New laptop - no idea where to start!

NeverAgain_2

Hammyman is spot on with his hardware advice.

Another point is the new i3 processor uses more power when installed in a laptop.

The OP mentions he wants some portability.

A non-i3 laptop will generally have longer battery life.

stilltheone

suicidebob wrote: »

An i3 performs way better than a Celeron. Why settle for poor performance and outdated technology when he has the budget to buy something that will be more pleasurable to use?

What if he wants to watch video or download movies? No chance of this on a Celeron.

RAM upgrades are way overrated anyway. Unlikely he'll see any improvement with an 8 year old machine - the CPU is the bottleneck.

Utter nonsense. I'm watching FULL HD films using a Celeron D processor. CPU Benchmark is less than 400. How would you explain that??

RussJK

Personally I would go for the best CPU for my budget, but your needs aren't the same as mine.

For you, how portable do you want it? Put these in order of what you value the most or add any that I've missed:
1/ Large screen size
2/ Battery life
3/ Low weight
4/ Speed
5/ Reliability

By the way, a new battery for your current machine isn't going to cost £80.

stilltheone

The best thing about the i3 processor is that the manufacturers and stockists are knocking out the 'older' hardware at bargain prices.

Case in point, the Acer Aspire 5742Z sold for £230. That used to be the price of a Netbook. Add a 3 year warranty with accidental damage for £30.

The spec of this shop return for £208.

Both would cover the needs of the OP for years to come.

flutterbyuk25

Thanks for all the replies!

RussJK wrote: »

For you, how portable do you want it? Put these in order of what you value the most or add any that I've missed:
1/ Large screen size 3
2/ Battery life 4
3/ Low weight 5
4/ Speed 1
5/ Reliability 2

By the way, a new battery for your current machine isn't going to cost £80.

Answers in red above.

The last time I priced up a genuine Dell battery it was £80 but this was direct from them and at least 18mths ago. Though TBH I would like a new laptop anyway!

Thanks again