The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

Jake'sGran

rare_uk wrote: »

Out of interest, which laptop did you guys order? I'm looking for one, problem is I want the world at a bargain price, and that's never going to happen:snow_laug:snow_grin

After months of dithering I am thinking of bying the following tomorrow. They are saving it for me as there is only one and it is £439. Is it a good buy? According to the graph at the top of this section SONY is rated as the best, just above Toshiba.
I like the two year guarantee and many of the other features - thought it had a webcam. Must go check! Interested to hear anyone's comments.



Key Features








Brand Sony


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Built-in ethernet connectionAllows you to connect to a network[/URL] 10/100


[URL="javascript:return false;"]CD / DVD optical driveCan play - and normally record to - CDs and DVDs[/URL] DVD±R/RW DL/RAM


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Computer Software HelplineWe offer access to a 90 day helpline when you buy a new desktop or laptop computer from John Lewis. The service is available for a period of 90 days from the date you make your purchase.[/URL] Free 90 day computer support


Dimensions H38 x 360 x D270mm


[URL="javascript:return false;"]FireWire / IEEE 1394 portsQuickly transfer footage from compatible digital camcorders[/URL] 1


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Graphics cardGenerate the images you see on your computer screen[/URL] Media Accelerator 4500M


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Graphics card - video RAMLarger amounts of video RAM are better at displaying fast moving and complex graphics[/URL] Up to 1340MB


Guarantee FREE 2 year guarantee, extend to 3 years £145



[URL="javascript:return false;"]Hard driveBuilt-in memory used for storing your audio and video files, etc[/URL] 250GB


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Memory card slotGreater amount of slots means more variety of card formats can be used[/URL] 1 x Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, 1 x SD


Model name / number VGN-NS10L/S


[URL="javascript:return false;"]ModemConnects to the internet via a telephone line [/URL] 56k


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Operating systemPrograms that manage the hardware and software of a computer[/URL] Windows Vista Home Premium


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Processor“Brain” of a computer enabling a program to run[/URL] Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T3200


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Processor speedThe faster the processor the quicker your programs will run[/URL] 2GHz


RAM 3GB


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Screen resolutionPicture quality defined by the number of individual dots (pixels) used to create an image. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the image quality[/URL] 1280 x 800


Screen size 15.4"


Stereo speakers Built-in


[URL="javascript:return false;"]USB portsUniversal Serial Bus- socket for transferring data between electronic devices[/URL] 4x USB 2.0


[URL="javascript:return false;"]Visible screen size (measured diagonally)Diagonal measurement across screen[/URL] 38cm


Weight 2.9kg


Wireless networking 802.11a/b/g, Draft n
Software included:
Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (60 days trial version)
McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus update)
VAIO Recovery Utility - HDD recovery (hidden partition)
Google software package
VAIO Music Box
Windows Media Player 11
VAIO Content Importer/Exporter
WinDVD 8.0 for VAIO
DivX Player & Converter
VAIO Movie Story
Picture Motion Browser
VAIO Movie Story
Easy Media Creator 9
Click to Disc/Editor
Adobe Reader 8.1

Jo4

Is the VGN-FW11M a good buy at £782.95 from PC World or is there are way of getting it cheaper with any codes or because I am a student?

rare_uk

Jake'sGran wrote: »

After months of dithering I am thinking of bying the following tomorrow. They are saving it for me as there is only one and it is £439. Is it a good buy? According to the graph at the top of this section SONY is rated as the best, just above Toshiba.
I like the two year guarantee and many of the other features - thought it had a webcam. Must go check! Interested to hear anyone's comments.



