)
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/4x_vostro_1400?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/corporate/imagebank/notebooks/vostro_1400_300.jpg










EDIT: ****YOU CAN NO-LONGER BUY THIS LAPTOP FROM DELL UK****

[Fortyfoot]

Hi there, I have just bought this 2GB HP laptop from Ebuyer. (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140189) Details of this were given by "siliconbits" in his "Dirty Dozen" (http://www.itproportal.com/articles/2008/04/08/dirty-dozen-top-12-uk-299-laptops/) article giving details of 12 laptops under £300. The extra 1GB memory was shown in the "checkout" and came in a £5 laptop bag which was ordered at the same time. It was simple to add the 1GB, which needed to be firmly inserted into the slot.

Thanks for your post "siliconbits" :beer:

OUR CHEAPEST 2GB LAPTOP ONLY £289.99
EXCLUSIVE TO EBUYER!!!
For your ease we have now included Microsoft Office 2007 on many of our new products (qualifying products will say "Office 2007 Ready" in the description). This is included as a 60 day trial* so that you can test and try out the software at your leisure. Having tested the software all you need to do to continue using Office 2007 is purchase one of the following license keys listed with our quick find codes:-
GE316T – HP Microsoft Office 2007 Basic quick find 127128
GE317T – HP Microsoft Office 2007 PRO (MLK) quick find 128922
GE318T – Hp Microsoft Office 2007 Small Business quick find 128487
* If you no longer wish to use this software then it will automatically expire at the end of 60 days from start-up.
With its fresh new look, impressive combination of mobile office features, the best Intel processors and a starting weight of only 5.5lbs/2.49kg, the HP Compaq 6720s is an excellent price-for-performance package.
Specifications

[brooksie]

http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50977504


or
http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50954364
Hope the links work, but which one of these would you recommend, I can get 30% off either of these till sunday, its for my daughter for her birthday, no high tech stuff just surfing school work etc. Thanks, all advice appreciated

[pingu]

http://http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50954364

or
http://http://www.woolworths.co.uk/web/jsp/product/index.jsp?pid=50977504
Hope the links work, but which one of these would you recommend, I can get 30% off either of these till sunday, its for my daughter for her birthday, no high tech stuff just surfing school work etc. Thanks, all advice appreciated

didn't know it was extra 10% off weekend which makes it 20% off not 30%;)

[brooksie]

My son works there not me, but he asked his manager who said 30% as extra 10% is on till sunday and it would come off one of these, perhaps she got it wrong but would still like to know if they are worth it. Thanks

[Sarah1970]

Hi

I too am looking to spend around £350 (ish) on a laptop. I know siliconbits has created a great top 12 list, however do you think someone could put a list in order of the best top 10/12 in order of best overall performance/value for money etc (with number 1 being the best).

I am so confused there are that many out there, and obviously I want the best that my money can buy. I also want it to be able to run vista as I have a desktop PC that I have XP on and if I don't like vista I can always load XP on it instead.

Thanks All in advance

[interceptor02]

This not a bad little machine if you are on a budget

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/174160/vostro-1000-notebook-258-57-dell/

[Sarah1970]

Thanks intercptor02 - however, I have read to steer clear of AMD Processors and also that it needs to have at least 2MB of RAM to run Vista!

As I said, I am so confused with all the technical information and conflicting technical information at that, I just don't know whats best.

A list of top 10 laptops for £300-£400 and under would be useful - listed in order of performance etc with number one being the best overall for the money.

Thanks

[JDPower]

Thanks intercptor02 - however, I have read to steer clear of AMD Processors and also that it needs to have at least 2MB of RAM to run Vista!
There's nothing at all wrong with AMD processors, I have one of those Vostro 1000s with the AMD Athlon and it works great. Also you can easily and cheaply upgrade the RAM to 2MB yourself, I did and cost £28 IIRC (it really is simple to do yourself, don't let that put you off).

[dryan]

The Asus Eee PC 900 coming out in May looks promising-

http://www.trustedreviews.com/notebooks/review/2008/04/16/Asus-Eee-PC-900/p1

Around the 300 mark and really tiny. Played with an older model in PC world the other day and they are so light yet seem very quick and responsive. you can buy either XP with less memory or linux with more memory for the same price. saw a review on the gadget show - it stood up well against the macbook air as a cheap alternative;

I'm sold on it so will buy one when they come out and share my thoughts on it on the forums later - they just seem so light and handy to carry!


its not a powerful workhorse laptop (althougth there are a few youtube vids floating around showing it playing 3D games of all things!) but great for email, web surfing word processing and so on.

Worth seeing the reviews on Youtube;-

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Asus+Eee+PC++900&search_type=

all the magazines say this is the best value for money laptop out there (webcam + two finger touchpad like the Apple Air!) - for less than £300 i'm there!

d

[radebe2k]

Aria are quality for bargains, bought 2 identical tosh l40's for a client a month apart and got a 1gig extra upgrade for 5 notes less than the original (originally about £360)

This one seems to be pretty good and HP's IMHO are pretty decent although with every manufacturer it is always full of freebie trial rubbish, rebuild as soon as i open the box!

http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Laptops/%C2%A350+Cash+Back%21+-+HP+6720S+Core+2+Duo+T7250+2GHz+Business+Notebook+ ?productId=30906

They have the Asus one mentioned above here too
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Laptops/%C2%A350+Cash+Back%21+-+HP+6720S+Core+2+Duo+T7250+2GHz+Business+Notebook+ ?productId=30906

Ok so some might not look to brilliant on there but the the SuperSpecials are not mentioned in the standard listing.

Shipping is also proper quick even on standard!

Sounds like i'm an advert but i just find that even though novatech are only just up the road these guys can rarely be beaten

[snowqueen555]

i want the ee as well but am worried about the low spec, it should be able to handle the internet easy pc but in a few years time it might not

[dadrock]

There's nothing at all wrong with AMD processors, I have one of those Vostro 1000s with the AMD Athlon and it works great. Also you can easily and cheaply upgrade the RAM to 2MB yourself, I did and cost £28 IIRC (it really is simple to do yourself, don't let that put you off).

Vista needs 2GB of memory minimum.

I'm hanging on for the new EeePC which is due out 1st May in the UK. Not too sure of the price, hence wait. But I want a genuinely portable laptop and that one is the only one. Plus it doesnt need Vista. Win Win situation.

[snowqueen555]

the rrp is is about £320

either

windows xp + 12gb
or linux + 20gb

same price i think..

i think a lot of people are going to buy the linux model and just put windows on it themselves

[dryan]

I'd read that the windows XP with lower memory is the same price as the linux with more memory because of the costs of buying an XP licence. I'd be inclined to go with Linux and put XP on myself. according some some early adopters the manual has instructions on how to do this, and you get a CD with all the drivers on for both operating systems. throw in a cheap SDHD card for more storage space drive space' or plug in your iPod and use the spare storage on that if you really need it.

I'd be happy to get this for £300 - sure you can buy a vista laptop for around the same price with a higher spec but those things weigh a ton. These run smoothly on Linux and XP - great for surfing and productivity apps, and the main thing is it fits in my jacket pocket! in 3 years time it'll seem dated, but for £100 per year thats not a bad investment. i think in june they are releasing a higher spec'd one with a faster processor - obviously this might effect the price - think the 900 series will be a hit.

d

[BIGGER THAN THE GAME]

Bought myself an Eee PC 4gb about a fortnight ago, and I am well impressed.

As a result ditched my home broadband to just a landline package, saving £11 a month.

I have a 3 dongle at £15 a month, but this enables me to surf on the bus to and from work, also on train but not so effectively.

Thus dont buy The Guardian/Observer daily and thus save circa £30 a month. Instead look at the paper online. Catch up with my emails quicker.

Even cancelled my mobile date pack bundle at £7.50 per month.

As a result of being online whilst travelling to and from work I spend less time when at home, which also goes down well with the wife.

Glad I didnt bother with the i-phone after reading some negative reviews.

......and now for the WOW factor. At lot of people comment on it saying how ideal, cute, nice, novel it is. I get curious, admiring looks from others (and it certainly aint my looks!)

