The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

intranix

Dr_Harleen_Quinzell wrote: »

Hello everyone. Long time lurker first time poster here.
My desktop is dying and has been for a while now so I need to get a new computer and a laptop would be the most convenient. It would mean I could get rid of my massive computer desk!
I know nothing about computers so I was hoping someone could give me a hand and help me make a decision.
Now through research I've found a computer that seems good, and then I found another one which seems even better, all within my budget of no more than £400 if I can help it.
I have been told Acer are rubbish? This true at all?

I can't post links being a newbie so if anyone is feeling kind I have the catalogue numbers for the Argos website?

1. Acer Aspire 5542
Cat number 5082281
(this was recommended by the DealGiant website)

2. Acer Aspire 573ZZ
Cat number 5083008

I need a computer to multi task on. I chat, mess on the net, listen to music, watch/burn DVDs all at the same time.
I am also being forced to play Second Life (don't ask, it's been an ongoing argument *cries*).
So if either of these computers seem ok to any of you experts then I'd love your opinions (I am RUBBISH and don't understand anything so if you could explain things very simply to me I'd be so grateful).

The first laptop has better graphics, and also HDMI which the second doesnt from what i can tell.

I actually bought the first one for my sister this week, its a very good laptop indeed.

JDPower

intranix wrote: »

The first laptop has better graphics

Where did you get that info from, I can't find gfx spec for the second one anywhere???

fedupnow

Hello

I would really appreciate all your opinions on this one.

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-5550.aspx

I am not too bothered about battery life as will be plugged in a lot of the time. It won't be for games but I may want to watch the odd film.

I wanted a big memory as I am a writer - will this be good with a wireless keyboard?

I will be using the net for research and want it reasonably quick but not a huge issue - it would just be nice not to have to hang about.

All thoughts welcome.

Thanks

JDPower

fedupnow wrote: »

Hello

I would really appreciate all your opinions on this one.

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-5550.aspx

I am not too bothered about battery life as will be plugged in a lot of the time. It won't be for games but I may want to watch the odd film.

I wanted a big memory as I am a writer - will this be good with a wireless keyboard?

I will be using the net for research and want it reasonably quick but not a huge issue - it would just be nice not to have to hang about.

All thoughts welcome.

Thanks

That is more than enough for your needs

System

Thank you to JDPower and Intranix for your help

fedupnow

JDPower wrote: »

That is more than enough for your needs

Ok, I got it and am really pleased with it - but I have a couple of qs and have started a new thread .

Thanks for your help.

countrygal

Hi
I'm looking for laptop for my daughter at uni who uses it for internet, music and watching films - no gaming. Could someone be so kind as to recommend one of the following from the Tesco website
http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=207-2403+207-6879+206-8422+207-9492&f=%2Fq%2FN.1999033%2FNr.99.aspx%3FNs%3DP_HIDDEN_Stock_Available%257C1%257C%257CP_SORT_Price%26btnResultSort.x%3D33%26btnResultSort.y%3D2
or even the Dell Studio 15 for £429?
Thanks in advance and hope the link works.
CG

JDPower

countrygal wrote: »

Hi
I'm looking for laptop for my daughter at uni who uses it for internet, music and watching films - no gaming. Could someone be so kind as to recommend one of the following from the Tesco website
http://direct.tesco.com/compare/?c=207-2403+207-6879+206-8422+207-9492&f=%2Fq%2FN.1999033%2FNr.99.aspx%3FNs%3DP_HIDDEN_Stock_Available%257C1%257C%257CP_SORT_Price%26btnResultSort.x%3D33%26btnResultSort.y%3D2
or even the Dell Studio 15 for £429?
Thanks in advance and hope the link works.
CG

Well all will fit your requirements but of the Tesco ones I would rule out the first Acer (the AS5332), as it has a lesser processor, and the Packard Bell as it has Vista not Win7 and smaller HD. That leaves the 2nd and 4th Acer (the 5732Z and 5542) and there's very little between them and the one thing that might separate them, the gfx card spec, isn't listed. But the 5732Z is the cheapest

pixiechick99

Hi there,
I'm looking to buy a laptop for my daughters birthday later in the year....seen this deal on the Dell Inspiron 1545...
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?s_tnt=20232:1:0,&vw=builder&c=uk&l=en&cs=ukdhs1&kc=&oc=N0054502

I want to get a reasonably decent one that'll last her. Is this an ok deal do you think?
Thanks in advance:D

joepubli

would be grateful for a recommenadtion:

A good screen at least 15"
A largish hard drive _ at least 250gb
Min 3gb memory
A decent built in webcam
Reasonable sound
Good battery life

will be used for internet, watching videos, playing music in the background

mANY THANKS