Majorly confused!

SammyS1987

Hi all, I'm after a bit of advice if you don't mind. I'm in the market for a laptop/netbook and don't have a clue what to buy. I went into Comet/Currys yesterday with the intention of buying a netbook for about £200 but I was put of by how small they are! Perhaps if I give you a list of things I require your can help me out? I will be using the laptop for:

Watching TV/Movies online, (looking for a screen size of 13"+),
Transfering photos from my digital camera to the net,
Browsing (Facebook etc),
I will also be going to Uni in September so I will need word processing.

I really want a Macbook Air but I can't really justify the price, I'm used to Windows but would be prepared to try a different OS as Windows isn't exactly great, Not sure about Linux but I'd definately give it a go.

The other problem I have is that I have cancelled Sky as I don't have a tv anymore, I was with their broadband too so now I don't have a connection to the internet, I'm only staying in my current property for about three more months so don't want anything with a long tie in. I was considering mobile internet but it seems quite expensive, although I can see the benefits of the deals where you get a free laptop. Usually though it's a long contract and if I go to Uni there will probably be free wireless there anyway.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Sam

gonzo127

i think your biggest problem is price, if i am honest you will not get much for £200 new unless you go for a netbook which as you have seen tent to have around a 10" screen so quite a bit smaller than you want

for £300 you can get a good system from ebuyer but it doesnt have a operating system, this is gotten around with Linux being free (ubuntu is a good starting point but plenty of others to look at) you can get windows cheaply if you are a student thou but this will still take it towards £400

you might be better looking at a refurb laptop however

as for broadband you can get pay as you go mobile broadband on another thread theres a vodaphone one for £25 with 3gb of inclusive data allowence (to be used in 30 days)

BillScarab

£300 will get you a 15" laptop from Dell with Vista Home Basic on it. £329 will get you one with Windows 7 Home Basic and more memory. But as gonzo says for £200 you're looking at netbooks.

http://www.dmxdimension.com/dell-uk/inspiron-15-deals-codes-coupons/

kwikbreaks

SammyS1987 wrote: »

I can see the benefits of the deals where you get a free laptop. Usually though it's a long contract

The high priced long contract is the catch.

You can get the laptop and mobile BB cheaper if you take separate deals - especially as there will usually be significant cashback on offer with mobile BB through the likes of Quidco (not as generous these days as it was a year or so back though). In effect you are buying the laptop on expensive HP. One poster here even has "no free laptop" as part of their sig.

For short term internet you should probably be looking at PAYG 3G deals. If you have ruled out netbooks then you'll find that 15" laptops tend to be cheaper than 13".

Millionaire

As above, your really going to struggle to get a half decent laptop for £200. £300-350 is normally the price range.

However having said that this is not so bad if still available, someone posted on the laptop thread so I won't take credit for it.:D

http://www.hotukdeals.com/item/631494/50-off-199-laptop-320gb-2gb-medion

Other than, it has Vista basic (but you said Linux was a option) and graphics is abit meh. It's half decent. Although I haven't used a Medion before.

Marty_J

SammyS1987 wrote: »

I really want a Macbook Air but I can't really justify the price, I'm used to Windows but would be prepared to try a different OS as Windows isn't exactly great, Not sure about Linux but I'd definately give it a go.

You could always get a plain old MacBook; £350 cheaper than the MacBook Air, and a better all round laptop.

If you wait until you start uni, you'll be able to get one for around £670 with your education discount, and in August/september, Apple often throw in a free iPod Touch.

SammyS1987

I have found an Acer 1410 with 2GB memory and a 250HB hard drive for just over £300 ex display at PC World running Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel Celeron processor. Doesn't seem like such a bad deal. I am tempted to gat a Macbook now though. I'd quite happily steer away from Windows.

Lil306

SammyS1987 wrote: »

I have found an Acer 1410 with 2GB memory and a 250HB hard drive for just over £300 ex display at PC World running Windows 7 Home Premium, Intel Celeron processor. Doesn't seem like such a bad deal. I am tempted to gat a Macbook now though. I'd quite happily steer away from Windows.

Netbooks - piles of tosh trust me, they're rubbish at running anything other than spreadsheets and powerpoint documents. Underpowered and tiny screens. Although the 10" versions are quite good (they're white can't remember who makes em)

Laptop you have suggested. I wouldn't waste your money on it, you'd get a better PC on eBay than that "ex" model. That model is powered by an age old fart processor with low memory and a memory intensive operating system, you're just asking for trouble with that laptop imo.

Consider looking at sites like eBuyer and Novatech. Also look around local stores like Argos, Asda and any local computer shops (not retailers) where you live. As you can usually get a better deal.

Personally I think you will have more luck buying second hand (local advert papers, etc) or eBay perhaps. As stores will charge an arm and leg for below par hardware. Laptops are really pricey.

Donnie

Mobile Internet isn't expensive. Unless you think £15 per month or less is expensive.

This Toshiba is a good allrounder for £240.