Key Features








Brand Sony


Built-in ethernet connectionAllows you to connect to a network 10/100


CD / DVD optical driveCan play - and normally record to - CDs and DVDs DVD±R/RW DL/RAM


Computer Software HelplineWe offer access to a 90 day helpline when you buy a new desktop or laptop computer from John Lewis. The service is available for a period of 90 days from the date you make your purchase. Free 90 day computer support


Dimensions H38 x 360 x D270mm


FireWire / IEEE 1394 portsQuickly transfer footage from compatible digital camcorders 1


Graphics cardGenerate the images you see on your computer screen Media Accelerator 4500M


Graphics card - video RAMLarger amounts of video RAM are better at displaying fast moving and complex graphics Up to 1340MB


Guarantee FREE 2 year guarantee, extend to 3 years £145



Hard driveBuilt-in memory used for storing your audio and video files, etc 250GB


Memory card slotGreater amount of slots means more variety of card formats can be used 1 x Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, 1 x SD


Model name / number VGN-NS10L/S


ModemConnects to the internet via a telephone line 56k


Operating systemPrograms that manage the hardware and software of a computer Windows Vista Home Premium


Processor“Brain” of a computer enabling a program to run Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T3200


Processor speedThe faster the processor the quicker your programs will run 2GHz


RAM 3GB


Screen resolutionPicture quality defined by the number of individual dots (pixels) used to create an image. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the image quality 1280 x 800


Screen size 15.4"


Stereo speakers Built-in


USB portsUniversal Serial Bus- socket for transferring data between electronic devices 4x USB 2.0


Visible screen size (measured diagonally)Diagonal measurement across screen 38cm


Weight 2.9kg


Wireless networking 802.11a/b/g, Draft n
Software included:
Microsoft Office Ready 2007 (60 days trial version)
McAfee Internet Security Suite (with 60 days free virus update)
VAIO Recovery Utility - HDD recovery (hidden partition)
Google software package
VAIO Music Box
Windows Media Player 11
VAIO Content Importer/Exporter
WinDVD 8.0 for VAIO
DivX Player & Converter
VAIO Movie Story
Picture Motion Browser
VAIO Movie Story
Easy Media Creator 9
Click to Disc/Editor
Adobe Reader 8.1

In my opinion, I wouldn't buy it for myself, but then again it is a Sony (VGN-NS10L/S I believe?), so some people will take comfort in that. I wouldn't buy it because I've seen better specs for that price, but 2 years guarantee with the laptop is great

The graphics card is not too good, so I wouldn't expect to play new games at full resolution and detail, the graphics card comes in at 102 in the following link

I have seen a core 2 duo T5750, 4GB Ram, 250 GB Hard drive, an ATI Radeon 256MB card (not brilliant) and all of the above with only 1 years support though and no Draft N, for the same price, but it's not a Sony, it is an Acer.

I'm thinking of buying an Acer, but I'm just worried about how pants the support is supposedly - once again the internet is making me dither, sometimes too much info is not good. As long as it does all you want to then go for it, but I don't think it's a gaming laptop, but should be quite capable of everything else.

rare_uk

dld2s wrote: »

erm! am I missing something, what little baby

LOL that got me too. CLUE: It's in the title of his post

Buddingblonde

I am ploughing through this post and making notes but I wondered if I posted my own request then someone might be able to help.

Laptop for an 11 year old so NO WEBCAM!

2gb and 120gb Harddrive or higher - decent processor - refurb or new

£300 or less.

Many thanks

Alikay

Following on from our disappointment with the Advent 5301 which we ordered (posted earlier in this thread) and then didn't get due to stock issues, have now ordered the Advent 5313 recon. Quite a bit pricier than the other one, but it's got a slightly better spec. and with a discount code and cashbackkings which has tracked OK it's come down to £285 ish. Fingers crossed we'll get it this time!

Arcana

pel.s wrote: »

http://www.bargaincrazy.com/epages/BargainCrazy.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BargainCrazy/Products/F018000R/SubProducts/F018000R02D

* Samsung R20 Plus 120GB Hard Drive
* The R series is inspired by technology that is user friendly and ideal for the whole family. Packed into a consistently sleek and slim design, these mobile computers are both stylish and reliable.
* Samsung R20plus Notebook
* Intel Pentium-M Dual Core (T2330) 1.6 GHz Processor
* 1024 MB Memory
* 120 GB Hard Drive
* 14.1 inch WXGA TFT Display
* DVD Super-Multi DL
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
* ATI Radeon 1250M Graphics
* Colour - Black

Remember to use the 15% off code on the main page and 3% quidco £9
makes this £291 delivered for a few extra quid get urself some more ram aswell for a Very nice machine with good reviews, wont find much else this size being a pentium dual core machine ;0)

The "add to basket" button is somehow not shown when I click on link.

