Laptop Help

Krfc07

I am a student who is going into 3rd year in a business degree and i dont really know much about laptops.
I need a new laptop and i mostly use it for the internet and to do coursework such as essays,reports.
I was wondering what the best and cheapest laptop i should go for would be and does anyone have any idea where the best place to get one from is???
As i have said i mainly use it for the internet but also for coursework.
I am looking to get a laptop as cheaply as possible!
Thanks

flossy_splodge

It depends in part on whether you have another computer you can access or is the laptop going to be your only one? If you have another and are looking for a laptop just for portability you can get away with a lesser spec. However.... there are LOADS of superb offers out there at present, just why the prices have come down so dramatically in the last couple of months I'm not sure. Look at the usual sites such as dab.com, dell, even computer world. I personally would suggest you do not go for a spec with less than 1Gb of RAM and this is not future proofing very much. Size of hard drive required is something only you can guess but you should get at least 80Gb without it affecting the price. The other factor is the Chip. Others on here are much better qualified to discuss this but the conclusion I have come to is that a Core Duo system is best. Then look at what operating system it has, there are some good deals out there if you are happy to stay with XP. And lastly don't forget to check what software is INCLUDED. Having to buy a key piece of software can bump up the total price alot. Hope this helps. Oh yes, having narrowed things down, don't forget sites such as Quidco to see if you can reduce the price further by buying with a cashback.
Good luck.:eek:

albertross_2

http://www.dmxdimension.com/blogcategory/dell_uk_inspiron_1501.html
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/store/5/cat/Laptops

http://www.openoffice.org/

flossy_splodge

Also http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=4lff

flossy_splodge

and http://www.staples.co.uk/eng/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CT=1&webid=391370&affixedcode=BH&IdTis=XTC-ZEE-E5OLX-DD-AAU2HY-DA35

kandyfloss

Tesco's have some laptops in their stores at the moment and the prices have dropped quiet a bit since last year plus you get club card points as well.Might be worth a look

Krfc07

Thanks everyone
It would be my main computer as my desktop is no longer working

Lexis200

flossy_splodge wrote: »

... just why the prices have come down so dramatically in the last couple of months I'm not sure.

They've come down because the CPU market is on fire at the moment. Santa Rosa specified laptops are new in town, and as such everyone wants one, meaning laptops that were current 6 months ago are old hat now. In a nutshell, that means bargains for all.

Try here http://svp.co.uk/products-list.php?cid=299 for some good bargains, but you have to know a bit about what you're looking for.

Also if you're a student and have access to shared PCs anywahre, you may want to save your money, buy a memory stick and go here http://portableapps.com/suite. Install the full suite on your memory stick, then wherever you have access to a PC or laptop, you can do your work! With memory sticks at under £20 for a 2 Gig stick, that leaves loads of money for the student bar :beer:

HTH