Chris Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I'm getting a bit fed up of the problems by increasingly aged desktop is having, so I'm starting to think about buying a laptop to replace it (could do with the space in my living room back). The problem is I don't know much about laptops and what's good for the money. So can anyone recommend a couple of good models and online stores to buy from? My needs:I have an ongoing boycott of spending large amounts of money in Dixons group stores, so don't tell me to go to PC World. I'm not a moron anyway so I'm outwith their demographic.This is to be a desktop replacement so I'm not looking for entry level, but my budget is quite constrained. 500 - 800 really. Looking for good performance at a good price really.I don't play many games these days but would like it to be able to process music and run complex apps. Again I'm not looking for a 1500 gaming machine but I'd like it to have a minimum of 1Gb RAM and a bearable graphics processor for what little games I do play.I'm not interested in a Macbook or anything running Linux. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Neutral Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I would have reservations about buying a laptop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onlynik Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 How about a Dell, you can customise what you require, but don't buy the memory from them, just get it with base memory, then buy additional from crucial, that will save you packets. The other thing about memory is that you may find that the graphics card memory is shared or partially shared with the system memory.There is also Evesham, though they seem to be pricier than I remember. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Entry level Macbook would fit your budget I reckon, if you fancy "switching". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I'm not interested in a Macbook or anything running Linux.Bugger, should have read that bit. Why aren't you interested in a Macbook? You know you can dual-boot them with Windows XP now, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onlynik Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Bugger, should have read that bit. Why aren't you interested in a Macbook? You know you can dual-boot them with Windows XP now, right?Because they aren't that good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 and they're expensive for the performance you get, they're like sony in that respect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkaline Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 and they're expensive for the performance you get, they're like sony in that respect.Laptop wise, yes.I don't like MacBooks, though Apple's OS tends to be nicer. Just build your own throug a site. Or go to a music based webstore and look at some of the dedicated music systems they've got, having said that though they'll prob be outwith the price band you mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Laptop wise, yes.I don't like MacBooks, though Apple's OS tends to be nicer. Just build your own throug a site. Or go to a music based webstore and look at some of the dedicated music systems they've got, having said that though they'll prob be outwith the price band you mentioned.Yeah I meant to write vaio in there to make it clear I was just talking about Sony laptops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onlynik Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 ComponentsINSPIRON 6400 Intel Core™ Duo Processor T2050 (1.60 GHz, 2 MB L2 cache, 533 MHz FSB) editOPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (incl Operating System Re-Install CD) - English editVISTA UPGRADE MCE to Vista Premium Upgrade on www.dellvistaupgrade.com before 03/31/07 editSUPPORT SERVICES Collect & Return, 1 Year Service only editLCD 15.4" Wide Screen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display editMEMORY 1024MB 533MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2x512) editHARD DRIVE 120GB (5,400rpm) Hard Drive editOPTICAL DRIVE Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW with Software editGRAPHICS CARD 256MB ATI Mobility™ Radeon X1400 HyperMemory™ graphics card editPRIMARY BATTERY 6 Cell, 56Whr Lithium Ion Primary Battery editAccessoriesWIRELESS CONNECTIVITY Intel Pro Wireless 3945 802.11a/b/g Mini PCI Wireless LAN Card for Duo Processors editCARRY CASES Free - Deluxe Nylon Carry Case editSOUND SOFTWARE Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy ADVANCED HD™ Audio- Full Version editFLOPPY/MEDIA DRIVES No Floppy Drive Option editCOLOR CHOICE No Snap on LCD Back Cover editServices & SoftwareSECURITY SOFTWARE Free - Upgrade to McAfee Security Centre™ 36-month Protection editMICROSOFT SOFTWARE Microsoft Works 8.5 - English editPHOTOGRAPHY SOFTWARE No Photo Organising & Sharing Software/No Photo Editing Software editAlso included with your systemKEYBOARD Internal Keyboard - UK/Ire (QWERTY) Gedis Bundle Reference List N01646 - DHS 6400 (2) Order Information Inspiron Order - UK Shipping Documents System Documentation