Which of these two laptops?

indiegirl_2

I have a choice (and a limited budget). I don't need my laptop for much, but it must be able to run Football Manager 2008 comfortably, basic surfing and watching DVDs.

I've narrowed my laptop selection down to these two:

The HP 530 (Dual Core): http://h41306.www4.hp.com/itemDetails?SID=07b601aec00338bf40c31ef37609e3f040b:1223&sku=KD092AA
This doesn't have much in the way of expansion and has limited USB ports. However, I don't need expansion, just something that will run. This one direct from HP has the T2400 processor. I can get it for £335inc VAT & Delivery (HP have a "Save £40" offer on when you place your first order).


The Dell Vostro 1000 (AMD TL55):
http://www.dmxdimension.com/recommend-vostro/N11100003
Greater expansion capabilities, but the processor isn't as strong in the benchmarking. This - with the 6whr battery - comes in at £362.

So, I guess my question is: do I spend the extra £30 on the Dell? Are there any viable alternatives? £350 is my max budget (will stretch that extra tenner for the Vostro!). Thoughts gratefully received.

alphawoo

The hp id say. i do like them. plus dell are just...... well you cant take them back to the shop

globalds

you could look at this one .
http://www.hotukdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1193405

If you read down the comments there is a nicer one for about £500

indiegirl_2

I just can't stretch that far!

I've picked HP / Dell as I used to work in a school; and I've seen which brands stand up to the test of abuse from schoolchildren; and which brands fall apart as soon as you breathe on them....

It's a difficult one for me: the HP shouts at me but I'm cautious of the RAM capabilities: it doesn't offer that much capacity to increase the RAM... hence why I started looking at the Dells.