[ZINXYX]

Hi,
Will someone view this laptop Tesco is selling and recommend it or an alternative for the same or lower price,please?
http://direct.tesco.com/content/specials/hponthemove.aspx
Thanks

[balloo]

I thought I would start this one of myself. !I have deliberately picked the old high street knee trembler PC World, as I know posting from such a shop (i know, don't spit) will goad all techies into finding a better deal within a millisecond to ensure it isn't the current running.

PC World 1GB laptop £499 (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/product.php?sku=234349)

While 1 Gb is no longer super fast, it is more than adequate for most people looking for office functions and to surf the web. !

OK so that's my ultra quick starter for ten. !Come on MoneySavers smash it....

Ifound this today 29/04/ what do you think?
HP Core 2 Duo Laptop under £280 after Cash Back! Your Insight Weekly Deals‏

[Secret Lady]

Ifound this today 29/04/ what do you think?
HP Core 2 Duo Laptop under £280 after Cash Back! Your Insight Weekly Deals‏


Is there a link to this, please? Not sure what a 'Your Insight Weekly Deal' is?

Thanks

[olykun]

Is there a link to this, please? Not sure what a 'Your Insight Weekly Deal' is?

Thanks

Might be this http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=HPYA05JIS its £337.33 after the cashback (offer ends 30th April)which aint that great - better off with a Dell Vostro 1000 for £325 with 2GB RAM and 160GB HD. Anyhow its all subjective.

[zolablue25]

Does this look like a reasonable deal?

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-2949.aspx

Cheers

[Zahc]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140414

The above seems like a good deal, if you're looking.

Zahc

[dryan]

Found this useful comparison page of the current and forthcoming new range of low-cost and ultraportable laptops which the Eee PC opened the floodgates with:

http://www.liliputing.com/2008/04/over-past-six-months-or-so-asus-everex_24.html

Useful spec-sheets - makes it easy to see each laptop at a glance - everything is sadly in dollars but its easy enough to divide by 2 (its getting nearer to 3!) in your head.

[zolablue25]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140414

The above seems like a good deal, if you're looking.

Zahc

Wow, that does seem good. Only down side is the 1Gb ram. Is it easy to upgrade does anyone know?

Cheers

[JDPower]

Wow, that does seem good. Only down side is the 1Gb ram. Is it easy to upgrade does anyone know?
Yeah simple. It will have a small cover on the bottom you can unscrew to reveal the RAM slots, you just unclip and slide out the old RAM and slide in the new. To get the right memory type go to crucial and enter the laptop model or use their memory scanner and they will give the correct memory type guaranteed:

http://www.crucial.com/uk

I'm sure when I last ordered memory from Crucial it came with general instructions and precautions on installing it too ;)

And yes that Ebuyer laptop does look a pretty good deal.

[zolablue25]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140414

The above seems like a good deal, if you're looking.

Zahc
D'oh Missed it!

[cajita]

just bought a laptop from currys on line. phillips with dual core processor, 2gb ram 160gb hard drive, multi layer dvd etc. windows vista home premium. Sold as factory refurb but actualy brand new on line store return. Cost me £260.00. For sale in PC World £475.00

[Toodlepip]

Hi

Can anyone give their opinion on this laptop. HP G7045EA http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/ho/WF06b/21675-38187-38191-38191-38191-80641876-81720516.html It is in Staples priced at £399 but doesn't seem to feature on their website for some reason. OH feels this could be a good buy and is toying with purchasing one....What do you think?

[JDPower]

Hi

Can anyone give their opinion on this laptop. HP G7045EA http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/ho/WF06b/21675-38187-38191-38191-38191-80641876-81720516.html It is in Staples priced at £399 but doesn't seem to feature on their website for some reason. OH feels this could be a good buy and is toying with purchasing one....What do you think?
It's about on the money given the price of laptops at the moment. Not an amazing prce but ok ;)

[jeanmd]

Hi Everyone, I don't normally wonder over to this part, but as I'm looking for a laptop for my DD I thought I'd drop in on you.

At the moment Curry's are doing the 2gb Samsung R60 for £399 as here http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/322244?camp_id=email01#productInformationSection

I've put one on reserve but thought I'd check it out 1st before buying.
Is it as good a bargain as it seems.
DD is in year 10 at a very high standard school, do you think this would be suitable for her?
sorry I'm not very up on pc:o

[Toodlepip]

Hi Jean

I'm hoping the R60 is a good buy as I bought one yesterday over the one I posted above. Can't comment on it at the moment as I am having problems setting up the wireless connection so haven't been able to use it properly yet but hope to hear some positive comments!!!

[cruyff73]

Hi Everyone, I don't normally wonder over to this part, but as I'm looking for a laptop for my DD I thought I'd drop in on you.

At the moment Curry's are doing the 2gb Samsung R60 for £399 as here http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/322244?camp_id=email01#productInformationSection

I've put one on reserve but thought I'd check it out 1st before buying.
Is it as good a bargain as it seems.
DD is in year 10 at a very high standard school, do you think this would be suitable for her?
sorry I'm not very up on pc:o

I've been lookin at that as well. Seems pretty good, found these 2 as well which are similar
Toshiba L350
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/stor...uct&sku=302396 (http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1965820387.121035783 2@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfjadeeddgmffgcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&sku=302396)

Dell Inspiron
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-9328.aspx

[Russ66]

D'oh Missed it!

Got them HERE (http://uk.insight.com/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=TOPSL4BE02) for £305 del'd.

I'm sure someone will be along soon to tell you how good / bad it is, but it looks like a decent deal to me.:D

[playaz]

Hi,

I am looking for a new laptop that has at least the following spec:
Dual Core Processor
2Gb Ram
160Gb Hard Drive
Decent 'dedicated' graphics (one that doesn't share system memory)Can anyone recommend me a decent laptop matching this between £400 - 450.

Kind Thanks

P.S I just found this site that has lots of useful laptop info I am sure someone else will find this useful hopefully this will help me find the laptop of my dreams (and budget!)
http://www.notebookcheck.net/

[GunJack]

I've just ordered one of these:
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1432952668.121051718 2@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdladeedglhleecflgceggdhhmdgml.0&category_oid=-28487&sku=886075&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null

£261 and 2.5% quidco

Some excellent refurbs around, with 12 month warranties. If they had none of those, was going to look at this instead:
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/739213#productInformationSection

£289 and 2.5% quidco
Most of the new ones I found around £320 were Celerons, but both of the above are dual-core, with quidco back and free delivery too :)

[dmacwalter]

Dell Inspiron
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-9328.aspx
Can get the same laptop from Dell.com/uk for the same price, but with a bigger HDD. Suppose you dont get CC point though ;)

[eamonn321]

I can't decide between these 2 laptops.

The Dell Inspiron 1525 http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&kc=NRS15252&l=en&oc=N0552508&rbc=N0552508&s=dhs

Or the Samsung R60
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/322244?camp_id=email01#productInformationSection

They look mostly the same but as this is for my soon to be student son I suspect I should be after the one which would be best for..... games.

I'd be very grateful if anyone could take a quick look at these 2 options and give me their opinion.

Thank you

[playaz]

Actually - anyone know of any under £400 laptops that use GeForce 8600M graphic chipsets (these seem good from what i am reading)

[S0litaire]

One thing to consider is what you are going to use the laptop for?

If it's Games then to be honest a Desktop would be cheeper.

If it's business then Dell, Acer, Medion Would be fine

But if it's Surfing, typing letters email and a like then think of going for one of those Asus Eee PC's they are small (9 inch screen) light 0.95kg and under £350 They don't have a huge hard drive (20Gb)

Specs: Asus Eee PC 900 (http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=24&l2=0&l3=0&l4=0&model=2152&modelmenu=2)

If you get the Windows XP version you get a smaller disk.


Handy tip. (for anyone who is IT literate or knows a guy who is...)

If you have a store bought copy of XP (Not one that came with a PC that has OEM on the disk). Then you can use it on your new laptop or Desktop.