Adobe Reader English - Adobe Reader 8.5.8 Power Supply 65W AC Adapter Modem 56.6k V.92 Capable Internal Modem & Adapter Standard Warranty Collect & Return, 1 Year Service only Money Off Savings Save 70 (inc VAT) Dell Internet Order Dell Internet Order. NETWORK ASSISTANT Network Assist 1.2 - 90 Day Trial SYSTEM MEDIA Resource CD - contains Diagnostics and Drivers Its a bit jumbles but it costs 767 1 gig ram120 gig driveCore duo cpuATI x1400 mobile gfx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Because they aren't that good.Depends on what you're using them for. Got no complaints with mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hog Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I have a Toshiba, its awesome. HD ready, fast, good value for money etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DustyDeviada Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I have a Toshiba, its awesome. HD ready, fast, good value for money etc.Forgive my ignorance, but what does "HD ready" mean on a laptop? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Neutral Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Forgive my ignorance, but what does "HD ready" mean on a laptop?High Def out port i think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkaline Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Forgive my ignorance, but what does "HD ready" mean on a laptop?It needs to conform to the minimum HD picture resolution requirement (1280x720) and support either HDMI or DV-I. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimr Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Don't buy a sony vaio with an integrated ati card. Ati refuse to support the chips and Sony refuse to update the drivers. Infact if you walk past a sony vaio in the shop window show your disgust with an appropriate hand gesture.Oh i'm selling mine if anyones interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KittyCat Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 I have a Toshiba, its awesome. HD ready, fast, good value for money etc.I have a Toshiba as well. It's a great little thing and it's deffinitely good value for money. It runs well and is fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarmaTsunami Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 i have an acer laptop. i likes it. aspire 5612WLMi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Neutral Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 i have an acer laptop. i likes it. aspire 5612WLMi.Only brand of laptops that I have had no trouble with.Try and get a 2 - 5 year guarantee a lot only come with 1 year - Fujitsu-Siemens(bad) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest onlynik Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Only brand of laptops that I have had no trouble with.Try and get a 2 - 5 year guarantee a lot only come with 1 year - Fujitsu-Siemens(bad)They have really bad batteries and chargers, I have had to sent in excess of 10 back to Acer. However they are covered by the guarantee.I find the keyboards rather spongey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Posted January 16, 2007 Report Share Posted January 16, 2007 Don't get DaveOfficer started about Acer laptops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Neutral Posted January 17, 2007 Report Share Posted January 17, 2007 They have really bad batteries and chargers, I have had to sent in excess of 10 back to Acer. However they are covered by the guarantee.I find the keyboards rather spongey.Mine was an old one, sold it after 7 years, don't really know about new ones but im assuming the best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2007 Don't get DaveOfficer started about Acer laptops. Aye I wouldn't buy an Acer after seeing how atrocious their customer service was to my brother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted January 17, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 17, 2007 Been having a look around, what do people think about this one:http://www.evesham.com/products/info.asp?e=88E92CFE-7A28-4EE6-8930-2FBA6CF0B3F1100 cheaper and better specced than the equivilent dell with a 3 year warranty (1 year on site + 2 year RTB).Anyone dealt with Evesham before for systems? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ross Posted January 18, 2007 Report Share Posted January 18, 2007 My work all use DELLS and every single one has packed in. I use my own Samsung V25 (4 years +) and it is still faster than most people's although almost everything has broken...HOWEVER....... having been PC my whole life i now have a Macbook (black) at home and will never go back to PCs again.Perfect for everything that i require which is Emails, More emails, dtp, portability and connectivity.Went into the Apple store on Regent St and it is like a Toy Shop for grownups.this is the best link an apple user can find:AC Adapter B922-5464 PowerBook G4 / iBook DUSB / iPod UK AC Plug Adapter Apple Mac Parts and Repairs from VIS Ltdr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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