Sub-£350 powerful laptops discussion

JDPower

CompletelyLost wrote: »

Also, if I get one with Windows 7 how much memory would I need so that it runs properly (is 2gb enough?) For example, I was looking at this one... does it seem decent for the price? Can anyone point out what's wrong with it, if anything?

Nice enough spec for the money as long as your happy to put up with the cosmetic damage. 2GB will run Windows 7 but it would benefit from a RAM upgrade which is cheap enough and can be done yourself.

[Deleted User]

RussJK wrote: »

Graphics benchmarks:
Notebookcheck: Mobile Graphics Cards - Benchmark List

The equivalent Notebookcheck site for CPUs is here

Ten98

RussJK wrote: »

If people are after good laptops with a discount, then as others have pointed out, the Argos Clearance shop on ebay offers 'open box' laptops with a 12 month warranty:

http://computers.shop.ebay.co.uk/Laptops-Netbooks-/177/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A15%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1&_catref=1&_dmpt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH&_ipg=200&_sc=1&_sop=15&_ssn=argos-clearancebargains&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Some deals stand out as particularly good. Best to check the CPU and Video against others, as the price doesn't always reflect the value.

Medion Akoya P8610 18.4" screen for £384 delivered
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6500. 2.10GHz processor speed. 2MB cache.
4GB DDR2 RAM.
18.4in screen size. Resolution 1680 x 945 pixels. 16:9 Widescreen.
320GB hard drive.
Multi format dual layer DVD RW optical drive.
nVidia GeForce 9600M GS DirectX 10 with Hybrid SLI featuring HybridPower technology and HDMI digital audio/video output. VRAM 512MB GDDR2graphics memory.
Media card reader - compatible with SD, MMC, MS, MS PRO.
3 x USB ports.
1 Gbit Ethernet LAN 10/100/1000 Mbit/s.
High definition audio with 2 integrated loudspeaker and 1 subwoofer Dolby Home Theatre certified.
1.3Mp webcam with microphone.
Wireless LAN 802.11b/g / draft-n.
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32 Bit with new Media Centre user interface, including Service Pack 1 installed.
2 hours battery life.
Size (H)2.5-3.9, (W)30.0, (D)44.1cm.
Weight 3.7kg.

Only real drawbacks is that it comes with Vista, and since it is really a desktop replacement then the battery life isn't so much of an issue. What an excellent screen size - but would have to read reviews to see how usable it all is.

AVOID. 2 Hours Battery life? Yeah right. Maybe if you turn off the screen.

An 18 inch laptop is a ridiculous buy. Far too big to be properly portable, and will drain the battery in minutes.

The graphics chip, hard drive, RAM and CPU are all excellent though.

If you never intend running off the battery or moving it then this might be an OK buy.

henrysprings

I would make sure that you avoid Acer and Asus, I worked for an online electronics retailer providing it equipment for businesses. out of all the units we sold it was alwayse those that went wrong. Also their Customer Service was terrible. Avoid like the plague. Also not sure if you are aware but the profit made on a laptop or desktop is tiny so its difficult to haggle.

RussJK

Ten98 wrote: »

AVOID. 2 Hours Battery life? Yeah right. Maybe if you turn off the screen.
An 18 inch laptop is a ridiculous buy. Far too big to be properly portable, and will drain the battery in minutes.
The graphics chip, hard drive, RAM and CPU are all excellent though.
If you never intend running off the battery or moving it then this might be an OK buy.

Why would you use a desktop replacement as a portable computer? The computer you criticised on thegrounds of 'poor portability' is 3.7kg. It is fairly obvious that its not a netbook. I doubt you've really thought your post through to be honest.

As a desktop replacement laptop, it has excellent specs. It does suffer from a poor quality screen, despite the size - so that would have been valid grounds to criticise it. Medion Akoya is a lower end brand afterall, so the low price comes from somewhere.

It all depends what you want in a computer. If you want portability, then buy a portable computer instead of looking at deals for desktop replacements.

ayeshasi

Im looking for a laptop.....

Something obviously as cheap as possible.....
Good spec...
Intel Pentium is preferred choice.
Would also like the laptop to have the hdmi/vga output so i could view stuff on tv too...
Webcam would be good too.

I like this one: http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/dell-in...44123-pdt.html
but it doesnt have a built in webcam, no memory card reader, and no tv output

Also liked this one : http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...ext>LAPTOP.htm
but this isnt Windows 7, it is Vista...... hubby not too keen on Vista

ayeshasi

I cant seem to find laptop anywhere for £320....do you have a link please?

jamesmonkey72

If you can get to Lakeside or Southampton Currys have laptops for £350. Text 'Currys' to 60040 and you can get 10% off making it £315. Job done.

doberryfirkin

Like many others on this forum I am in the market for sub-£300 laptop. Looked at net books but would miss the DVD, otherwise willing to look at what's good value (don't need a games machine) and want to be able to upgrade RAM and install linux. Feedback on this laptop would be appreciated:
http://direct.asda.com/Emachines-Laptop-with-2gb-RAM,-250gb-hard-drive-and-Windows-7-Premium/000594158,default,pd.html

It seems to get good reviews although I know they can't always be taken at face value.
Thanks in advance

jaydeeuk1

doberryfirkin wrote: »

Like many others on this forum I am in the market for sub-£300 laptop. Looked at net books but would miss the DVD, otherwise willing to look at what's good value (don't need a games machine) and want to be able to upgrade RAM and install linux. Feedback on this laptop would be appreciated:
http://direct.asda.com/Emachines-Laptop-with-2gb-RAM,-250gb-hard-drive-and-Windows-7-Premium/000594158,default,pd.html

It seems to get good reviews although I know they can't always be taken at face value.
Thanks in advance

That actually looks a pretty decent deal. The only let down could be the athlon 1.6, it doesn't state if its a single or dual core. If its a dual core, the price is superb, for a single core its still quite good.