More laptop vs netbook advice please!

squirrelchops

Hi all,

I have read some threads on hee about laptops vs netbooks, I have had a look at Which and been into PC World but I still cannot decide which is best for me...so HELP!!!!

I have a desk top that i use for my main stuff ie word, internet browsing, photos etc but we are looking for a new laptop/netbook to do the following:

- internet
- some basic report writing
- watching TV whilst in our camper van
- taking abroad in our camper

Other info is that my desk top is about 16 years old now, operates Windows XP home and celeron processor.

Would it be worht getting a better laptop so effectively 'upgrading' our stuff or just getting a cheaper netbook for the time being???

What would you advise to get?

Many thanks.

kwikbreaks

> - watching TV whilst in our camper van

How do you feel about the family clustering around a 10 inch screen?

That use alone shouts laptop to me and probably a 17inch one

BigBro_1980

Hi,

Firstly - are you looking to upgrade your Desktop or are you happy as it is? If you feel you can leave your desktop alone, then you could look at just getting a netbook. I have seen a number of these around and they are really good for what you are looking to do (internet, some writing, watching films (not sure about tv) and mobility).

Alternatively, if you feel you need to replace your desktop, then you could buy a desktop replacement laptop. However, these can be much larger and heavier. So what you gain in power, you lose in mobility.

The next thing to factor is cost. Could you afford to buy the netbook and possibly upgrade your desktop? If you have the money, I believe you only need to upgrade 3 things for your desktop. The motherboard (and processor), the RAM and the graphics card. Upgrading those should keep your desktop whirring away happily for a while (in fact, my case is approx 10 years old, but the innards have been upgraded twice).

One thing I would suggest you look into is possible an external hard drive. Something like the WD Passport drive. It can plug into your desktop and keep backups of your prized possessions (your photos). These drives are relatively cheap these days, not to mention quite small.

Have a look on the net for cheap prices of equipment and finally, have a look at the PC Pro A List (google it). It is a list of the best PC hardware according to that company.

Good luck!

catch22

Get a laptop - it sounds as though your not actually going to be physically carrying around either one. A laptop will therefore be better for your needs.

squirrelchops

Thanks for the quick replies...it is so helpful to have others points of view.

We wouldn't have a family clustered around the netbook to watch a film as only OH and I but you have raised a very good point in that I struggle with reading from a normal size screen and end up printing articles and stuff out as I just can't read it otherwise!!

No, I wouldn't really need the advantage of the portability of a netbook as don't have a job where I have to carry a computer any distance.

I liked the idea of the netbook though as seemed good value. I hadn't really thought before about upgrading my desktop but sound like I should possibly have a think about that in the near future.

BigBro_1980

squirrel

If mobility isn't the issue (which is why I did suggest the netbook), then a larger laptop to be your desktop replacement could be the answer.

I do suggest you look at the A List that I mentioned.

Regards

Donnie

Depends on your budget. If under £200; E1210 10" screen Netbook for £178.

If £250, consider a bigger screen.

But really I concur with getting a laptop with a decent screen size and a decent sound output.

What's your budget?

squirrelchops

Hi Donnie.......well, budget wise I was thinking around the £500 mark. Obviously want good value for money but balanced against getting a great project too!

Any advice on brands??

Rikki

If you get a netbook you would have to buy and external dvd drive if you wanted to watch dvd's. Laptops have an internal dvd drive.

BigBro_1980

£500??

Wow... you could actually upgrade your PC AND buy a netbook (total approx £578 - E1210 by Donnie above)....

http://aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_11341.htm (PC) - Am assuming you already have a monitor, mouse and keyboard....

Donnie

Agree with BigBro...for £500 you can do both, as your needs are simple. But I wouldn't agree with his PC choice. It is too highly specified for your needs.

So save your cash. I recently purchased a Toshiba laptop for £245 that would cover all of your requirements.