Advice on Purchasing a Laptop

AmySquash

Hi Guys

I am looking for some advice on purchasing a laptop for my daughters birthday. It only really needs to be quite basic, however my absolute lack of computer knowledge means that I have NO idea what I should be looking for. It will be primarily used for internet, playing games and watching dvds. I would like to spend as little as possible! I have seen an MSI WIND U100 & MSI WIND U130 on argos-clearancebargains but am not sure if these are good value for money, or whether they will be suitable for my daughter. I have also considered buying her a desktop, but I think this would be more expensive. Any advice/recommendations would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Donnie

Those models are Netbooks, so have no optical disc players installed. What is your budget maximum?

AmySquash

Ideally I would like to pay less than £200! Realistically £250 if possible?

davester

Laptops are inherantly more expensive than a desktop. What games does your daughter play. That really could be your soul factor in determining the laptop /desktop specifications you need. If you see any of the TV ads for Pc World and Comet etc, I know they are not the best specs for the money but they are very close to the prices you will be looking at.

Donnie

For that budget, you are looking at a refurbished laptop. Usually new condition. Perhaps just a return rather than genuine second hand. If you have some understanding of the upgrading of Operating Systems, you can get a good enough machine(built in webcam, microphone etc) with Windows 7 installed for under £250.

If instead you purchase a Netbook, you may have to purchase an external DVD drive for it, costing another £30. Personally, I wouldn't unless a Netbook is specifically requested.

Donnie

davester wrote: »

Laptops are inherantly more expensive than a desktop. What games does your daughter play. That really could be your soul factor in determining the laptop /desktop specifications you need. If you see any of the TV ads for Pc World and Comet etc, I know they are not the best specs for the money but they are very close to the prices you will be looking at.

Perhaps you can link us to the laptops/desktops from Comet/PCWorld for close to £200 to £250?

Are you teasing the OP?

boliston

You will always get more "value" from a desktop as a laptop has to make massive compromises in order to shoehorn or the components into a tiny box. They are also noisy and hot compared with a desktop. Laptop screens are also nowhere near as good as most standalone screens.

I'd say get a laptop if you want PORTABILITY - such as using the device in several different parts of the house, but consider a desktop if you mainly use it in just one place.

AmySquash

I am happy to consider a refurb laptop or a desktop - however I will be avoiding the typical 'PC' stores!!

(Donnie - I do believe I AM being teased!)

AmySquash

If I were to consider a desktop - which are the best brands for me to be looking at? Thanks

davester

Donnie wrote: »

Perhaps you can link us to the laptops/desktops from Comet/PCWorld for close to £200 to £250?

Are you teasing the OP?

I didn't mean it how you read it but meant the prices they sell are around the prices your gonna pay for a new laptop, not what the OP has budgeted, ie about £100 more than OP. I wasn't teasing. But the question about what games still stands.

The teasing is the ads saying the top of the range , hi tech etc Netbooks making people with little knowledge think they can play modern games on it, only to find it barly runs a HD movie.

AmySquash

Davester - At the moment, the only games played are online games (club penguin, disney etc!) She will only really be playing education cd games if any, so nothing too complicated . (Sorry to be vague - she's an unpredictable 7 year old!)

From reading previous threads - it seems that most people advised to stay clear of comet, pc world etc. I would prefer to buy online, as prices are more competitive. As you said, pc world lure people like me with their claims of high tech computers, and I have no idea if they are telling the truth or not!