Need to buy a laptop- advice please?

dexters_mum_2

Hi all,

Hope you are all coping bak at uni!

I have decided to buy my own laptop after my husband stated he needs his more (that I use 24/7) and needs to take it away on business etc. So I have decided to raid my savings and buy a laptop.

I don't want anything too high spec, all I am really looking for is a wireless internet capability and Office (although I can buy this on Student/Teacher package) and I would preferably look at one that has Window's Vista or an offer to upgrade to this.

I don't really know the first thing about the technics of computers and I would really appreciate any advice.

Looking to spend up to £650, somewhere that offers a student discount would be nice but not essential!

Thanks
DM x

KittyKate

You can get a great laptop a lot cheaper than £650 Take a look at this from Staples:

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=1342%2C1886,1387&webid=ALO386301&affixedcode=WW

That will cover browsing the net, playing/writing DVDs and music, wifi, word processing, games, everything you'd need.

Features:

Processor Type Intel Celeron M380
Processor Speed 1.6Ghz 400M
RAM Memory 256Mb
Hard Disk Capacity 40GB
CD/DVD Drive Type DVDRW Dual Laye
Screen Size 15.4. WXGA Crystal View Screen
Modem Yes
Operating System XP Home
Weight 2.8Kg
Warranty 12 month

If you do a lot of graphic work (say drawing pictures on the laptop or altering photos) look for a model with 512 min RAM. But for a student laptop this is excellent and as I have a very similar model I can state the screen is excellent - the crystal view widescreen really makes a difference.

With the money you have left over you could buy Microsoft Student which would be really useful:

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=,&webid=4m504&affixedcode=WW

Not sure if Staples do a student discount (I thought they did, but I'm not sure) but they do a reward card, I spent £400 there and a week later got a £10 voucher back so not bad. Also for orders over £39 you get a free radio + mp3 player dock, not bad!

http://www.staples.co.uk/ENG/Static/static_pages.asp?pagename=wowbox_mp3-dock

Finally if you have any sort of disability (dyslexia, anaemia, RSI included) speak to the Uni disability office, I did, and they gave me a lap board for the laptop, a headset for internet calling and loads of software.

Idiophreak

Have a look on ebuyer.

I got the "best deal" acer from them last week, arrived yesterday.

It's 2ghz, 512, 60gb, 14" widescreen, more than sufficient for your needs.
Has wireless built in.

Comes with XP media center edition, but with a free upgrade to vista.

and that was (iirc) £398 or something like that.

Tesco also have them very reasonably priced (plus clubcard points!).

edit: link

dexters_mum_2

Thanks both, I will look at both your suggestions.
Thanks again guys xx

studentphil

Do not forget that you can download open office for free. It now converts files to word format anyway. It will save you about 90 quid on MS office.

slowlyfading

I've got a HP Pavilion one, and its really good. cost me £599.99 and its got 120 memory and all sorts have a look at that!
nicola x

fallenwiccan

also as other people have mentioned you may not need office at all, my uni do desktop anywhere so you can access all the programs and your files from any web browser in the world its great, it works with my mac too so i love it even more hehe

TeaBoy_2

a recent topic on the bargains board.... http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=333519

dexters_mum_2

I do need to have PowerPoint as I have to give a lot of presentations, is it possible to get a an Open Office type programme for PowerPoint?
Cheers.

sgx.saint

Check with your University to see if your Univeristy is registered for the MSDNAA . MSDN Academic Alliance.

Basically, if your University is registered, as a student you should be able to download and legally use available Microsoft Software. i.e. Office, Windows OS etc.

I've just download Windows Vista from our MSDNAA network yesterday

dexters_mum_2

Now that sounds brill!
Will check when I am next in uni.

Thanks!