The Great 'Cheapest Decent Laptop' Hunt

offagain_2

Just picked this up brand new unopened in store at TOY'R'US for £499;


Medion Intel Centrino 1.73GHz laptop with 1024MB DDR II memory, 3-in-1 DVD re-writer, CD re-writer and DVD ROM plus digital TV tuner. Intel Centrino mobile technology represents Intel’s latest notebook technologies designed specifically for mobile computing with integrated wireless LAN capability, breakthrough mobile performance while enabling extended battery life.

Processor: Intel Centrino 1.73GHz with 2MB cache and 533MHz FSB.
Memory: Latest 1024MB fast dual channel DDR II memory (2 x 512MB)
Graphics card: Latest Intel graphics media accelerator 900 – up to 128MB. Provides incredible visual quality, versatile display options, and 3D performance – all without the additional cost, noise and power that discrete graphics cards can require
Hard disk drive: 80GB
Modem: 56K V.9 Data/Fax/Modem
Optical drive: DVD re-writer – 2.4x DVD+R Dual Layer, 2x DVD-R Dual Layer, 5x DVD-RAM, 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW, 24x CD-R, 10x CD-RW
Monitor: 15.4” XGA TFT widescreen (1200 x 800 resolution)
Sound: 2 channel audio
Built-in wireless LAN 802.11G (54 Mbit/s)
TV Tuner: Digital and analogue TV tuner and remote – receive up to 30 Freeview channels (depending on coverage)
Ports: 3x USB 2.0, Firewire (IEEE 1394), VGA monitor out, 10/100 Mbit LAN, Modem port, PCMCIA port (Type II)
Battery life: up to 2.5 hours (depending on usage)
Weight: 2.7kg (including battery)
Software: Microsoft XP Home Edition (Service pack 2), Medion Power Cinema, Power DVD, Power Producer 2 video editing suite and Musicmatch Jukebox, e-Trust Antivirus, Nero 6 CD/DVD burning software, Works 8 including spreadsheet, database, calendar, e-mail and internet tools and My Organiser.

sc03tye

Wow, that does sound quite the bargain!! Its a Median..., its not a great 'well known' brand, however, MSE is about saving money etc, so yes, I'd say this is a good buy. Only thing people should be aware of is, the gfx obviously arent for the newer games - though I'm sure will play older 3d games! (be it not on high settings).

anley1

Off, that looks like a good deal, don't know about 'Medion' though.

What about this one by Acer using a dual core intel chip with 1024mb ram

The Acer 5612wlmi at £665 (incl VAT) Comet have it cheaper because P&P is free

Comes with a free Vodafone 3G card (if you don't want it looks like you can sell it on ebay for £20-£40)
http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5612WLMi_LX.A9305.057/version-1.asp

alun4

Has anyone an opinion on the Notebook Traveller 15.4” 836W MT34 being sold at Lidl shortly.Notebook Traveller 15.4” 836W MT34

Specifications:
AMD Turion 64
MT34 AMD!
100GB HARD DRIVE
- 5,400rpm
- 1.80GHz, 1024KB cache
LG Multinorm DVD±RW Burner
- 8x Double Layer DVD
1024MB (2 x 512MB SO-DIMM/DDR333)
Analogue TV-Tuner, DVB-T Tuner and FM radio
2 integrated stereo loudspeakers - Realtek® ALC655
5.1 Surround Sound analogue Ports:
Ports:
- Integrated 6 in 1 card reader (SM, SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, XD-Card)
- FireWire IEEE 1394a
- 4 x USB 2.0
- Audio IN, Line In, Mic IN, S-Video In, Digital TV In, Composite In/Out
High-End Equipment:
- Integrated 56K analogue V90 modem includes cable
- Infrared remote control
- Integrated webcam with snap shot function
- Integrated wireless LAN and Bluetooth
- Supplied with: mains adaptor, SCART cable, DVI adaptor, Microsoft Works Suite 2006, E-Trust Antivirus and much more
Price per item £899

ioscorpio

Tesco has an Acer Travelmate 24223WXMi notebook for £398.97

On Acer website this laptop is £394.95 with free vodafone data card worth £199

http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_TravelMate_2423WXMi_LX.TB205.043/version.asp
http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Vodafone_Offer/page.asp

Discounted desktops Acer Aspire T120E for £285.95

http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Factory_Outlet_Desktops/prod.asp

kevingattaca

Just seen that Morgan have Factory reworked Acer 2413LN's ;

Factory rework notebook with DVD writer and 15" TFT display

Intel Celeron-M 1.5GHz processor (400MHz front side bus)
256MB RAM, 40GB hard disk and dual layer DVD writer
15" TFT colour display, on board sound and graphics
56K modem, LAN, 4 x USB 2.0 ports and touchpad

With Microsoft Windows XP Home

Stock Status
Factory rework stock
Boxed in immaculate condition

Warranty
Six month warranty


Not a bad price for a "Walk-in" Notebook ??

K

http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/shop/detail.asp?ProductID=3446

ptben

Help.......confused. I need a laptop for home use but able to hook uo a digital camcorder and burn home DVD's to send out to the family (xmas, holidays etc). I have read all the info and don't really know what to go for. I have a budget max £700. Is it possible to get what I need? Would also like a colour printer in that if possible.

westferret

I am looking for a laptop for university and maybe playing games on but not a priority. I have £800 pounds to spend and have till about november. It needs to be wireless and have a decent processor. Can anyone give any sugestions and where they found it.

John_LG

ptben - you'll need to make sure it has a firewire port (1394) for your camcorder and a DVD RW to burn to DVD.

This is an example of what you might look for.
http://www.aria.co.uk/ProductsList.asp?Name=hp+laptop at £465

Always check the laptop you are buying has an operating system (or budget for another £60 to get one!). In general memory/RAM is more important that just processing power, so 512MB RAM is more acceptable than 256MB. Storage: this one comes with an 80GB hard drive, which is OK, especially at this price, but many will start at 30GB.

Are you sure a laptop is what you actually need? PCs are cheaper and more upgradable, without the battery life concern, which is still a major downside to the portablility of laptops.

westferret - the above example may be of interest to you too, as it has a wireless card built in too. The latest games will always struggle in terms of graphics, but then, I'd always play those of a PC and large monitor. A bit of casual racing, or footy management, sims etc would all be OK...

Good luck,
J

ptben

I'm only after a laptop to save space but would consider a desktop if it is the better option. I would just have to get something to put it on in the spare bedroom. Thought I'd have to pay around £800 so £465 is a good surprise. Been told I need at least 1GB RAM though.