What sort of spec should I be looking for?

Jet

I'm going to upgrade my old pc to a new laptop.

If I give you a run down of what sort of thing I will be doing with the computer, perhaps someone can give me an idea of what I should be looking for. I'd like to buy something that will last me for a good few years (current pc is old (7 years old approx) but was really high spec at the time.

I would be using the pc for e mail and internet, downloading music, possibly video. My son would be using it for games. :rolleyes: I also would need Office to run Word, Excel and the such like as I do do some work from home. I would also be running 2 lots of Sage accounts. I have a tendency to work with lots of applications running. :rolleyes:

I would be storing photo's and music on it but will probably get a separate drive for that - something I keep meaning to do now.

I think that would be it.

Any advice?

System

You might find the "sticky" at the top informative. My son was told today that most laptops hold vista and won't play XP software applications.

superscaper

islandman wrote: »

You might find the "sticky" at the top informative. My son was told today that most laptops hold vista and won't play XP software applications.

I hope you're son is smart enough to realise that whoever told him that is a prat. I'd be willing to bet most software will work on Vista. I can't think of anything that will only exclusively work on XP and not Vista unless it's really old.

Jet

superscaper wrote: »

I hope you're son is smart enough to realise that whoever told him that is a prat. I'd be willing to bet most software will work on Vista. I can't think of anything that will only exclusively work on XP and not Vista unless it's really old.

Yes, I would think that most software would work with Vista. Microsoft wouldn't be doing themselves any favours if most software didn't work with it because nobody would buy it!

Apparently my old Sage software won't work with it though. So looks like I will have to upgrade it. :rolleyes:

colin79666

Core 2 duo and 2GB ram.
Biggest hard drive you can get.

Psychofly

Check this thread for my advice.. I think the whole thing is worth a read since many people have given info in it. If you're still unsure then let me know and I'll help you out

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=554577

System

Thanks guys. Just as soon as I can contact my son, I will check to see if I understood him correctly, then relay your replies. I will also ask which store gave the advice then get back to you.

It was Curry's. The guy said all the laptops here run Vista, you won't be able to run your version of Office 2003, you'll need 2007. There were one or two others. The laptop in question was reduced from £499 to £350.

superscaper

islandman wrote: »

It was Curry's. The guy said all the laptops here run Vista, you won't be able to run your version of Office 2003, you'll need 2007. There were one or two others. The laptop in question was reduced from £499 to £350.

I was going to guess whether it was a PC World/Currys idiot. Basically that's just a downright lie to try and get you to buy stuff you don't need. Office 2003 is compatible with Vista. As is Office XP, and some reports of even Office 2000 working for some people.

Psychofly

Yeah I agree. It's a TOTAL lie. Don't listen to Currys, Comet or PC World. Some employees are very knowledgeable but you won't know which ones are telling the truth. Get advice from someone who's independant - like on here.

superscaper

Psychofly wrote: »

Get advice from someone who's independant - like on here.

Exactly, most of us don't have vested interest in what you buy so the advice on this forum is for the most part objective and any that isn't will quickly get followup posters to correct misinformation.

Some of the absolute worst techie falsehoods I've ever heard have come from sales people in places such as Currys, Dixons (which is now Currys as well), PC World etc. So definitely don't take anything they say for granted without checking.

Jet

I spoke with Sage today who tell me that I cannot run 2 versions of Sage on one pc if I have Vista. Grrrr.

The only way round it is to upgrade to Line 50 which will cost around £700!!!