What's the cheapest laptop?

studentdave

Hi every1 in Techie Section need some advice, I'm currently a student and I want a laptop that includes the following, could someone direct me with some links or advice on which one would be best

At least 1 GHz Processor speed
At least 10GB or more hard drive
At least 128MB RAM or more
Reasonable screen size, not too small nor too big

Also:

1. Must be cheap/reasonable price
2. I'd prefer brand new, but I wouldn't mind used or refurbished
3. Easy to use keyboard, mouse. With reasonable size screen
4. Wireless internet connection
(can someone explain how to set up a wireless connection)
5. Windows XP or higher
6. USB port


My budget is upto 500pounds

What's the difference between Intel Celeron and Intel Centrino? Which one is better?

CHeers

gizmoleeds

Centrino is better.

You can get a new one within your budget. You just missed a good Dell deal, but they come along every month or so, so if you're not in a hurry just keep an eye on the grabbit board.

To set up a wireless network you need a broadband connection (well actually you don't but I assume this is what you want it for) and a wireless "modem router" (unless you have NTL/Telewest cable broadband in which case you just need a "wireless router").

Most laptops don't come with mouses, just pickup a cheap "optical" one from Argos or somewhere.

zacspeed_2

Look for one that has a 32 bit processor - They'll be giving them away soon, 64 bit is the new standard (Windows Vista will be much more geared up to utilise 64bit technology).

Mr_Skint_2

One given as a gift.....

Pulse

First of all, this thread would probably help you quite a lot:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1993

It's a page about the best deals currently available, so always worth a look back every now and then aswell

So... let's see what we have here then...

Well, it all depends really on what you are going to be using the laptop for. If you're not going to be using any intensive applications, such as Photoshop, etc, then all new laptops will be fine. (To put this in perspective, I use Photoshop on a 450Mhz PC, so you'll have no problems speed-wise).

For the screen, I would say if you want something not too small or not too big, then go for a 15" screen, as it's the standard size, which means it's going to be cheaper (go any smaller or any larger, and the price is typically going to increase)

If you want something with an easy to use mouse, then definitely rule out the 'nipple' type, as they are extremely tricky to use, although you will eventually get used to it (although in my opinion it will still be awkward to use). Go for a trackpad. If there's one in your price range, although not essential, you could look for one with a button to turn the trackpad off, so you can type and not have to worry about hitting the trackpad (You will see this a lot on Compaq laptops for example)

If you are buying new, then I would suggest Dell. At the moment they have some really good deals on, and my Dell PC has been faultless! Although if you're able, try to go for maybe a Sony, as you will love the new x-brite/x-black screens they have on most of the good models.

As for a wireless connection, I see someone has already helped you with this, so I won't go into this, but there are literally TONNES of guides on the internet.

As for the Operating System, you are best off with XP Home anyway. You are highly unlikely to use ANY of the Pro features, so you may aswell save your money. For the budget, you wont get a Media Centre Edition of XP, so that can go out of the window.

If you are buying new, it will come with a USB port or 2 (maybe 4), so there's no worries there (In fact, I had a USB port on my Pentium 1 200Mhz, so dont worry!)

Centrino would be the better chip to go for, as it out-performs CeleronM quite easily. Make sure if you do get a Celeron, that it is CeleronM and not normal Celeron, as these are just not worth the bother! The CeleronM is comparable to the Pentium 4 chip, as the CeleronM was made as a replacement to the P4M chip.
With the Centrino though, you will also get better battery life, due to the low energy use from the chip. Centrino will also have wireless built in guaranteed.
You should note though, that 'Centrino' is a name made up by Intel for the PentiumM chip and an Intel wireless card inside, so dont worry if the laptop states it isnt a Centrino, and only has 'PentiumM' stated, just check it also has wireless built in.

Hope this helps you, and maybe some other people aswell!

studentdave

Many thanks for all your help, you guys are great

rogerramjet

£399.99 IBM R50e.......think its a 1.4gb celeron, 256mb memory, dvd writer, 40gb hdd, wireless built in.

Still got them in some stores but seem to be selling fast.

hehe...forgot to add this is in store at Staples

POLDO_DONK

gizmoleeds wrote-

You can get a new one within your budget. You just missed a good Dell deal, but they come along every month or so, so if you're not in a hurry just keep an eye on the grabbit board.

Actually it seems as if the offer is still on! But I would be quick.........



Poldo

PS. For some reason I can't seem to post the link, but it's there on the grabbit board under the title -Dell 6000 Laptop - P1.6/512/60GB/15.4" - £498 delivered

gizmoleeds

POLDO_DONK wrote:

gizmoleeds wrote-



Actually it seems as if the offer is still on! But I would be quick.........



Poldo

PS. For some reason I can't seem to post the link, but it's there on the grabbit board under the title -Dell 6000 Laptop - P1.6/512/60GB/15.4" - £498 delivered

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=1108147

I just saw your post over there poldo and came here to post the link - this is a really good deal. Read my posts on there regarding the screen.

POLDO_DONK

gizmoleeds wrote-

I just saw your post over there poldo and came here to post the link - this is a really good deal. Read my posts on there regarding the screen.

I did! I ordered mine yesterday - with the upgraded screen, thanks for pointing that out! :T


Poldo