When you get the new machine and power it on you will get a "I Agree" or "I Decline" option. This is the licence agreement. Reject the initial question about agreeing to the OS EULA (End User Licence Agreement)

Then contact the company you got it from and state that you declined the EULA of the OS provided and request that they reimburse you for the cost of the OS. They will ask you to return all documents and software you got with the machine relating to the Operating system. (usually "Recovery Disk" or "OEM" disk + user guide, quick-start guide).

They may sent you out a disclaimer for you to sign stating that you have removed all traces of the OS from your machine.

The money you get back will probably be between £20 and £50 but it's the principle.. Why buy the OS more than once if you already legally own a copy you can use.

Then you are free to install your previous or any Free alternative OS on the machine.

*Note* If a version of windows marked as OEM can only be used on the machine it was purchased with. You can not use it on another machine.


Well you could always look into Linux.. ;)

www.ubuntu.com (http://www.ubuntu.com) (Free OS) :D

[flashnazia]

Feel bad for asking as ppl have better things to do but...

Can anyone quickly answer because....I am the tightest git around but...., I need to buy a laptop cos I have been putting it off for six months and I'm using a borrowed Dell that was made in the dark ages....

I'm looking to spend as little as possible and get as much as I can for it (typical tight git speak)

Have seen a few on Dell's site (http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/dotw_laptops?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs) but need to check before I take the plunge.

Here goes....

Reliable Company, Dell or Toshiba? Acer or what?

Screen, What the hell is Truelife, Truebright, WXGA etc

Dual core, core 2 duo, what's the diff and is it worth paying for instead of getting celeron, AMD etc

DVD±RW/ DVD-RAM Does this indicate I can burn CDs?

Integrated Speakers- do they come as standard?

As you can tell I'm not just a tight git but a bit of a thick one too....

Thanks for any answers

[tandeh]

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/182984/dell-vostro-1700-laptop-2-4ghz-c2d-/
looks top for spec

[smokeyjoe]

We've been running on old desktops for sometime so OH and I decided we fancied laptops but obviously buying two made price a big issue!

We had slight doubts but went for:

BELINEA O.BOOK 1 INTEL CELERON 530 120GB HD 1024MB RAM WEBCAM VISTA BASIC WHITE
* Processor: Intel Celeron-M 530 1.73GHz, 533MHz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache
* RAM: 1GB DDR2 (Max Memory 2GB)
* Hard Drive: 120GB Serial ATA
* Screen: 15.4" Widescreen TFT (1280x800)
* Optical Drive: DVD±RW Super Multi Double Layer
* Graphics: Integrated Graphics supporting 256MB
* Wireless LAN: Yes
* Bluetooth: No
* Battery Life (Depending on Use): Upto 2 Hours
* Weight: 2.7kg
* Operating System: Windows Vista Home Basic
* Fast Ethernet 10/100
* Built-In Camera

We paid £329 (this also included a laptop case) for each plus got the shop to upgrade to 2GB ram for free.

I must say we are really impressed, we use our computers mainly for internet and using MS office (we run our own business) - it's really fast and we we also supported a local small business.

[eponymous]

You can pinch yourself that you're not dreaming. The DSG is notoriously slack when it comes to price competitiveness (using spotty salesmen at PC World, Currys and Dixons who rely on fear and ignorance by pushing warranties is coming to home to roost) and as they're going through a tough time, they've smartened up their act.

So I must admit that I bought this Samsung R60+ laptop yesterday as an emergency same-day purchase and it's great, Vista excepted. Except it was a click and collect from Currys. I got a few percent back via quidco. However, you can save even more this way.
It's actually £389 at Dixons.co.uk - and no, Currys didn't price match with their online bretheren. Start at Quidco Then, add SAVE 10 code in the voucher, which brings it down to 379 and with the Quidco discount, you have a £ 400+ laptop for £367.63. Ignore the Norton 360 - it's rubbish - I have used it before, likewise the extended warranty. If they go wrong, they'll go majorly wrong in the first year.
A VERY good and well reviewed laptop that was 550+ last summer for a year's worth of daily newspapers. GET IN!!!

[chandrakant]

:j HP G6065EA Notebook PC (http://h41306.www4.hp.com/section?SID=449910d60288079ee6dbc74ca5733a7c28a:12 22&secid=75556)
</B>● Genuine (http://welcome.hp-ww.com/country/uk/en/mda/genuine_landing.html) Windows Vista® Home Premium 32-bit
● AMD Athlon 64 X2 TK57 Mobile Technology
● 160 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive
● 15.4” WXGA HD BrightView Widescreen
● 2048 MB (2 x 1024 MB)
● Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW)
● Webcam with integrated microphone
priced at £399
use voucher code
HPSPLDIS at check out to get 10% off plus free shipping.
bring it down to £359.10
use 'quidco'(can't coment on relibality) for further 5% cash back cost around £341 ish....
sellect special offer and you can get free HP cary case too!!!
i can confirm that laptop is briliant,fast good looking and light..
i don't think you can get better deal than this...
good luck
http://h41306.www4.hp.com/item?partner=1223&sku=BKH948EACC&jumpid=in_rm_r2515_uk_en_dsc_hho_20080502171534819

[krumped_up]

anyone know where i can find really decent laptops for under 250 quid? Is ebay the still the cheapest? im talkin second hand and refurbished stuff here, of course...

[Conorrr]

The Best Priced Laptops out there are the Medion Ones at ALDI but they are only avaliable for a couple of days maximum and then they are withdrawn

example (http://aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_6017.htm)

[monkeyspanner]

anyone know where i can find really decent laptops for under 250 quid? Is ebay the still the cheapest? im talkin second hand and refurbished stuff here, of course...

Depends what you want re spec. but you can get a v.basic New Dell Vostro for this sort of price.

Here's the link http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=ukbsdt1&kc=pcuk5&oc=n0510001&x=10&y=6

Works out at about £258 delivered and you can get 5% money back if you enter via Quidco.

[GunJack]

krumped - see my post earlier...

I was rooting around all over before I ordered mine..and it really depends on what spec you want/need. Was going to go for a cracking refurb with xp for £200, and in some ways now wish I had done...but then saying that, the only thing wrong with the advent I got is that it's running vista :(

[marcusmac]

I worked for 5 years managing hardware failure repair incidents, personally from what I have managed I would go for a Dell, Toshiba or HP, all reliable brands that have spare parts available for them if something goes wrong. I have bought Toshiba in the past but current work laptop is an HP nc6320 which is great. Sony although good quality needs to be sent abroad to be fixed under their warranty (used to be France). So theyre great until they go wrong.

For £289.99inc vat recently bought
HP 6720s Laptop Intel Celeron M 540 1.86GHz 1 x 1GB, 80GB DVD-RW WLAN, 15.4" WXGA (1280 x 800 resolution) Bluetooth, SD Card Reader Vista Home Basic (Office 07 Ready *Trial)

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140189

People were amazed at what you got for the money. I would suggest this as a combination of quality and price.

[kellymarie83]

Has anybody used or looked at the free laptop offers with AOL, Orange, Carphone Warehouse and Utility Warehouse?

I dont know whether it would be cheaper to buy a laptop or take up one of the offers?

Im only looking to spend about £300 or less, but would like windows and at least 80GB.

Any suggestions/recommendations please?

[monkeyspanner]

Has anybody used or looked at the free laptop offers with AOL, Orange, Carphone Warehouse and Utility Warehouse?

I dont know whether it would be cheaper to buy a laptop or take up one of the offers?

Im only looking to spend about £300 or less, but would like windows and at least 80GB.

Any suggestions/recommendations please?

Depends if you want to lock into an expensive broadband deal for extended period. The one I looked at was £36 a month for 18months. So you probably end up paying over the odds for both the broadband and the laptop. If you want to spread the cost of the laptop it may be worthwhile in comparison to borrowing money on a credit card.

[AliceBanned]

Hi everyone

I am looking for a 17" laptop with fairly decent hard drive and memory. I saw this at pcworld and it seems £100 cheaper than the average larger screen laptop:
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/302396

Would anyone recommend this spec for the money?

Thanks for any help.

[flashnazia]

Please tell me someone,

what's better

Dual core, core 2 duo, intel celeron?

Is it worth paying extra for one or is there not much difference?

