The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

Hillfly

I reckon graphics card should be your priority as this is key to your gaming and video playback performance. Most macines that have a decent graphics card will by default have a decent processor. You rarely get a machine with great grahics and poor processor.

As for dual core, i think some models have already dropped in price to make way for the dual core (again the acer aspire 5024wlmi springs to mind).

beautifulgorgeous_2

Staples £699

HP Pavilion dv5046EA Notebook PC (EU087EA#ABU) - Specifications



Processor, Operating System and Memory
Processor
AMD Turion™ 64 Mobile Processor ML-32 with PowerNow!™ Technology
• , Level 2 cache 512 KB, Up to 1600 MHz system bus running at AC/DC mode 35 Watt

Operating system installed
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

Standard memory
512 MB

Memory type
DDR 333 MHz

Maximum memory
Supports up to 2 GB DDR memory

Memory layout
(2 x 256 MB)

Internal drives
Internal hard disk drive
100 GB

Hard disk controller
EIDE hard drive, ATA 100

Hard disk drive speed
4200 rpm

Optical drive type
DVD Writer Dual Format (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support

System features
Memory card device
Digital Media Reader (6 in 1) (xD, SD, Smart Media, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, Multimedia Card)

Modem
High speed 56K modem

Network interface
10/100 LAN Ethernet integrated

Wireless technologies
54g™ 802.11b/g WLAN

External I/O ports
1 VGA port; 3 USB 2.0 ports; 1 IEEE-1394; 1 RJ 11 modem connector; 1 RJ 45 Ethernet connector; S-video TV out; Remote control infrared port (Remote Control optional); 1 Headphone-out w/ SPDIF Digital Audio, 1 Microphone-in port; Cable docking connector

Video capture interface
IEEE 1394 Interface

Expansion slots
One type I or II PC card slot. CardBus-enabled. One ExpressCard/54 slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)

Display size
15.4” WXGA High Definition BrightView Widescreen

Display resolution
1280 x 800

Video RAM
128 MB dedicated video memory

Internal audio
3D Sound Blaster Pro compatible sound 16 bit integrated

Speakers and microphone
Altec Lansing® speakers

Keyboard
101 key compatible keyboard

Pointing device
Touch Pad with dedicated vertical Scroll Up/Down pad

Power supply type
65 W AC Power Adapter

Software
Pre-installed software description
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0; Microsoft® Outlook® Express; Adobe® Reader 6.0

Optical drive driver software
InterVideo WinDVD 5.0; Sonic™ Digital MediaPlus 7.0: Sonic™ RecordNow; Sonic™ MyDVD; Sonic™ Easy Archive; Sonic™ Express Labeler; Microsoft® Windows® Media Player 10; Apple iTunes; Apple QuickTime; HP Image Zone Plus

Software - internet & online
Easy Internet Signup with leading Internet Service Providers

Software included
Symantec™ Norton Internet Security™ 2005 (60 days live update); Notebook Help & Support

Dimensions / weight / warranty
Weight
2.98 kg (6.6 lbs)

Package weight
5.1 kg

Dimensions (W x D x H)
26.39 cm (L) x 35.78cm (W) x 3.5 cm - 4.4 cm (H)

Package dimensions (W x D x H)
435 x 188 x 355 mm

Warranty statement
1 year, pick-up and return, parts and labour

Is this a good buy or is there a better one out there?

chr1s_2

Loads of replies to this one - couldn't read them all, so sorry if this has been posted before.

I often use Dabs.com for computer supplies. They always have cheap laptop deals on. Their best at the moment is £349 (that's including VAT! - it's £297.86 ex VAT!) whilst stocks last (170 in stock last time I checked) Click Here . It's an Acer Aspire 3003LC/ Mobile Sempron/ 256MB/ 40GB/ combo/ XPHome - good enough for the basics.

