How to choose the right laptop?

Floxxie

I've got a Sony Vaio which has done me well but it has now completely died so I need a replacement. However I don't know how to choose one. Are there sites that you can input your requirements to or is it a case of browsing?

agrinnall

This is what I do:

Set the upper and lower limits of your budget.
Decide on the key elements of your new laptop (e.g. screen size, storage, memory, processor, weight, battery life, etc. etc.)
Check to see what John Lewis have that fits your requirements (for the warranty and customer service)
If you find something, check other suppliers to see if it's cheaper and try to price match

Floxxie

Thanks agrinnall, that seems a logical approach :beer:

Knarf44

I suggest firstly thinking about what you want from your laptop; what do you use it for? Does it need to perform a work and leisure function? Do you play games on it? What games? If yes, you may prefer a bigger screen and an on board graphics card. How mobile does it need to be? Will you only use it at home or do you take it to work with you?

Obviously, the more you require a laptop to do the price goes up accordingly.

I agree about checking out John Lewis, if you have a store near you it might be worth going in and getting touchy feely with a few. Similarly, a visit to a local Currys/PCW might help focus your mind. There's only so much you can tell from photos on a website and reviews are largely subjective and only really useful for drawing up shortlists.

Floxxie

Thanks. I use it for working from home, but also watching DVDs etc. Large screen, good speakers and lots of memory is essential.

I've been happy with the laptop I have now but I didn't choose it as it was a replacement under an insurance claim. I have got a back up laptop but it is missing the above important aspects.

I don't understand all the technical terms and specifications that products are advertised as having, but I guess I shall be guided by price and reviews.

HappyMJ

Floxxie wrote: »

Thanks. I use it for working from home, but also watching DVDs etc. Large screen, good speakers and lots of memory is essential.

I've been happy with the laptop I have now but I didn't choose it as it was a replacement under an insurance claim. I have got a back up laptop but it is missing the above important aspects.

I don't understand all the technical terms and specifications that products are advertised as having, but I guess I shall be guided by price and reviews.

A TV with a DVD player would be a better choice for viewing DVD's at home. If you wanted to watch downloaded streams then get yourself an Android box so you can view content direct from the internet or a NAS running Plex.

I've got a TV with a larger screen and much better sound than any laptop could provide.

If you said you were not at home and were watching DVD's on a train then I would not advise a big screen as the bigger the screen the higher the weight of the laptop and you've got to carry that weight around which can be a pain.

I have a laptop with a DVD player....I've never used it. I didn't really want the DVD player but it came with it.

Floxxie

Sorry I worded that a bit wrong. I need a CD (?) drive for work related stuff and I use my laptop for watching downloaded films and catch up TV.

I don't use any of the TVs in the house - no opportunity with children!

huddsj

Haha, totally empathise with the not being able to use TVs because of kids!

I got my last laptop off of Amazon, through their warehouse deals.

I managed to get a decent Lenovo that was £350 odd in the stores for £202. The only difference was slightly damaged packaging, otherwise everything in the box was brand new.

If you look at the info, it usually tells you if there is damage to the item itself or if it is simply box damage.

Hope this helps!

Cisco001

What's your budget?

Floxxie

My budget is a little as possible! The last laptop I purchased was a Lenovo reconditioned one for £180 but it doesn't have what I need, so I am wondering if I can something for between £300 and £400?

I don't have experience of this as pre MSE days I spent far too much on laptops.

huddsj thanks, that's a great idea re Amazon. I'm really wary of buying second hand to the extent that I wasn't expecting much from the Lenovo purchase so was surprised when it worked

I guess I would be happier with new but if it is a refurbished laptop and there is excellent feedback on the company, then I shall buy. Is £300 to £400 enough to get a decent laptop?

Floxxie

HappyMJ wrote: »

If you wanted to watch downloaded streams then get yourself an Android box so you can view content direct from the internet or a NAS running Plex.

Just rereading this HappyMJ - Android box - NAS running Plex :eek::eek: I shall do a bit of Googling to work out what this is