Laptop query

UN17ED

I was just after some advice on which laptop to choose from in the home access scheme please.

The choice is between a Samsung R519 or a Toshiba L450D-12X.

Thanks in advance.

[Deleted User]

The Samsung is much better, assuming that the Toshiba has the same specification as the one listed here:
http://www.xma4ha.co.uk/Brands/Brands_Toshiba.aspx

The Toshiba only has a single core CPU and the Samsung has a dual core CPU - this makes a big difference.
Assuming that the Samsung is the one listed at the link below, it could still be a bit slow because it only has 1GB RAM (as does the Toshiba).
http://www.xma4ha.co.uk/Brands/Brands_Samsung.aspx

A computer with 2GB RAM and a dual core CPU would be better if you can find one under your scheme. Can you give me links to the specific computers that you are interested in? Manufacturers often offer a range of different configurations under the same model number, so I cannot be certain just from the model number alone.

UN17ED

tentonine wrote: »

The Samsung is much better, assuming that the Toshiba has the same specification as the one listed here:
http://www.xma4ha.co.uk/Brands/Brands_Toshiba.aspx

The Toshiba only has a single core CPU and the Samsung has a dual core CPU - this makes a big difference.
Assuming that the Samsung is the one listed at the link below, it is still slow because it only has 1GB RAM (as does the Toshiba).
http://www.xma4ha.co.uk/Brands/Brands_Samsung.aspx

A computer with 2GB RAM and a dual core CPU would be better if you can find one under your scheme. Can you give me links to the specific computers that you are interested in? Manufacturers often offer a range of different configurations under the same model number, so I cannot be certain just from the model number alone.

They are the pcs that are available. You can get a 2gb one for and extra £50.

[Deleted User]

Well, 2GB is not worth an extra £50 because you could buy the upgrade yourself for around £15 if you need it. Hopefully you won't though. Of course that assumes that the only difference is the RAM - do you get anything else extra for the £50?

UN17ED

tentonine wrote: »

Well, 2GB is not worth an extra £50 because you could buy the upgrade yourself for around £15 if you need it. Hopefully you won't though. Of course that assumes that the only difference is the RAM - do you get anything else extra for the £50?

No just the extra 1gb of memory.
There is also this one http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/607509/Package-for-ACER-EXTENSA-5235-HOME-ACCESS-LAPTOP/summary/true.

I just dont know which one to go for, there is an offer where you get 2 years mobile internet instead of 1 year but you dont pay any extra http://www.homeaccessgrant.com/index.php?p=home&option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=55/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=55&p=product&id=2&parent=6&vid=0.

Stuck with what to choose.

[Deleted User]

The Comet one is actually worse because the Celeron 900 processor is only single core, so you are better off with the Samsung computer. 1GB will hopefully be ok, although it depends a bit on what you use it for. You won't be able to run many programs at the same time or open a large number of tabs in your internet browser, but it should still be perfectly useable otherwise.

If you ever need to upgrade to 2GB RAM, it is very easy (there should be a small cover on the bottom of the computer that can be lifted up and then the new RAM just plugs into a slot).

Are you likely to use the internet away from your home? If not, then normal broadband through your telephone line would be better - would your home access grant cover that?

UN17ED

tentonine wrote: »

The Comet one is actually worse because the Celeron 900 processor is only single core, so you are better off with the Samsung computer. 1GB will hopefully be ok, although it depends a bit on what you use it for. You won't be able to run many programs at the same time or open a large number of tabs in your internet browser, but it should still be perfectly useable otherwise.

If you ever need to upgrade to 2GB RAM, the upgrade is very easy (there should be a small cover on the bottom of the computer that can be lifted up and then the new RAM can be plugged into a slot).

Are you likely to use the internet away from your home? If not, then normal broadband through your telephone line would be better - would your home access grant cover that?

The laptop would be used away from home as my daughter will use it to do her homework, so the mobile broadband is needed.

[Deleted User]

I just noticed that the one with 2 years internet access does not include Microsoft Office. It only has Open Office, which is a free alternative. Open Office can do a lot of what Microsoft Office can do, but Microsoft Office is very widely used software (almost all schools and businesses seem to use some version of it) and so it would make more sense for your daughter to use that.

One other thing - when it comes to using it for your daughter's homework, is there likely to be a wireless network in the place where she would do her work? If there is, then the computer would work with that without the need for mobile broadband.

UN17ED

tentonine wrote: »

I just noticed that the one with 2 years internet access does not include Microsoft Office. It only has Open Office, which is a free alternative. Open Office can do a lot of what Microsoft Office can do, but Microsoft Office is very widely used software (almost all schools and businesses seem to use some version of it) and so it would make more sense for your daughter to use that.

I really dont know what to do, too difficult a choice to make.

[Deleted User]

I edited the post afterwards to ask about a wireless network, but I think you posted very soon after that and so I'll repeat it here in case you didn't see it:
When it comes to using it for your daughter's homework, is there likely to be a wireless network in the place where she would do her work? If there is, then the computer would work with that without the need for mobile broadband.

Another thing to think about is that mobile broadband is always getting cheaper, so renewing your mobile broadband contract in another year could actually cost you a lot less than it would seem at the moment.

UN17ED

as she likes art, she is telling me that she would be using the laptop where a wifi connection would not be available.