Which laptop - £500?

choccyface2006

My laptop is 2 and a half years old and struggling sometimes when using mulitiple aplications. Although it probably only needs some extra RAM memory to get it going faster again, I have decided to buy another one so that my daughter can use this one. This is a basic one, Fujisu Siemens Amilo L series, 256MB, 40gb, 2.4 Celeron processor, obviously I would like the spec on my new machine to be better than this.

I am not a gamer, but love my photos and so need decent memory and graphics, 60gb+, it must have 3+ USB ports, good Ram and be wireless enabled. I am concerned that a slower processor than I already have will be no good but theres not many faster ones about at that price.

I want to spend approx £500-£600. What is the best spec I can get without compromising looks? (I'm afraid I like things to look nice too! - typical woman!) I would like it to have a newer glossy type screen that are now popular.

My partner has just ordered this one from Dell...

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/notebooks_Q3_W2_inspn_6400_N08645?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs with the extra memory 1024MB

Its not arrived yet, If I like it I might go for a similar model myself, is this the place to get the most for your money?

Thanks everyone!

Sarah

albertross_2

Upping the ram to 512 will make a big difference, (assuming that you have no malware).. https://www.crucial.com.

check here for a quick guide to Dell offers.

http://www.dmxcomputers.co.uk/blogcategory/dell-hot-offers.html

choccyface2006

How easy will it be to fit? I wouldn't know where to start

Sarah

albertross_2

usually you undo a flap on the bottom, and slot it in..

Sometimes it is under the keyboard, but usually on the bottom nowadays.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/install/sodimm.asp

choccyface2006

Got it, many thanks!

I am still thinking of another laptop though, any ideas what the best current deals are?

Would I be best of waiting untill the new year when the new Windows OS is out? I can wait, thats no problem.

Sarah

CAT-THE-FIFTH

Fujitsu are doing a dual core notebok for 500 quid BTW!!

You can get if from any Staples store for 500 quid. The price in the linked page is without VAT though:

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=1360%2C1912,1407&webid=V384782&affixedcode=WW

CAT-THE-FIFTH

Having looked at the Dell system it does have 20gb more storage for nearly 30 quid less!

N08645 Inspiron 6400 Qty 1
Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2050 (1.60 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB), Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2 (incl Symantec PC Restore Recovery) Unit Price Incl. VAT £473.72
Catalog Number: 202 N08645
Module Description Show Details
Base Intel® Core™ Duo Processor T2050 (1.60 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB)
Microsoft Operating System Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition, SP2 (incl Symantec PC Restore Recovery)
Memory 512MB 533MHz Single Channel DDR2 SDRAM (1x512)
Keyboard Internal Keyboard - UK/Ire (QWERTY)
Video Card Intel® Media Accelerator 950 Graphics Up to 256MB shared graphics memory
Hard Drive 80GB (5,400rpm) Hard Drive
Floppy Drives No Floppy Drive Option
Modem 56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter
CD/DVD Drives Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW with Software
Sound Cards Integrated Sound Blaster® Audigy® ADVANCED HD™ Audio- Trial Version
Wireless Local Area Networking Intel® Pro Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card for Duo Processors
Shipping Documents System Documentation
Gedis Bundle Reference List N08645 - DHS 6400 (1)
Microsoft Application Software Microsoft® Works 8.5 - English
Standard Warranty Collect & Return, 1 Year Service only
Cover It with Dell Support Services Collect & Return, 1 Year Service only
AntiVirus & Security Software No Security/Anti-Virus Protection
Power Supply 65W AC Adapter
Digital Photography Combo: Paint Shop® Pro and Photo Album® Trial
Order Information Inspiron Order - UK
Primary Battery 6 Cell, 56Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Carrying Cases No Carry Case
Money Off Savings Save £50 inc VAT
Dell System Media Kit No Resource CD
Ghost 10 Ghost 10 - 90 Day Trial
Colour Choice No Snap on LCD Back Cover
Dell Media Experience Dell™ Media Experience 3.0 Basic
Adobe Reader English - Adobe Reader 8.5.8
Promotions Hidden Option Class Promo Hard Drive Upgrade SATA 60GB(5400) - SATA 80GB(5400)
Dell Internet Order Dell Internet Order.
Network assistant Network Assist - 90 Day Trial
LCD 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display
TOTAL Incl. VAT:£473.72

pin

Re laptop deals, there is a LONG thread on it here:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1993

highet

dont forget quidco for 4.5% rebate on dell pre vat price