[meandu229]

Please tell me someone,

what's better

Dual core, core 2 duo, intel celeron?

Is it worth paying extra for one or is there not much difference?
celeron is oldest and worse a single core,, then dual core , then core 2 duo . its worth paying more for because it will allow for multi tasking and better system stability

[hpa423]

I am searching for a new laptop and trying to get the best of everything I can for under £400 (greedy). Does anyone think this is a good deal please?
http://www.laskys.com/pcs_and_laptops/laptops_and_pdas/laptops/acer_aspire_5920_5a2g12mi.html?cm_mmc=Google-_-Killer_Campaign_PPCPM-_-ACER_Aspire_5920-5A2G12MI-_-ACER_AS5920-5A2G12MI
Thanks so much for your help!

[Lo-Lo]

Hi everyone,
My husband was going to get me a Dell Inspiron 1525 for my birthday, but we realised it will be much cheaper when Dell has a free delivery sale - does anyone have any idea when/if this might happen?

Many thanks!

[StuartP]

Hi Everyone

I would like to look into buying my two eldest laptops now as they are getting to an age (8 & 10) where they are taking up time on my wife and I's computers! They will also benefit from the ability to look up homework stuff, write reports, etc.

I would like the laptop to last at least 2 years, and be able to run Vista adaquately as it appears XP laptops are in short supply.

Therefore I suspect my specification is approx:

1Gb minimum
80Gb HDD
ATI/NVidea GFX
Vista Home

Edit: Oh yes, I suspect reliability is probably top of my list as I don't want to have to fix them myself more frequently than once a year!

It will run basic office apps (I suspect I will d/l openoffice for them) and internet explorer, along with Java based games. My sons like's his RPG games so something that could comfortably run some recent(ish) RPG games.

I was hoping for a budget of around £300 each but the run Vista well I suspect my cost will be more. Bear in mind I will require 2 of them!

Thanks in advance

Stu

[interceptor02]

just appeared on the dixons website. its a refub but good vaule for money




AMD Turion 64x2 Processor TL60
<LI class=indentFeature>(2.0 GHz, 533 MHz FSB, 1 MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista (R) Home Premium (javascript:showEditorial('Genuine-Windows');)
2GB Memory
160 GB Hard Drive

15.4" Screen
DVD±RW Optical Drives
UMA Graphics Card Type
2.0 USB Connections - 3
Wireless Enabled
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0340828792.121154137 4@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdeadeeehffdjdcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=ProductList&category_oid=-32665&show_all=true&disabled_product=1

[wwp8]

Hi Everyone

I would like to look into buying my two eldest laptops now as they are getting to an age (8 & 10) where they are taking up time on my wife and I's computers! They will also benefit from the ability to look up homework stuff, write reports, etc.

I would like the laptop to last at least 2 years, and be able to run Vista adaquately as it appears XP laptops are in short supply.

Therefore I suspect my specification is approx:

1Gb minimum
80Gb HDD
ATI/NVidea GFX
Vista Home

Edit: Oh yes, I suspect reliability is probably top of my list as I don't want to have to fix them myself more frequently than once a year!

It will run basic office apps (I suspect I will d/l openoffice for them) and internet explorer, along with Java based games. My sons like's his RPG games so something that could comfortably run some recent(ish) RPG games.

I was hoping for a budget of around £300 each but the run Vista well I suspect my cost will be more. Bear in mind I will require 2 of them!

Thanks in advance

Stu

shop around and look for a 2gb one

[chandrakant]

Hi Everyone

I would like to look into buying my two eldest laptops now as they are getting to an age (8 & 10) where they are taking up time on my wife and I's computers! They will also benefit from the ability to look up homework stuff, write reports, etc.

I would like the laptop to last at least 2 years, and be able to run Vista adaquately as it appears XP laptops are in short supply.

Therefore I suspect my specification is approx:

1Gb minimum
80Gb HDD
ATI/NVidea GFX
Vista Home

Edit: Oh yes, I suspect reliability is probably top of my list as I don't want to have to fix them myself more frequently than once a year!

It will run basic office apps (I suspect I will d/l openoffice for them) and internet explorer, along with Java based games. My sons like's his RPG games so something that could comfortably run some recent(ish) RPG games.

I was hoping for a budget of around £300 each but the run Vista well I suspect my cost will be more. Bear in mind I will require 2 of them!

Thanks in advance

Stu
Stu, look at post 1919 on previuse page. if you quick you may get free carry case too. i can tell you laptop is top class. i am well pleased.

[wassupjackie]

log on to dell website - go onto the buisness site [yes retail can buy buisness laptops ] have a look at the prices on there - i just got a vostro 17 inch widescreen , core2 duo 1.8ghz , 2 gb ram , 160 gb hard drive , and nvidia dedicated graphics card - £410 inc vat - delivered :beer:

[p1an0player]

What do people think of this?
Toshiba A200-1YO £399
http://www.johnlewis.com/230472319/Product.aspx

[mrs.maverick]

I brought the HP laptop for £329 yesterday from Tescos and am so far pleased with it. It seems a reasonable deal...

[creakingate2]

Anybody thought about Apple, I know they might be slightly more expensive in the first place to buy, but, IMHO you get:
1. Stability- they don't crash
2. Virus protection
3. Included software- usually enough installed from new for most home requirements
4. They just work!

[loopy_lass]

help, only got intermittent internet access at moment,, so quickly putting this thread up... ok problem i got is, 10 yr old desk top is unstable, crashes has virus etc... basicially has had its day.

I have an ergo laptop paid £1200 for it, but isnt connected to internet. so question is, do i put the dreaded aol (locked into it for year) and use that, or buy a £300 desk top, if so which one, someone said this one was ok....

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1968441155.121179552 9@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccfkadeeekjkfdjcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=573404&category_oid=-34828#productInformationSection

thanks loops

[JDPower]

I have an ergo laptop paid £1200 for it, but isnt connected to internet. so question is, do i put the dreaded aol (locked into it for year) and use that,You don't need to install the awful AOL software to use your AOL internet connection.

[stamford]

What do people think of this?
Toshiba A200-1YO £399
http://www.johnlewis.com/230472319/Product.aspx

I bought one of these from CCL back end of March & am very pleased with it

http://www.cclonline.com/product-info.asp?product_id=19854&category_id=422&manufacturer_id=0

Tosh are doing £50 cashback till end of May

[olly]

Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal,as im after this type of spec,and price range,no more really.Also,whats your thoughts on owning an Asus? cheers.;)
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Asus_X51RL-AS499C_Laptop_X51RL-AS499C/version.asp?tref=fpg-Asus%20X51RL

[Arch_23]

is this a good deal?

Fujitsu-Siemens Esprimo Mobile D9500 Notebook PC

Core 2 Duo T7250 2.0GHz / 2GB RAM / 80GB HDD / 15.4" WXGA TFT / DVD±RW / LAN WLAN / No OS / Intel GMA X3100

£293.74 (excl. P&P)


http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=294500&Tab=0&NoMapp=0

[NineThreeNine]

For anybody that's looking at a good deal checkout PC Worlds "recon" range. Normally I would tell anyone to avoid PC World completely, as their prices are usually a rip-off, but the refurbished range of laptops has some real bargins!

I was looking for a 12" Laptop, as I sold my Asus eee to get a slightly bigger machine. Now at first I was looking at second hand stuff on ebay, but £200 seems to only get you an old Pentium III ~1gHz or an early Centrino. However, if you don't mind going to £360 you can get this beast:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/__Laptops_12-1-NEW-Duo-Core1-73GHz-2GB-RAM-160HD-HASEE-Laptop_W0QQitemZ250252341858QQptdnZLaptopsQQptdiZ4 214QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250252341858&_trkparms=72%3A12|39%3A1|65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1308

The chip is a Core 2 Duo with half the cache, it's not your standard 'Dual Pentium'. Now, the only worry with that machine is the warranty since its a Chinese brand. (Supposibly the UN are supplied by this brand!)

Now examine the pictures, then look at this Advent at PC World:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/504389

Hmm... the same chassis... a different processor, but it will be the same motherboard, battery, screen, etc. However, that thing will set you back £450.

