Laptop spec advice

civil12345

Hi, I posted on here about a week ago asking about a tablet. I'm now thinking I need a laptop instead. I'm looking at a custom build as none of the ones I've seen so far seem to meet my requirements.

Any thoughts on the spec below? Any aspects of it rubbish and need improving? Have I missed anything?

Use will be as a main computer. Lot of internet use, watching videos, word/excel use. Possibly some specialist software. No gaming.


Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions (W x D x H) 413mm x 273mm x 12.7mm ~ 28.5mm
Weight 2.5KG

Memory

Memory Type Supports DDR-III 1333Mhz
Number of Modules 2 x 1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB Modules
Maximum Supported Memory 8GB
Hard Drive Capacity
Hard Drive Type 1 x 9.5mm, 2.5" S-ATA HDD support

Display & Graphics
Graphics
Integrated Intel® HD Graphics
Screen Size
17.3 inch Widescreen
Native/Maximum Resolution
1600 x 900
Backlight
LED

Audio
Chipset
Intel High Definition Audio
Channels
2 channel HD Audio
Connections
Microphone-in and headphone-out
Speakers
Built in two speakers
Integrated Microphone
Yes

Communications
LAN
10/100Mb Base-TX Ethernet LAN
Wireless Support
Wireless LAN 802.11B/G/N Half Mini Card module
Bluetooth Support
Bluetooth V4.0 module support
Webcam
1.0 MP Webcam
Firewire (IEEE 1394)
N/A
Expansion Slots
TV Tuner
N/A

Keyboard & Mouse
Keys
Multi Language A4 size Floating Keyboard
Language Support
Multi-Language support
Pointing Device | Touchpad Mouse
Built in touch pad with multi-gesture and scrolling function
Memory Card Reader
Memory Card Reader
6-in-1 Card Reader (MMC / RSMMC / SD / Mini SD / SDHC / SDXC)

Ports
HDMI Ports
1
USB
2 x USB 3.0 Ports & 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
USB/e-SATA
N/A
Display
1 x 15 pin VGA OUT port
Microphone-IN
1
Headphone-OUT
1
DC-in
1
LAN
1 x RJ-45 jack
Kensington Lock
Yes

Webcam
Webcam
1.0 MP Webcam

Battery & Power Lead
Battery Type
4 Cell Lithium-Ion
Typical Battery Life
Up to 6 Hours 20 Minutes
Power Lead & AC Adpater
1 x Power Lead included with AC Adapter

Security
Fingerprint Scanner
N/A
Kensington Lock
Yes

Sorry about the formatting.

I_have_spoken

none of the ones I've seen so far seem to meet my requirements...internet use, watching videos, word/excel use. Possibly some specialist software. No gaming

Really? I'd have though pretty much any laptop would do!

civil12345

I_have_spoken wrote: »

Really? I'd have though pretty much any laptop would do!

Maybe I've forgotten things! What else do people do? I will want to have a dual display connecting to my current monitor via HDMI.

Is the spec too high? I do like the idea of the bigger screen. What areas should I downgrade?

Thanks

bsod

Can't imagine any reason why your 5 year old desktop isn't good enough.

Other than companies the size of Dell, 'custom builds' shippers are a risky bet, and the spec of that camera is naff for 2017

laptops have been capable of simultaneous (1 internal and 1 external) screen output for ages, if that's what you mean by dual display. 17.3 inch models are heavy for out and about.

civil12345

Thanks, could upgrade the camera.

I was thinking it might be large and heavy - I just checked my work laptop and it's got a 13.3 inch screen which is smaller than what I thought. Yes I mean using the laptop display and an external monitor display.

My desktop is ok but runs really slow. Can't do dual display (2 monitors) and of course I can only use it in one place in the house and can't take it outside.

I was looking at pc specialist - are they are good? The prices and specs seem reasonable. The one I posted is £497 which seems much better than the equivalent branded ones I was looking at.

jobbingmusician

Taking laptops outside is over-rated - always seems like a good idea, but when the weather is good enough, it's too bright to see the screen!

civil12345

OK, when I say outside maybe I mean more in different situations, like I commute quite often so for a couple of hours on the train, or I work with a community group where it could be useful for organising.

About the spec, maybe I should ask some specific questions...

1. I've seen a few comments on different places about SSD hard drive. Does this make a big difference? Why?

2. I know nothing about processors. The only I was looking at is Intel Quad Core N3710 (4 x 1.60 Ghz, 2.56 Ghz Turbo). Is that good? Is there something to do with latest gen processors I should be looking for?

Also interested in further thoughts on whether custom build is good/bad and if not if anyone can recommend something that is available for similar price.

Thanks again for the responses.

civil12345

Sorry for bumping but any thoughts on this??

grumpycrab

SSD is recommended - its solid state which means 1. it should be more reliable than a box with spinning disks and 2. its faster - noticeably faster than a traditional disk. No obvious 17inch laptop bargains at the moment. Keep your eyes on hotukdeals (for example).

50Twuncle

Try Asus - they used to do 17.3" i5 powered beasts - X75VC - They meet most of your requirements but are now at least 4 years old - so out of date !!
I have one and am planning to upgrade it with an SSD
The Screen is the best that I have seen

hans_2

http://www.medion.com/gb/shop/laptops-medion-akoya-e7421-md60092-30020882a1.html#detailed-description