Laptop for £200!!!

LondonStudentSaver

One of the most essential pieces of equipment for a student at university is a laptop that is portable enough to take to and from lectures. However, this piece of equipment is normally extremely costly, with slow models starting at around £400 (on the very best deals) and market-leaders priced at around £1200. This doesn’t fit in very well with student budgets.

One of the best new releases, and a great money saving tip for students who actually work, is therefore an ultra-portable that allows you to both work and surf the web for £200. This new product is called the ASUS Eee PC and I would recommend it to students as a must have money saver. This computer was so popular on launch (just before Christmas) that Asus have not been able to keep up with global demand. However, new stock is expected in the UK at the beginning of February.

How can the Eee PC be so cheap? The answer is because it runs linux, an alternative operating system to windows. Most people are afraid to use alternative operating systems because of compatibility issues, but this really isn’t an issue for basic surfing and working. With OpenOffice, which is supplied free, you can edit .doc, .xls and .ppt files in a format similar to, and compatible with, Microsoft Office. You can also view .pdf files and listen to music and watch videos (those these last two functions are limited by the memory).

So why does operating Linux make the computer so cheap? It makes it cheap because it is a much thinner, less complicated platform than windows. This means it doesn’t cost as much, but it also means that a computer doesn’t need extra-ordinary amounts of processing power to run quickly. The Eee PC is not well spec’d if you look at the firgures, but this does not stop it operating its office and web surfing functions quicker than a top-end Windows Vista computer.

Does this computer have any catches? The largest catch is that it won’t operate as a multimedia PC, i.e. playing DVD’s, Games or iTunes. However, at £200 it leaves lots of money spare (from the price you would expect to pay for an ultra portable laptop) to buy a desktop computer to carry out these functions. Why a desktop? These offer the best performance/price ratios.

The only other catches are size related. If you suffer from poor eye-sight the screen may be troublesome. Its size also means that the keyboard is smaller than many people are used to, and some will dislike it. The best option is to try it out in a shop, but then come home and follow Martins Money Saving Tips to get it at the best price.

One final tip, the computer comes with a range of memory options. It can be more cost efficient to buy one with smaller memory and then a buy a separate memory card to add the additional memory that you need (this will also allow you transfer files easily between the Eee PC and other computers).

bestpud

Wow, is that a sales pitch?

Just a couple of points:

Firstly, I have an asus eee myself (using it now) and it is great as a second surfing laptop and for taking around with me. However, I would not want to rely in it as my main computer and I would not find it adequate for writing essays with!

Secondly, I have never seen anyone use a laptop in a lecture and I see very few students carrying one around campus. Most just carry a file and/or note paper! If a laptop is 'necessary' then it is to have in your room rather than having to visit the library to check emails/do assignments etc. And for that, a desktop is just as good!

Great little machine though - I love mine - but it is more like a pda than a fill blown pc.

TigerAngel11

I thought it sounded like a sales pitch too!

Considered getting a laptop, but decided it wasn't worth it - I'll be living at home, so I can use this computer. I wouldn't want to lug one around with me, especially with the risk of it getting nicked - you might be able to claim the money on your house insurance, but that won't get you back any essays and notes that aren't backed up on disc!