Portable Laptop Query

scattytat

Hey!
I haven't bought a laptop since i was in college about 4 years ago.
I've just started an open university degree, and travel alot (pretty much a full time backpacker) so it is now important that i have a computer to work on that i can carry in my backpack.
Now i am blasted away by Netbooks as well as Laptops?
My budget is around £300... it has to last me a few years and run Microsoft Word (preferably included!) as well as be able to run Wireless so i can take online assessments and e-mail my work to my tutor.
I would like it to play games, although not necessary high spec games. And it has to have a large memory as this computer will contain my life! (Music, Movies, many many photos etc).
Am i asking for too much? My budget is fairly flexible, but the £300 i think would be reasonable as most laptops i have had have never lasted more than a year!
Thanks for any input

Jake'sGran

Last Christmas I bought a Sony laptop, the VA10, and MS Office was not included which was annoying. I downloaded Open Office. The laptop was £434 and I think for £300 you will not get a good one especially with the extras you mention although someone on here will know the best place to look.

Donnie

If you can live without Windows 7, you can get this Toshiba for £313 or this one for £310. Toshibas are reasonably well built, in my experience.

Full Specs 1

Full specs 2

or this Asus with a better quality webcam and card reader, but less RAM and no Fax modem for £310.

Best value overall though, is this Toshiba for £245.

Full specs

Don't expect much in the way of games performance from any of these machines.

The first two choices are eligible for an upgrade to Windows 7 for £28 if that means something to you.