Now here's where the PC World 'recon' range comes in. The above Laptop can be bought for £289!!! That's a fricking Core 2 Duo, 2GB Ram, modern chipset, 12" lappy for under £300!!!!

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?page=Product&source_id=aw&sku=339071&camp_id=GiftPal&source_id=aw&camp_id=GiftPal&awc=1598_1211982608_be60f8e0b2df760463a2013e1bb5ad 9d

Sadly, its out of stock where I am :(
But, there are plenty of other great machines there. The machines are all Laptops that were returned within 28days and are all cleaned up with original packaging + parts. You get a nice 1 year warranty too, so it's practically a new machine!

Just search for 'refurbished laptop' on the PC World site. I bought a Advent 8112, which is almost the same as the 9212. All I need is to pick up 2GB of ram for £15 on ebay ;)

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1536349561.121198210 0@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdladeeemimjhjcflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=185724&category_oid=

Core 2 Duo T5250 1.5gHz // 1GB DDR2 (Chipset supports upto 4GB) // 120 GB HDD // DVD RW // LAN WLAN // Vista Premium // Intel X3100

About the same size as an A4 piece of paper :D

One more tip. Don't be put off by machines with 512MB or 1GB of ram. Companies are going to charge you a lot more for a 2GB machine; when you can simply buy and install the ram yourself for less than £20. Just make sure the chipset uses DDR2 and supports 2GB; most modern chipsets will support upto 4GB of DDR2. Step away from anything with plain DDR, as the stuff costs a fortune these days...

[Roger_Rampant]

So one has a wxga screen, but only onboard graphics. Whereas the other has a standard screen, but has a separate graphics card? Also one doesn't say whether it takes DDR2 memory or not, as far as I can see...

[NineThreeNine]

So one has a wxga screen, but only onboard graphics. Whereas the other has a standard screen, but has a separate graphics card? Also one doesn't say whether it takes DDR2 memory or not, as far as I can see...

If you're replying to my post all the laptops in it use the same GMA965 chipset; thus, they all take DDR2 memory, they all use the X3100 onboard graphics, and they all have wxga screens.

The X3100 is pretty decent for onboard graphics. It's actually 4 times more powerful than the top GMA 9xx card and actually features hardware T&L. It's not going to be as good as any 7xxx or 8xxx series nVidia card; nor will it match any 2xxx series ATi card. But it does deserve some credit, on Youtube many people use the X3100 to run Call Of Duty 4, Half Life 2, FEAR, and World of Warcraft on low/medium settings with good (~30) fps.

From looking at benchmarks of other onboard cards the X3100 is faster than the nVidia 6150 and ATi X1100, and is just behind the ATi X1300. The thing with the card is the initial drivers were very poor, so reviews of the card on release are rather negative. Although Intels driver team does suck in comparison to ATi/nVidias, the drivers do considerably improve the card.

Basically, any Intel onboard card that isn't the X3100 or above (basically any GMA9xx card) is going to be tripe.

Of course any modern dedicated ATi or nVidia card will seriously outperform it!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

olly that Asus is a pretty good machine, the ATi graphics aren't very good (but considerably better than any GMAxxx.) If you're just web browsing + using office that machine is more than enough. Although the site says 'Intel Dual Core' that chip is a Core 2 Duo, which is a good family of laptop chips ;) ASUS are a strong brand, they excel in the component market and thus aren't as famous for their laptops; the build and support should be top-notch.

Arch_23 as long as you don't mind the lack of an Operating System, that machine is another fine machine.

[Arch_23]

Arch_23 as long as you don't mind the lack of an Operating System, that machine is another fine machine.

Could I use the Windows XP disc I received with my desktop PC?

tbh I just want a laptop for basic web browsing, email + word processing. I'll still be using my desktop for the multimedia.

[NineThreeNine]

Could I use the Windows XP disc I received with my desktop PC?

tbh I just want a laptop for basic web browsing, email + word processing. I'll still be using my desktop for the multimedia.

Technically if that XP license is still installed on the desktop then you can't legally install XP on another machine. Sometimes the license will only work on machines with a certain BIOS (Dell do something like this.) Whilst on others there's only your conscience stopping you from installing XP across multiple machines.

An OEM copy of XP home can be bought for only £50.

For what you want to do I'd recommend any Core 2 Duo or Turon X2 with 1GB of memory under XP or 2GB under Vista. Whilst you may get away with a Celeron, the computer will be much more 'snappy' with either of the other processors. Likewise you'll get away with 1GB of memory under Vista for basic tasks; however, upgrading memory is easy and cheap. In 90% of lappies you can't do anything about the processor.

I'd say getting a Duo /w 2GB of ram seems to head around the £300-400 mark, usually at the higher of that band. The lappy you chose would be a good purchase even with the extra £50 for Windows; or you could go try Ubuntu Linux for free!

You may look into refurbished laptops, which you can find under £300 with some serious specs:

This is good spec, apart from the ram, Packard Bell @ £259 . A good buy if you dare spend £20 on some memory and install it yourself:

http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0369133917.121202712 0@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdeadeeemhddfjcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=175067&category_oid=-32665

An Advent for £289.99, not as good a brand, but brilliant spec (C2D @ 1.5ghz, 2GB ram, 120GB HDD)
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0369133917.121202712 0@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdeadeeemhddfjcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=942250&category_oid=-32665

A Packard Bell with the same specs as the Advent, slightly better brand:
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/store/dix_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0369133917.121202712 0@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdeadeeemhddfjcflgceggdhhmdgmi.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=889394&category_oid=-32665

[AliceBanned]

Hi

Is this something a layperson can do; installing RAM yourself? I want to buy a laptop over the next day or two 17" and the 2GBs tend to be over £450 - could I spend less by getting 1GB and then installing more?

Thanks

[bart569]

there's a great deal at tesco.com a HP G6062ea laptop, 2GB RAM 120GB Hard drive winow vista home premium webcam 15.4inch screen looks pretty good i was thinking of getting it, has anybody bought it or have similar please let me know as i need to know more about it thanks!!!!! BTW the link is 1098.aspxhttp://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-1098.aspx

[NineThreeNine]

This video does a good job explaining:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLBKaOq7yOQ

As you can see installing ram is as easy as building with lego ;) Well that's how I put it to people... My elder sister who knows nothing about the insides of computers managed to upgrade the ram on her desktop herself, so I reckon most people will be able to it with ease.

Two 1GB sticks can be bought for around £25 on ebay or any decent computer hardware site (aria, scan, dabs.)

Around 80% of laptops will have a compartment for upgrading the ram like the one in the video.

[GunJack]

939 - I was singing the praises of pcworld's refurb range on page 96...the advent I ordered (see the post for a link) turned up and has been great..absolute bargain for just over £250 with quidco 2.5%. I too would normally have steered clear of pcworld, but after much trawling the refurbs were good vfm.

[brooksie77]

look at this

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/191408/dell-vostro-1510-1-8ghz-c2d-2gb-160

Just ordered one meself!
Dell Vostro
2GB RAM, 160HD, £295 all-in. + quidco.

[marko4ever25]

look at this

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/191408/dell-vostro-1510-1-8ghz-c2d-2gb-160

Just ordered one meself!
Dell Vostro
2GB RAM, 160HD, £295 all-in. + quidco.

yep but u missed this!!

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/193363/showthread.php?p=2228284&posted=1#post2228284

[AliceBanned]

This video does a good job explaining:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLBKaOq7yOQ

As you can see installing ram is as easy as building with lego ;) Well that's how I put it to people... My elder sister who knows nothing about the insides of computers managed to upgrade the ram on her desktop herself, so I reckon most people will be able to it with ease.

Two 1GB sticks can be bought for around £25 on ebay or any decent computer hardware site (aria, scan, dabs.)

Around 80% of laptops will have a compartment for upgrading the ram like the one in the video.

That's great, thanks!

[blackqueen]

Hey all,

I am looking to get another laptop. I have a 3 year old or so big beefy Dell which is serving me just fine, but it's quite a lump to take around as it's a bigger screen. I also have a nice Dell desktop at home. What I am looking for is a very small laptop, 12" or so screen, that I can travel with as I am on trains a lot and my Dell laptop is just too bulky. I would want to surf the net mainly, wireless of course, but also use Office on occasion but not that much.

