Another "Which Laptop" post

silversand

I've finally admitted my current laptop needs replacing

However, I'm concerned about the longevity of a lot of them; I give my laptops very heavy use and I don't want to have a lot of problems 6 months down the line!

So, with that -

It's usually in use for 12+ hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week. Even (occasional) lighter use days will typically be 6+ hours.
Portability not an issue - it's used basically as a desktop, the only reason I have a laptop is because it's on an overbed table (like in hospital) and I have no where for a tower to go. Consequently battery life also not an issue - I run it off the mains.
At least 2GB RAM (Preferably 3GB+. If 2GB with room to upgrade)
At least 1.8GHz dual core processor
Screen size from 15" upwards (would prefer something around 15.4 to 16")
As good a graphics card as possible - with dedicated memory would be nice!
As cheap as possible :rotfl: Definitely under £500

I use it for web browsing, word processing..etc but also photo editing and gaming. I will also be running Dragon NaturallySpeaking.

As I say, my main concern is something that's going to stand up to that kind of consistent, heavy use. I've done a lot of browsing over the last couple of weeks and whilst some of them seem ok on paper, I'm not hearing great things about them lasting very long - and that's with average use!


Oh and Dell laptops...any good these days? There seem to be some quite good deals in the Dell Outlet?


Thanks I always find it difficult to know where to start, because the main sticking point is always the graphics card - and it's very difficult to search on that basis!

Lokolo

For laptops I use Dell, but I always buy warranty too.

I have a Inspiron 1720 and got it Sept '07 and I am using it now (for gaming too). Cost me £790 at the time though (discounted from £1100 ). Never had problems. I have formatted and put W7 on and it runs fine too.

The graphics card isn't great, I sometimes get lag on CSS. But I now have an uber gfx card computer for that.

Annoyingly you can't filter screen size on outlet.

Lokolo

http://outlet.euro.dell.com/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventoryDetails?systemId=0G75MX6R&~lt=popup&c=uk&l=en&s=dfh&cs=ukdfh1

If you can deal with a Grade 1 Scratch/Dent.....

http://outlet.euro.dell.com/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventoryDetails?systemId=FXAAHBD3&~lt=popup&c=uk&l=en&s=dfh&cs=ukdfh1

Grade 2 Scratch/Dent

http://outlet.euro.dell.com/topics/global.aspx/arb/online/en/InventoryDetails?systemId=Z8M223J3&~lt=popup&c=uk&l=en&s=dfh&cs=ukdfh1

Refurbished.

silversand

Do you know if you can extend the years warranty on the outlet systems?

Have no issues with cosmetic imperfections if it saves money :rotfl: so scratch/dent are fine Do you know what the definition of a grade 1 or grade 2 scratch/dent is? Their help doesn't seem to go into details of degrees of severity.

So, I am best off going for a Dell from the outlet, rather than a different manufacturer? Just want to make sure I haven't muddied the waters by mentioning Dell and their outlet lol

[Deleted User]

I'd suggest Dell, Asus or Lenovo for reliabiltiy.

Have a look on http://www.dmxdimension.com for Dell deals e.g.

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&oc=N0056404&dgc=AF&cid=5212&lid=122756&acd=807bc45f7166ce4ed613423c20278522

Intel® Core™ i3-330M (2.13Ghz, 4Threads, 3M cache)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
15.6" High Definition (1366x768) WLED
4096MB 1067MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM [2x2048]
320GB (5,400rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
1GB ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5450

Price £549.00
Total savings £20.00
Total £529.00

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&oc=N0055802&dgc=AF&cid=5212&lid=122756&acd=807bc45f7166ce4ed613423c20278522

Intel® Core™ i3-330M (2.13Ghz, 4Threads, 3MB cache)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
3072MB 1333MHz Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM [1x2048 + 1x1024]
320GB (5,400rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
512MB ATI Mobility RADEON HD 4570 Graphics Card
15.6" High Definition (1366x768) WLED

Price £633.00
Total savings £134.00
Total £499.00

I'm struggling to find a better spec'd Asus or Lenovo for the price.