I'm looking for a laptop for under £300 myself - ideally under £250. I've noticed HP are giving 10% off if you register + they are giving 8% quidco, making it 18% off which is not a bad discount. Just wondering if there's a better deal out there?

ioscorpio

Gateway Notebook £230

http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=4785&CategoryID=11&SubCategoryID=345

What does this mean = Grade A factory rework stock

flashy

If you want a cheap laptop, http://www.bigpockets.co.uk are doing used Dell latitude D610's, which are a good spec, and will out live most laptops on the market today.

I have seen many Sony laptops come and go, all have dead batteries within a year or 2, then the LCD's fade!!

Dell's on the other hand, i have a 5 year old Latitude on its original battery running like new. Been dropped many a time, and it has never missed a beat.

Just my 2p worth!

urbanlegend11

Been looking for a replacement laptop for a few weeks. This 17" caught my eye for what seems to me an extremely low price for what you get. Perhaps you guys can point out its flaws or if it genuinely is a great deal. Its £489.34 by the way from pcworld.

spec is:

New glossy Acer Aspire 7720G featuring a 17 Crystal Briteview widescreen and a Blu-ray combo drive to watch your movies with HD quality. This fantastic laptop comes with Genuine Windows Vista (R) Home Premium

Intel Core 2 Duo T5750 Processor (2 GHz, 667 Mhz, 2MB Cache) Genuine Windows Vista (R) Home Premium 3GB Memory 250GB Hard disk drive Blu-Ray & Super Multi DVD drive 17" CrystalBrite display nVidia GeForce 9300M GS graphics Wireless & Wired network-ready Gloss black exterior with white interior Full product information about Acer Aspire 7720G Blu-ray laptop Laptop for the Home and Office Hide product information about Acer Aspire 7720G Blu-ray laptop Laptop for the Home and Office

Full specification Benefit
Processor Type Intel Core 2 Duo T5750
Processor speed 2000 The higher the number of Megahertz (MHZ) the faster the processor should be
Memory Size 3 GB MB
Memory Type DDR II
Hard Drive Capacity 250 GB The bigger the capacity the more you can store
Optical Drives Blu-Ray Disc Drive
CD-ROM Speed 24 x Enabling access to CD ROM data. The higher the number the faster the speed
CD-RW Speed. 24 x Enabling you to access and store data on CD-RW disks. The higher the number the faster the speed
DVD-ROM Speed 8 x Enabling you access to data on DVD. The higher the number the faster the speed
Floppy Disk Drive NO Floppy disks are 3.5" square and store a small amount of data. CDs,DVDs and memory sticks are now usually used instead
Screen Size/Type 17" WXGA CrystalBrite
Graphics Card Type nVidia GeForce 9300M GS To enable images to be displayed on your monitor
Graphics Memory 256 MB The higher the memory the better quality images you are display
TV-out NO Allowing you to plug your laptop into a TV to watch DVDs
Wireless Enabled YES Allows you to connect to an existing wireless network such as in a office or a wireless hot spot
No. of USB Connections 4 The more connections the computer has the more equipment you can connect to your computer e.g. a modem, printer, scanner, digital camera, PDA
No. of Firewire Connections 1 High speed data transfer link for digital video and other media. Ideal for quickly downloading video images from a camcorder to PC
Infrared Port Included NO Allowing you to connect to other devices with infrared such as an infrared enabled mobile phone
Battery Type Li-ion
Battery life (up to) 2.50 hours
Weight 3.6 kg This is the weight of the appliance in KG
Height 43 mm
Width 404 mm
Depth 298 mm
Colour Gloss black exterior, white interior