I was hoping to get something sub £200 if poss and was thinking of Ebay but I am overwhelmed by them all!

Have seen a few Sony Vaio which I know are small, also a few Dell 400 Latitudes. What should I be looking for? Any recommendations on spec?

Doesn't have to be the fastest whizziest machine in the world. My old Dell laptop isn't but does the job just fine. I am looking for smallness and portability and if it's not cost an arm and a leg then the odd bashing whilst travelling won't matter.

Oh, and I can certainly upgrade ram in a machine, so not completely befuddled!

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Many thanx oh knowledgeable ones!

x

[mortgagelurker]

i hate the dell service, although their vostro laptop seems great. Is there anywhere else i can buy a laptop with similar specs??? i.e:-

screen size must be 15" or above
core 2 duo processor
2gb ram
120gb + hdd
better gfx card such as nvidia 8400gs

i have a budget of £400

[mortgagelurker]

oops repeated..sorry

[MKwife]

Hi where would be the best place to buy a HP DV9820? Has anyone used simplyhp.co.uk?

[GunJack]

lurker - try pcworld's refurbs, as discussed earlier. Should be able to pick up what you're after under-budget

[mortgagelurker]

thanks gunjack, but i've already bought a dell vostro 1510 today for £400.

thanks again

[Lady_K]

thanks gunjack, but i've already bought a dell vostro 1510 today for £400.

thanks again

Why was your vostro £400? On the Dell website the most expensive vostro 1510 is £349. I'm considering a laptop myself either HP or Dell and wondered why did you choose the vostro 1510 in the end?

The £349 one is showing as upgraded to 3gb ram, free delivery and save an extra £30 at the moment so I'm thinking about it as I know vista needs much more ram than xp and that extra would really help. I just wondered if I should upgrade anything on it?

[AliceBanned]

Hi
Thanks to reading this thread I just bought my hp Pavilion 17" laptop refurb from PC World - £349.99, 2GB - it is great for the money and has one year guarantee. I don't think I've lost out at all in going for a refurb - if i hadn't read the recommendations on here I wouldn't have even considered it, but from a reputable dealer it shouldn't be a problem. Delivery was free and it arrived three days after I bought it online - generally I would recommend their refurb deals.

[mortgagelurker]

@ Lady_K - Hi....the reason the vostro was for £400, is because i added extras, such as nvidia gfx card, 1yr accidental cover and a webcam and this totaled to approx £391. The reason i chose the vostro is because it is the best specification of components for its price. I assure you that i spent a week to try and find a laptop which could match or even come close to it's specifications, but i could not find any. Trust me, this is a very good deal and if you don't believe me, then please read here:-
http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/191408/dell-vostro-1510-1-8ghz-c2d-2gb-160

[Lady_K]

@ Lady_K - Hi....the reason the vostro was for £400, is because i added extras, such as nvidia gfx card, 1yr accidental cover and a webcam and this totaled to approx £391. The reason i chose the vostro is because it is the best specification of components for its price. I assure you that i spent a week to try and find a laptop which could match or even come close to it's specifications, but i could not find any. Trust me, this is a very good deal and if you don't believe me, then please read here:-
http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/191408/dell-vostro-1510-1-8ghz-c2d-2gb-160

Thanx I've never really looked at the business ones before as its really for home use. Are they as good for doing photos and adjusting them etc? The warranty is a bit different on the vostro isnt it, on the home ones I would have chosen the 12 month rtb option whats the difference with this warranty?

Overall do you think the business ones are better than the home and if so whats the main advantages and are there any dissadvantages?

I don't know if I need the graphics upgrade, I don't play games on it.

Would you say if I went for one of these its best to go for the higher one that has the free 3mb ram upgrade this month and £30 off then upgrade anything else I might need?

[mortgagelurker]

hiya lady_k. The business laptops have a much better specification, but do not tend to have the good looks of home laptops. But hey who cares?? you want power? then the business machines mean business!

Leave out the gfx card if you don't need it, but i would highly recommend it as it was a £100 add-on a few days ago and now is half price, plus it is approx 8-10 times faster than your integrated intel gfx card. Lastly remember that once u have got a chosen gfx card, you can't upgrade it, so best to go for it if you can.

This laptop have a more than enough capacity to handle photo/video editing, so not a problem there as its got 2gb memory and a Intel C2D 1.8GHz processor and a 160gb hdd - thats PLENTY!

Also don't waste money on more ram as you won't notice any difference in speed. Lastly stick to a SINGLE 2GB CHANNEL (1 memory stick). This will allow you to upgrade your ram in the future at a cheaper price.

The business laptops have 1yr Next Business Day Onsite warranty, so much better. The way to do it is to order over the phone, tell them that you want home sales and then explain to the sales person that you want to buy a laptop (ref no: N0615108) but its for home use.

Hope this helps you.

[kdowner]

As long as you live in England, you can get a Vostro Dell Laptop from as little as £169+vat. http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/vostro_nb?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd

I have tried this, and you don;t need a VAT number, you don;t need a business address or anything. Just like in the UK.

FREE delivery at the minute!

[mortgagelurker]

thats right kdowner, but since lady_k wants a good time that will last and is value for money, i highly recommend you stick with the vostro 1510 as that is giving you the best specs for the price.

[snowqueen555]

the dell website adds on vat at the checkout, so the prices dont end up cheap

[mortgagelurker]

the dell website adds on vat at the checkout, so the prices dont end up cheap

Umm, if you can find a deal that beats the dell vostro 1510, then please do tell me as i spent a week looking for a deal with those specs.

[pjala]

Thanks ML, but there was one problem that I found while looking at the specs for this - I would like the better graphics card and it says that there is a compatibility issues with the power supply and the better graphics card! It appears that you cannot change the power supply, so can only downgrade the graphics to the built in Intel.
Have you managed to resolve this in any other way?
Cheers

[Lady_K]

the dell website adds on vat at the checkout, so the prices dont end up cheap

That is decieving I hate sites that do it that way. If I had the most expensive one at £349 even if I didnt have any upgrades it works out at an extra £60 £410.08 to be exact. I was thinking of having the graphics card but the extra cost puts me off now plus not sure about that incompatibility thing that pjala has mentioned.

I won't rule it out though just yet but at least I know now rather than find out once I got to check out.

I want to use quidco or similar aswell and does it have microsoft word on it at all or do I have to get that separately?

what is the difference between windows vista home premium and the vista business one?

[snowqueen555]

Yeh, Dell were recently in trouble for an ad they had, laptop from 169, however this didn't include VAT and delivery of £60, they got fined or something or other because their ad was very misleading.

The vostro 1510 or £349 is a good offer at that price, if you have a business or something, but add on vat and then its not such a good deal, but compared to high street stores its very good

It really depends on what you want the laptop for, stuff like core 2 duo isn't necessary if yo uare just using the laptop for basic stuff, there isn't a need to spend the extra money

[chris667]

About a year ago, I bought a laptop from Staples. Our business regularly buys things from there and they do interest free credit for six months if you spend £500 or more. So we bought £150 of stock items for our day to day business, and £350 for the cheapest laptop. It's a Fujitsu-Siemens, and works quite well.
I went in there the other week and noticed they had a laptop for £300. If you pay it off in time, it's quite a good deal.
Of course, if you only want to go online you could buy a Pentium 2 or better laptop, install Puppy Linux(www.puppylinux.org), and then you can use a secondhand one! This one I'm typing on right now cost £45 on Ebay. It has better battery life than the Fujitsu, and of course, all the software is free!

[clueless1]

I need a new laptop but I dont know what what exactly I should be looking for. I would really appreciate it If anyone can advise me of what specs I will need for when I am searching for a laptop. I use for mainly going online but I store a lot of music and photos, so will need a big harddrive? thanks!

