Buying a laptop - Basics

r.mac_2

I Have done a seacrh, but apologies in advance if I have missed a thread elsewhere.

I need to buy a laptop, but have zero knowledge of computers. Is anyone able to give me some advice?

Basically I require a laptop computer. I primarily want to use it for word processing reports and essays, but will also require it to have the ability to let me surf the internet (most probably using broadband, depending if that works out cheaper than dial up). I envisage using it on an almost daily basis and wish it to last for a decent number of years as this will be a big one-off purchase for me. I will also require it to be able to handle digital photographs and the associated software as well as a colour printer (not sure if this makes a difference!)

I have had a look at a few sites to get an idea of prices, but have become confused at the specifications listed. :eek: What should I be looking for in order to fullfill the above?

I appreciate your help
r.mac (the thechniphobe!)

£$&*"($£&(

There's lots of things to consider. Firstly your budget. However with your planned use you can get away with some of the cheaper options. You also need to consider whether your going to run it off the battery a lot - which means you need something with good battery life. Are you going to carry it about a lot? - which means it's best to go for something light.

For light and good battery life and very good performance go for a Pentium-M laptop. These also run cooler and tend to have less fan noise. Here's an option from Comet which also includes DVD writer. These also have wireless technology built in if you need this.

http://www.comet.co.uk/comet/html/cache/237914.html

You won't need a seperate graphics card for your use so shared graphics will be fine. However if there's only 256mb RAM budget for adding another 256mb.

At the cheaper end you can get laptops with Celeron-M processors. These are very similar to Pentium-M processors but much cheaper and perform well. The Comet website has one for less than £400. This will also be light though the battery won't last as long.

The heavier laptops come in over 3kg. These are called desktop replacements and may have a Pentium or Celeron-D processor - Celeron-M and AMD Sempron laptops are better options so the same or less cost.

Then there are AMD based laptops. These are genrally better performers than the Intel
equivalents (Pentium and Celeron-D). Semprons are the cheaper and a good option in the low cost end of things. Not sure about weight and battery life though I think there are versions which are designed to run cool like the Pentium-M and Celeron-M.

The advantages of widescreen (15.4inch) laptops are probably non existent so 15 inch will do.

Nile

Listen to Grahawk..........he gives very good advice and helped me when I bought a laptop recently.

I am (was?) a technophobe just like you, so I understand how difficult it is to make sense of the techie world.

My tip to you is to visit a Comet store. Have a look (play with) at all the laptops on display and take your time and make notes if necessary. Make sure you come away with a copy of 'The Computing Buyer's Guide'........a free :j Comet guide to buying computer stuff. If they don't have copies out, ask for one.

If you narrow down your choice to a couple of laptops, don't be afraid to ask for an opinion from the resident experts on the techie board.........like Grahawk and JPS and Fran etc.

When you are ready to buy, make sure you see the model before you buy.......ring your nearest Comet branch to see if they have it on display. If not, find out which branch has it. It might be worth a short drive to check it out rather than buying blind. Remember that the Comet 'in store' price will usually be higher than the Comet 'on line/web site' price.

Best of luck

Nile the technophobe

margaret_3

Rather thn visit the store, order it on line.
I got one a few weeks ago and I'm delighted with it. It's a Fujitsu Siemens and was under £400. The same laptop was £75 dearer.
Margaret

r.mac_2

Thank you for your replies. I have had to think a little more about what I need, which is very helpful.

I will need to carry the laptop sometimes, so the lighter the better. At home, I will have the computer plugged into the mains most of the time, but I think that if I use it at the library I will have to use the battery, so will require a reasonable time from it.

I have looked up my nearest Comet store and plan to visit there - thanks for the catalogue tip Nile. I will definately ask for one if I can't see them on display.

And it hadn't really occurred ot me that they may be cheaper online so I will check that out too - although I will want to have a 'play' first i think!

will let you know how I get on

r.mac

margaret_3

Hi r.mac
If I tell you that I have a Dell [1 year old] my husband has a Toshiba [a few months old] and my Fujitsu Siemens AMILO is HALF the weight of either laptop and has a lovely feel to the keyboard, can I persuade you to buy the Fujitsu on-line?
We buy a lot of things on-line as we don't live on the mainland and this is by far the best 'blind' buy I have ever made.
:j
Margaret

fatboyonadiet

You'll probably want a Pentium M then me thinks, and something with a 14" screen too. Sure someone who knows more will be along soon!

g33za

One thing also to remember is the warrenty on your laptop, laptops are an absolute money black hole when it comes to repairs so ideally try and get a warrenty for about 3 years included in the price. Also be warned if they are return to base warrenties then you will have to pay the cost of shipping it to the servicing agent. Having said that you are less likely to have many problems with the big brands (Tosh, IBM, Dell, etc) but it does happen as i have experienced with my work laptops in the past.

£$&*"($£&(

If you get an Acer you can buy a seperate well priced 3 year warranty - don't buy extended warrenties from the usual suspects (PC World, Dixons, Comet etc.)

steady__eddie

I agree with everything that has been said except for 1 small item, COMET.
They do not appear to adhere to English law as far as after sales service is concerned in my experience. After 28 days, it was my responsibility to contact the manufacturer when my printer developed a hardware fault (0870 job and I had to take it to the repair centre). I mentioned to them that Trading Standards had told me otherwise but they just laughed at that. There may be special conditions in the case of laptops, check the small print and be warned.