The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

HCDayantis

skinnerneil wrote:

Just got emailed from Staples...

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

£ 499


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

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

I'll give you some reviews and tech specs:

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

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

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

I couldn't find a cnet review, unfortunately.


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

itsfrommark

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

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

Expert advice, IT user comments please, much appreciated Mark

Kilty_2

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

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

HCDayantis

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

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

Sky_Digiman

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

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

Thanks:)

HCDayantis

Your wish is my command, good sir!

I'll give you a few:

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

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

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

itsfrommark

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

i-luv-free-stuff

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

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

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

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

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

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

skinnerneil

skinnerneil wrote:

Just got emailed from Staples...

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

£ 499

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

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

angus1

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

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

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

Would rather not order it from somewhere really obscure.

Many thanks