[snowqueen555]

you won't require very much in terms of power and ram then, no need to opt for core 2 duo etc, any bog standard budget laptop will easily fulfill those needs, typical laptops have 160gb and over

i would recommened 2gig ram minimum for vista though

[Lady_K]

Does anyone know if there are any discount codes for the Dell Vostro range? I'm now thinking of going for the Vostro 17in because it has a full sized keyboard so I wouldnt need to attach another keyboard

[mortgagelurker]

@ Pjala & Lady_K - the graphic card issue is very simple to resolve as the Nvidia card needs a 90W adapter. Simply choose the nvidia gfx card and whatever else you want. When the error pops up, ignore it by closing it. Now Click on the Tab No.3 (ACCESSORISE MY DELL) and goto the bottom and choose the 90W POWER ADAPTER (3 WIRE) free upgrade. This should resolve that issue.



That is decieving I hate sites that do it that way. If I had the most expensive one at £349 even if I didnt have any upgrades it works out at an extra £60 £410.08 to be exact. I was thinking of having the graphics card but the extra cost puts me off now plus not sure about that incompatibility thing that pjala has mentioned.

I won't rule it out though just yet but at least I know now rather than find out once I got to check out.

I want to use quidco or similar aswell and does it have microsoft word on it at all or do I have to get that separately?

what is the difference between windows vista home premium and the vista business one?

Lady_K - Currently there is an offer where your shipping is FREE!!! When you have chosen your spec, simply go all the way to the checkout where you will see the shipping discount. Now the laptop will cost you a total of £351, which includes the nvidia card, vat and delivery.

The laptop does not include word, but its Works 9.0, i believe.

You can use quidco too which will bring the cost down a further £13 i think.

Hope this helps.

[Lady_K]

@ Pjala & Lady_K - the graphic card issue is very simple to resolve as the Nvidia card needs a 90W adapter. Simply choose the nvidia gfx card and whatever else you want. When the error pops up, ignore it by closing it. Now Click on the Tab No.3 (ACCESSORISE MY DELL) and goto the bottom and choose the 90W POWER ADAPTER (3 WIRE) free upgrade. This should resolve that issue.





Lady_K - Currently there is an offer where your shipping is FREE!!! When you have chosen your spec, simply go all the way to the checkout where you will see the shipping discount. Now the laptop will cost you a total of £351, which includes the nvidia card, vat and delivery.

The laptop does not include word, but its Works 9.0, i believe.

You can use quidco too which will bring the cost down a further £13 i think.

Hope this helps.

You must be meaning the system that says £299 on the site I was looking at the £349 system which does work out at just over £410 excluding the card upgrade and including the free delivery.

I have decided to go for the 17inch one though now even though it will cost more its better for me because of the full size keyboard I'm just trying to see if I can get a discount code to use with it too if possible.

Can you tell me how you got the accidental damage cover as it says in the customise bit that you cant have that with any of these laptops?

[mortgagelurker]

Lady_K - You asked and your getting more discount:-

Special discount code for 10% off all vostro desktops and laptops between 2pm and 4pm today and tomorrow. Code: BG1D23XVTRVZ14

I rang them up and they offered me accidental cover.

[Lady_K]

Thankyou :) Yes I noticed that myself early this morning. I haven't been able to get one ordered today but I'm going to order it tomorrow, just hope they are still available tomorrow.

Pity they have the accidental cover marked as declined for online ordering, how much did the cover cost?

I didn't order yesterday as I needed the final encouragement of an extra code to use as it is more than I really wanted to pay now I'm having the 17inch one but in the long run I think that size is best for me.

I was pleased to see that offer code this morning and glad I hadn't ordered yesterday now :) I might get a bag aswell but I noticed the cost of the bags are more in the configure part than on the actual site selling the exact same bags.

[cameo]

Even without the extra code it was an extremely attractive offer but now it's pretty stunning. Think I will bag one myself tomorrow during the happy hours. Where did you hear about the voucher ML?

[mortgagelurker]

Lady_k, the accident cover for 1yr cost me about £35.

cameo, the voucher code has been posted on the HotUkDeals website.

Also guys my advice to you would be don't waste time as these offers tend to come and go...good luck!

[cameo]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting the info on that vostro deal everyone. Just bought one with a geforce for myself and my parents got the bog standard one and a carry case. Came in at 595 for the lot. Very happy. :beer:

[mortgagelurker]

cameo - glad u liked the vostro deal.

[verbyl.belch]

Damn. I'm really annoyed i've missed out on that 10% deal. How often do Dell actually do deals like this?

Cheers

[Jake'sGran]

I am still a novice after eight years. Cameo said she "got a bog standard one for her parents". I imagine this is what I need but when I looked on Dell at the Vostro computers they seem to be for business customers only. I just need a basic laptop with a large screen and keys I can manage with my bad hands. All I do is surfing generally, reading/using forums, banking and a few letters. What would anyone suggest? Is it possible to get something for £300?

[gooner045]

I am still a novice after eight years. Cameo said she "got a bog standard one for her parents". I imagine this is what I need but when I looked on Dell at the Vostro computers they seem to be for business customers only. I just need a basic laptop with a large screen and keys I can manage with my bad hands. All I do is surfing generally, reading/using forums, banking and a few letters. What would anyone suggest? Is it possible to get something for £300?


http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/cat.php?search=laptops&lang=

[joecassels]

I keep an eye on cheap laptop deals for my site Support PCs. At the moment I think one from eBuyer is pretty hard to beat. http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140709. It's £269.97 inc VAT with free delivery. It only comes with Windows Vista Basic, but will be fine for general use. I think it's a good buy and would get it myself if I had the cash.

[MEMBER02]

Is this a good deal?
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1541223836.121352663 5@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadeeghmifdkcflgceggdhhmdgml.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=335068&category_oid=

[snowqueen555]

i think that is decent for the price ^ it will do the job of basic pc stuff, unless you are looking to play 3d games or use editing progs etc, the dell one i am not too sure

[Jake'sGran]

I keep an eye on cheap laptop deals for my site Support PCs. At the moment I think one from eBuyer is pretty hard to beat. http://www.ebuyer.com/product/140709. It's £269.97 inc VAT with free delivery. It only comes with Windows Vista Basic, but will be fine for general use. I think it's a good buy and would get it myself if I had the cash.

Thank you. I am impressed because you "are in the business". What is the difference between XP and Vista. If I buy this I will go for the XP anyway and really don't need any refinements for what I do. The only negative I can see from all the reviews is the less gthan 2 hours battery time.

[cameo]

Hi Jake'sGran, thats the first time I've been mistaken for a woman, does that mean I have a femine username or come across as feminine in my posts? :D

The vostro deal worked out great for me, got an additional 4% with quidco as well which took an extra £24 off the total. It's already validated so pretty quick going.

I did look at that HP on Ebuyer actually, my brother sent me the link. In the end I went with the vostro because the spec was better and with quidco and the extra10% discount on friday, I got the base unit down to sub £270 anyway so it really was a superb deal.

As far as xp and vista go, it doesn't make a whole lot of difference really, in my experience most flavours of windows are broadly the same with the occasional lick of paint and I don't think vista is any different. What are you currently using? I heard recently that MS are planning to support xp longer than they had originally planned so if you are using XP right now and happy with it, I would stay with it. I'm using XP myself, I tend not to upgrade windows unless absolutely forced to for hardware or software reasons.

[kerryi27]

hi, i want to buy a laptop to replace my pc. I surf the net , add my photos and download films and music. I also would like to be aBLE TO connect it to my tv and watch a film from it on my tv , can anyone recommend one. i was looking at the aol £19.99 per month broadband offer with free laptop. Is it worth doing that as i am currently with talk talk and my contract is up

was thinking about spending upto £300. also looking at currys refurbished ones. you can gety toshiba for £289.99.

any help would be appreciated as i have not got a clue.

My PC is about 4 year old and only got 20gb harddisk if that any help

[wassupjackie]

hi - i just got a dell vostro 17 inch , it came with free graphics card , free delivery and best of all was £349+vat [410]. only downside was dell were quoting 35 days for delivery - after a few emails - it came after 5 working days

[chris667]

The prices for the older machines seem unbelievable to me. A 486 laptop with 8MB RAM for £80? If It will struggle to run Windows 95. I would be very surprised if the resale value of one of these on Ebay was more than £15. Really, a machine of that age is a curiosity, unless you want to learn how to use Windows 3.1 or FreeDOS.

