Netbook / laptop buying help...

nimbo

Hi,

I am a student, and next term I will be on placement - about an hour each way on the train...

I was thinking that I could get a small (super cheap) laptop or net-book so that I could use the time to be writing essays...

I have a PC at home it does most of the things I ask it to (occasionally I expect it to read my mind and it doesn't quite manage it)... And apart from knowing it is black I know nothing about it's specs... I have tried reading round but frankly I really need the technical speak to be dumbed down, and different sites seem to say 'you have to have'... and they all disagree...

All I would really need the netbook / laptop to do is type and fit a usb thingy... obviously half decent battery life and super cheap to buy would also be great...

Can anyone please tell me what I should be looking for (left to my own devices I would look for a shiny red / pink one)...

Also after purchase what do I need to install on it? (antivirus, and word processing wise etc)... (I can probably manage this but can be a bit slow - I don't think my version of word will allow me to install on more than one computer as it is a licence for one, and it is a CD which may be problematic for a net-book)...

sorry for the long post, and thanks for any help...

xx

NiftyDigits

Here is a pink one


Not suggesting that you actually buy it....

nimbo

ooooh the pink is looking good...

i've been looking at this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-D270-10-1-Netbook/dp/B007I3PBAG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1DRWQW0WF1J13&coliid=I30P1JUGITBJOH

but then I read somewhere (maybe a review on Amazon) that one GB Ram is a bit naff?????

I'm also thinking I should wait until after Christmas as there may be sales?????

Icey370

Tbh I would say it doesn't look bad for what you described you'd be using it for

Bear in mind that Windows 7 has a minimum requirement to run, and since you were worried about RAM, this just makes the minimum (1GB). This net book will be fine for basic use such as surfing the web and writing your essays.

If you plan to use any more demanding tasks, I'd recommend a more powerful one.

Also, if you're in no rush, then I'd wait and look for better deals after Christmas

nimbo

Icey370 wrote: »

Tbh I would say it doesn't look bad for what you described you'd be using it for

Bear in mind that Windows 7 has a minimum requirement to run, and since you were worried about RAM, this just makes the minimum (1GB). This net book will be fine for basic use such as surfing the web and writing your essays.

If you plan to use any more demanding tasks, I'd recommend a more powerful one.

Also, if you're in no rush, then I'd wait and look for better deals after Christmas

thanks for the help...

I was looking at Amazon as I realised I have a few vouchers knocking about...

I'll look on boxing day it'll give me something to do t keep me out of mischief...

NiftyDigits

It's relatively important to purchase one that makes it easy to upgrade the RAM module from 1GB to 2GB.
In that case, the ASUS in my post above is out.

This ASUS for £149.99 is user upgradeable, but is hampered by by it's 3 cell battery. A six cell battery(for longer battery life) is preferable.

You can also take a look at something like this which can display 720p HD video and has 4GB RAM onboard. So a step up from a Netbook, but more portable than a full laptop.

nimbo

that one does look shiny - but when the company name says Argos - does that mean the actual Argos on the high street and can I return it there if I have issues?????

that would be so easy... I was a bit dubious about buying on the internet in case I was buying from a dodgy company - but a high street store is probably just as likely to go bust....

I have a 0% credit card for the purchase so I have the protection it offers - but still want to be a bit careful. oooh but refurbs from there are sounding OK...

NiftyDigits

Yes, it is that Argos, but you can't return it via the stores. They have a convenient returns systems in conjunction with local 'convenience' shops.
Seven working day 'no quibble' return. Twenty eight day refund if faulty. Beyond that, refund/replace/repair.
So you can try it out without obligation.

ASUS Eee PC 1225B gallery