ACER 5749 core i3

Susan1942

I have been told that this is a good laptop for £399 which Argos are selling right now. Also looked at the Toshiba Satellite C660 RAM that someone was suggesting but am very uncertain about what to do. £400 is as much as I really want to spend but am scared of making a mistake so advice would be appreciated.

Myser

The specification on the Acer is very good. However, the build quality on a Toshiba is likely to be better. I assume you are comparing against this Toshiba:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5086689/Trail/searchtext%3ETOSHIBA+SATELLITE+C660.htm

The Acer has a better processor.

You need to look at the build quality of the Acer and try out the keyboard etc.

Susan1942

I would not really know what the build quality was. I had thought I should just order it online but you would advise that I should try it out. Argos is really no use for that as it does not have any laptops on display. I had not thought that there would be much difference in the keyboards but perhaps I am wrong. The only laptop that I have used is my Son's and that is Apple.
He actually lives in Ireland so is not able to be with me. What would you advise me to do?

Myser

Keyboards on laptops do vary. With some of the cheap ones, you end up mis-typing.

Apple keyboards are good to type on as the keys are spaced apart. Many other manufacturers are following suit.

Both Comet and Tesco seem to stock the Acer. You can check if either of those stores near you have it on display.

Here are couple of reviews with close-up pictures of the keyboard:

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/acer-aspire-5749-1044359/review

http://www.trustedreviews.com/acer-aspire-5749_Laptop_review

In terms of build quality, if they have withstood being out on display and not having keys missing, that is an indication that they are built fairly well. Look to see if the lid is easily scratched etc.

Sharpness of the screen, glare from lights. Feel of the mouse touchpad and keys etc.

Susan1942

Thanks for that. I live in Harrogate and there is no Tesco here but I can go into Comet. Yes I can type well on the Apple with no problem with the keys etc. I will go and have a look before I make a decision. Again many thanks for your advice.

Susan1942

I have read the reviews on the Acer 5749 and they don't do all that well with an overall score of 7/10
Will think about this a bit more and would appreciate if you could guide me as to whether this is an OK score for a Laptop at this price
Thanks again

grumpycrab

Here's another option. Acer may not be the best reliability-wise. Asus may be better.
www.comet.co.uk/p/Laptops/buy-ASUS-X54H-SX270V-Laptop/774944

EDIT: another "quaility budget" laptop for £350 is http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-thinkpad-edge-e520-core-i5-2410m-4gb-500gb-15-6-windows-7-pro-64-348-98-after-1090313
But the cashback mechanism may put you off.

EDIT2: A Toshiba you may have been looking at is the 2 year warrantied one at John-Lewis for £380
http://www.johnlewis.com/231395873/Product.aspx
Whilst not very exciting and a lower spec than the other 2, the 2 year warranty is good. Also note that the Toshiba is not easiliy connectable to a TV (an HDMI connector is what you need for this). But as we don't know what you will use the laptop for that may or may not be important.

Susan1942

Have had a look at this one and text my Son who thinks it is a good buy for that money. I called my local comet and they have it in stock They dont have the Acer on display but maybe they will have other Acers
Thanks for the advice and you would rate the ASUS above the Acer?

zenmaster

Toshiba I5 machine here for £400. Not in store though.

Susan1942

Now I am getting confused don't know what to do. Thanks for all the options but still confused!

grumpycrab

Susan1942 wrote: »

...Thanks for the advice and you would rate the ASUS above the Acer?