Incidentally, when I tried to go to the link it appears to redirect me to a page called www.sedoparking.com, which is blocked by my hosts file. Dodgy.

The P2 is a better bet for usability, but still! You can get a better specced one here for £69.99. This one would work a storm with Puppy Linux, you could use it with FireFox and OpenOffice.Org.

http://www.speedie.co.uk/acatalog/Pentium_II_Laptops.html

I have to say, though, secondhand computers are a bit of a minefield, and laptops in particular are subject to knocks and mechanical damage in a way that desktop PCs are not. I knew of one laptop that was finished off by vibrations from the carriage on a long train journey.

Also, the margins are very tight, so secondhand PC dealers can be a nightmare to deal with on guarantees, beware.:eek:

Hi
Have done some research for you including some of the sites previously mentioned and some new ones. The results show that you can go from the unbelievably cheap (Sub £80 incl VAT) for very old low spec notebooks, through the still cheap (sub £300 incl VAT) refurbed, low spec machines right upto the brand new, high speed 1.5ghz processor, long life battery technology, wireless network enabled machines for less than £690 including VAT &amp; delivery.
You really do not need to spend more than £700 for a laptop. If you are strapped for cash, look at the sub £300 items - but if you can afford mid to top range, then it's worth the extra for getting brand new, guaranteed equipment that you could always sell on in a year or two and get a good chunk of your cash back. If you do this using Martin's 0% credit card tips, you are in effect getting very cheap computer lease, interest free for say 18months or 2 years, before you then upgrade again.

1. Windows 95 Colour Laptop £79
http://www.student-laptops.co.uk/acatalog/Basic_Laptops.html

Product Specification
All specifications are minimum, you may recive a much higher spec machine!
Processor type - 80486
Memory - 8Mb (min)
Hard Disk - 200Mb (min)
Drives - Built in floppy drive (spare disks supplied)
Full Colour Screen
Power supply for mains use
Although this product is fully reconditioned it is unlikely the battery will hold a charge and is therefore intended for mains use only. Unfortunately, batteries are too expensive to replace on the lower specification machines when reconditioning, although they can be sourced if necessary. These machine will work perfectly when plugged in to the mains using the adapter provided.
Includes three month warranty on hardware, warranty excludes battery and software.
See terms and conditions for full details.

2. Dell Latitude CPI PII-366MHz Notebook for £292.57 including VAT

http://www.computerbargains.co.uk/shop/customer/product.php?productid=16246&amp;cat=&amp;page=

Dell Latitude CPI Notebook with Intel Pentium II 366MHz Processor 128MB Ram 6GB Hard Drive 13.3&quot; TFT Screen CD ROM &amp; Fax/Modem. These notebooks are ex corporate and have been refurbished with 6 months warranty.

3. DELL L400 ULTRA PORTABLE £310 including VAT
http://www.tiptoptechnologies.co.uk/asp/product.asp?recorprod=7&amp;product=154&amp;cat=47&amp;ph=cat&amp; keywords=&amp;recor=1&amp;SearchFor=&amp;PT_ID=1

£310 DEAL - CDROM &amp; FLOPPY
High Performance, Ultra Portable! Nice looking, slim &amp; Lightweight! One of the most popular Ultra Portable Notebooks but at an affordable price. The excellent connectivity and high spec. allows for added versitility.
Ex-Corporate Refurbished
Excellent Condition
Mobile Intel PIII 700MHz CPU
20GB Hard Disk Drive
256MB Ram
12.1-inch XGA TFT
AGP graphics
Stereo Soundcard (Mic, Headphones)
56KBS Modem v.90
Type I or Type II slot External ports: one serial, one USB
Printer Port
15-hole video connector
IDE connector
Battery: Li-ion
External Drives (Original Dell)
CD-Rom drive
Floppy drive 1.44MB
Free Original Dell Carry Case
PLEASE NOTE CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS WILL INCUR A 2% CHARGE
Code No. Ex Tax (£) Inc Tax (£)
L400CD 310DELL 263.83 310.00

4. Del Inspiron 510m £681 incl VAT and delivery
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspn_510m?c=uk&amp;cs=ukdhs1&amp;l=en&amp;s=dhs

Processor
Intel® CentrinoT Mobile Technology with Intel® Pentium® M Processor 705 (1.50GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 400MHz FSB) &amp; Intel® Pro/Wireless 2100 (802.11b)
Operating system
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Memory
256MB 266MHz DDR SDRAM
Harddrive
40GB Hard Drive
Monitor
14.1&quot; XGA TFT (1024x768) Screen
Graphic Card
Integrated Direct AGP Graphics
Optical Drive
Modular 8xDVD/24x CDRW Combo Drive
Modem
56k Data fax modem with unlimited AOL Broadband from £19.99 1
Service
1 Year Euro Collect and Return Service

----
Personally, I'd go for option 4 at 0% interest then sell it in two years for about third to half price (effective cost £15 to £20 a month) then upgrade again. With this option - it's new &amp; guaranteed equipment - 2nd hand laptop batteries can fail and can be expensive to replace £90+ for some.
Alternatively, if strapped for cash, option 3 would seem better than option 2 as for another £18 you get higher spec processor &amp; much larger hard disk and carry case.
Hope this helps
Jeff-Lad

[Jake'sGran]

Hi CAMEO

I made that assumption because my son (who doesn't even use a PC) would never dream of doing something like that for me and my daughter who is much more thoughtful would never dream of getting involved with Mum's computer arrangements. Also, your name did suggest you were female.
I've still not got round to buying the laptop. Lately, I seem to be taking a long time considering before I buy anything but with the laptop in particular I worry that I may be missing out on something going for a very basic entry level one although I do admit that many of the posts on this Techie forum are like Chinese writing to me. I have been sitting here for a couple hours tonight trying to sort out why my computer is loading pages so slowly and I still haven't sorted it except for downloading a Kaspersky free trial which I'll run tomorrow....see if that improves things.

[cameo]

I tend to agree with Chris, I had a quick look at second hand and refurb machines but in the end there seemed little point with so many quality sub £300 machines (new) knocking about. I actually have a broken laptop of a few years which is still a decentish spec but out of warranty and there seemed no point spending the money getting it repaired when it was little more for a brand new machine. Pretty frightening how much they have come down in price in the last couple of years.

Jake'sgran, I wouldn't worry too much about your choice of machine. I bought a desktop system around 2 years ago which was about £1000 and many of the entry level laptops we are talking about here are just as powerful (and a fraction of the price). Besides, the specs these days are overkill for the average user who just wishes to browse the web, do some word processing, print a few photos and so on.

The problem you describe with your current system could be down to any number of things from your internet connection to viruses/malware or just its age if you've not kept it in good order.

[GoldenT147]

Hi all!

I am looking for an ultra mobile laptop with the following spec:
Min 1.8GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 12/13" screen size, Min 80GB hard drive, wireless, CD/DVD RW

My budget isn't very high - could probably stretch to about £250-£300. Does anyone know of anything around with this sort of spec?

Many thanks in advance!

[chris667]

When I tried to go to www.student-laptops.co.uk (http://www.student-laptops.co.uk), I am redirected to a page that's blocked by my hosts file. Seems rather dodgy to me.
Incidentally, £80 for a 486 with 8MB of ram doesn't sound like such a good deal. 8MB is not enough memory to run Windows 95 properly, and you won't be able to attach a USB memory stick to transfer files to another PC. You're stuck with floppy disks or a (parallel port) printer. A machine of that age is a curiosity, really, unless you want to do word processing with Windows 3.1, Freedos/OpenGEM or similar, or play old games like Doom.

www.speedie.co.uk (http://www.speedie.co.uk) has cheap secondhand laptops. A Pentium 2, which would run quite nicely with Puppy Linux is on offer for £69.99.

Buyer beware, though. Laptops in particular are subject to mechanical damage in a way that desktop PCs aren't. I knew of one that was ruined purely by the vibrations it was exposed to in the carriage of a train. And some of the companies offer ridiculously short guarantees.

Edit- this was the 2,000th post - do I get a prize? (8