Also check out EuroPC . They offer reconditioned computer kit. Even though it's reconditioned, it's basically like "factory outlet" type of stuff. I use them a lot at work and they often have great deals on laptops, desktops and servers. Most of the Dell kit we buy still comes with the full 3yr onsite warrenty. They currently have Dell lattitudes from around £420 including VAT.

Chris

Browntoa

see the Dells back at £299 again in the daily Express today...ring up only though

John_M_Business

Hello Peeps

I am looking for a laptop for my business.

Ideally it would have a Dual Core Processor, have all the necessary business software thrown in (XP Pro + Microsoft Small Business), a good screen (at least 15" and high def), good backup / warranty (at least 3 years) and really impress (going to be doing a number of very important pitches to clients).

anyone have any advice? BTW Gaming not an issue!!

Total budget c. £1500 inc. (although a little flexible here and there!)

Cheers

john

pin

John_M_Business wrote:

Hello Peeps

I am looking for a laptop for my business.

Ideally it would have a Dual Core Processor, have all the necessary business software thrown in (XP Pro + Microsoft Small Business), a good screen (at least 15" and high def), good backup / warranty (at least 3 years) and really impress (going to be doing a number of very important pitches to clients).

anyone have any advice? BTW Gaming not an issue!!

Total budget c. £1500 inc. (although a little flexible here and there!)

Cheers

john

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/latit_d820?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd

John_M_Business

Thanks for the thought. But is it just me or do Dell create some of the most uninspiring laptops.

Additionally, this comes really low-specced - 40GB HDD, 512 RAM, Average Screen, No Office Small Business, No Anti Virus

Once you add all the bits, you're suddenly going up, and up! £1600+ Inc VAT and Delivery! And it looks like a brick!!

Sorry to be so dismissive, but I was hoping for a little more than that...

chr1s_2

John_M_Business wrote:

Hello Peeps

I am looking for a laptop for my business.

Ideally it would have a Dual Core Processor, have all the necessary business software thrown in (XP Pro + Microsoft Small Business), a good screen (at least 15" and high def), good backup / warranty (at least 3 years) and really impress (going to be doing a number of very important pitches to clients).

anyone have any advice? BTW Gaming not an issue!!

Total budget c. £1500 inc. (although a little flexible here and there!)

Cheers

john

Hi Jon,

I haven't had time to look into this fully, but I can offer this advice: It sounds like the "really impress" option might be one of the most importance. If you're using it for e-mail/ Internet/ Office, then I wouldn't be overly worried about something really hi-spec, e.g. dual-core etc (unless you're wanting to impress techies of course ). Try looking at the Sony Vaios. They do have really nice screens and look the business! I'd say you'll most likely have to buy the laptop (with XP Pro included), then buy Office afterwards.

Hope this helps,
Chris.

John_M_Business

chr1s wrote:

Hi Jon,

I haven't had time to look into this fully, but I can offer this advice: It sounds like the "really impress" option might be one of the most importance. If you're using it for e-mail/ Internet/ Office, then I wouldn't be overly worried about something really hi-spec, e.g. dual-core etc (unless you're wanting to impress techies of course ). Try looking at the Sony Vaios. They do have really nice screens and look the business! I'd say you'll most likely have to buy the laptop (with XP Pro included), then buy Office afterwards.

Hope this helps,
Chris.

Cheers Chris. I was informed that Dual Core was going to be a near-requirement for Vista when it is launched and I'd like to keep that option available - it would be a shame to buy a laptop and then within a year have a new OS available for it which I wouldn't be able to get hold of.

Additionally, I was also informed that the Core Duo / Dual Core give improved battery life performance as they are more efficient.

Of course, these statements may not be true...

I take your point though, that either the budget has to give a little, or I need to assess what is a definite requirement as opposed to what is a 'nice to have'...

alositha

has anyone heard about this brand name. staples selling them for reasonable? prices. can anyone give any recommendation about above laptop please :
thnaks