Need a new laptop

Cardelia

I'm starting a new job next month and I'll need a new laptop for it. The main requirement is a lot of processing power, but a lot of RAM wouldn't go amiss either. HD space isn't crucial and neither is a top-range FX card or huge screen, but obviously if I can get better ones for not much extra, I will.

I found this on the Dell website:

http://ecomm.euro.dell.com/dellstore/basket.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&l=en&s=bsd&itemtype=CFG&details=undefined

I was just wondering if anyone here knew of a laptop with similar spec for the same (or better) price. I'd prefer XP over Vista, mainly because I'm not sure how compatible the software I use is with Vista. Normally with a £700 discount I'd snap it up, but I'm just wondering if the discount is so big because it's way overpriced to begin with?

ETA: Is the T7600 dual-core processor worth another £200 +VAT or is it a huge ripoff and I should stick with the T7400?

Markee

If you are starting a new job and need a laptop, wouldn't your new employer provide one?

You also did't say what kind of work you would be using it for.

A PC for general office work / email / web would obviously require a completley different spec to one used for Video Editing or other processor intensive tasks.

Cardelia

I'm working for UCL and they don't provide laptops. They do have a discount scheme, but the choice of laptop is very restricted and the available ones don't really meet my needs - they're aimed at students/staff who would use it mainly for word processing more than anything else. I could probably get some money towards the cost of the laptop if I whined enough, but I don't mind paying for a new one because I'd quite like one for personal use as well.

The work I'd need to do is the interpretation of X-ray data: without getting too technical, it basically involves creating a 3D model of a molecule, simulating its X-ray diffraction pattern and comparing it to the actual observed diffraction pattern. The comparison is an iterative scheme and uses a lot of system resources, hence the need for a good processor and a fair amount of RAM.

Cardelia

Hmm, I've just realised the above link doesn't work on all computers, so the spec is listed below:

Dell Precision M90 with Intel Core2 Duo T7400 processor, 4Gb RAM, 160 Gb HD and XP Pro 64bit edition. The 17" screen, NVIDIA Quadro FX2500M and 8x DVD+/-RW internal drive are the default specs for this laptop.

It works out at £900 including a discount of £682 off the RRP of £1582. Including VAT and delivery, it comes to £1115 total, which can probably be brought down more with discount codes, quidco etc. Is it a good deal or can I get a better laptop for less money elsewhere?

Bassetts

The Dell Vostro laptops have some deals on for a few more days. If I remember right then the Vostro 1500 laptops have core 2 duos and you can get 4GB ram. They are some great deals on them right now, you will find them under home & small business and do note that the prices dont include VAT until you pay.

Cardelia

Thanks very much Bassetts, I completely overlooked the Vostro range. It comes with a better processor than the M90 family and it's slightly cheaper as well. Good news all round