Nice_Username

Advent Roma 2000

Intel Celeron C900 Processor (2.2 Ghz, 800Mhz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
3GB DDR2 Memory
320GB Hard drive
DVD-RW Optical Drive
15.6" Widescreen TFT LCD Display
Intel 4 Series integrated graphics using shared system resouces
Wireless enabled (802.11b/g)
Built-in Webcam
HDMI connectivity
External display (VGA) port
3x USB ports
Digital media card reader
Weighs 2.9kg
Up to 2 hours battery life

You can get one of these for £329

boliston

silversand wrote: »

....
Portability not an issue - it's used basically as a desktop, the only reason I have a laptop is because it's on an overbed table (like in hospital) and I have no where for a tower to go. Consequently battery life also not an issue - I run it off the mains.....

I'm sort of in the same situation and want to replace my laptop, but I'm thinking of going for a "desk cube" type PC instead of a normal desktop.

I hate working from a desk when I'm at home and always use my current laptop on a glass topped coffee table in the lounge while I relax on the sofa with my feet up .

Anyway I've decided probably to go with this desk cube https://secure.dnuk.com/systems/configure/d500.php and this 21.5" monitor http://www.displayblog.com/2010/01/17/hp-zr22w-21-5-inch-1080p-ips-lcd-monitor/ although there are a lot of much cheaper monitors which will probably suit your purposes.

The main thing that annoys me with laptops is I have yet to see one with a screen that displays realistic colours, and the colours actually often change if you slightly change the angle you view the screen from.

[Deleted User]

Nice_Username wrote: »

Advent Roma 2000

Intel Celeron C900 Processor (2.2 Ghz, 800Mhz FSB, 1MB L2 Cache)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
3GB DDR2 Memory
320GB Hard drive
DVD-RW Optical Drive
15.6" Widescreen TFT LCD Display
Intel 4 Series integrated graphics using shared system resouces
Wireless enabled (802.11b/g)
Built-in Webcam
HDMI connectivity
External display (VGA) port
3x USB ports
Digital media card reader
Weighs 2.9kg
Up to 2 hours battery life

You can get one of these for £329

Where do I start! Advent? Are you kidding me? F**k it, let's start suggesting Packard Bell or EI Systems! Give me a break.

Intel Celeron?! Get a blackboard and chalk as well while you're at it!

silversand wrote: »

As good a graphics card as possible - with dedicated memory would be nice!

Nice_Username wrote: »

Intel 4 Series integrated graphics using shared system resouces

Haha you're funny, you should be a stand up comedian!

Nice_Username

Deleted_User wrote: »

Where do I start! Advent? Are you kidding me? F**k it, let's start suggesting Packard Bell or EI Systems! Give me a break.

Intel Celeron?! Get a blackboard and chalk as well while you're at it!

Haha you're funny, you should be a stand up comedian!

Deary me, your an affable chap aren't you? Must account for the huge 'thanks' count I suppose.

If it's OK with you, I'll keep the job I've got and continue to post suggestions as and when I feel like it, for the OP to make their own mind up about. I have had the suggested model for months, with heavy daily usage and never had a single problem.

Now run along back to your parents and ask them to teach you about manners.

[Deleted User]

Nice_Username wrote: »

Deary me, your an affable chap aren't you? Must account for the huge 'thanks' count I suppose.

If it's OK with you, I'll keep the job I've got and continue to post suggestions as and when I feel like it, for the OP to make their own mind up about. I have had the suggested model for months, with heavy daily usage and never had a single problem.

Now run along back to your parents and ask them to teach you about manners.

Deary me, your a condescending chap aren't you?

You can keep posting rubbish suggestions all night long.While I can be bothered to reply I shall.