16 replies to this topic

[JustSteve]

As the title says really. I've only ever owned a home-built desktop computer, which has never really worked. My step-dad was always fixing it, but now I'm older, I really want to get something i can actually use!

So after several years without one, I'm in need for my apprenticeship (long story short, my school was a bag of w**k and i need to re-do ICT because my GCSE 'doesnt count')

I don't really know what to look for to be honest... all I know is I don't want a notebook/netbook, but one with a decent screen, one that can use the internet and store files- apart from that there's not much more i want to do i don't want to play games or anything, but to be able to use programs like photoshop in the future would be great!

I'm a 17 year old apprentice, so I'm far from rolling in cash. Suggest me a laptop that's cheap enough, that'll work! also, where's best to look? I thought about pre-owned too ?



Thank you ladies and gentlemen Peace!

[Simont]

dont go to PC world or currys,
their customer service and price of laptops make me cry
:)
(speaking as a former employee)
as Brands go.. if it feels + looks Cheap.. then it probably is,
try Asus, Dell and some Acer, you will need multi-tasking so get an Intel Processor, I3 or i5
anything above 1.8ghz, with 2/3gb memory (RAM) will do everything you could ever want

Edited by Simont, 20 July 2012 - 04:19 PM.

[Ethel]

Do you know what you need it to do? Will it have to run Windows (possibly 64bit)? Will a built in DVD drive be useful, are you going to have to lug it about & run off the battery?

You could take a trip to PCworld, Dixons.... just don't give them your money!

[JustSteve]

dont go to PC world or currys,
their customer service and price of laptops make me cry
:)
(speaking as a former employee)
as Brands go.. if it feels + looks Cheap.. then it probably is,
try Asus, Dell and some Acer, you will need multi-tasking so get an Intel Processor, I3 or i5
anything above 1.8ghz, with 2/3gb memory (RAM) will do everything you could ever want

Thanks for thw quick reply,

that's the first place I looked.. whoops!

Where's a good place to try? I thought about looking on ebay, but I don't think I'd like to risk it, if it goes wrong.. How much would you suggest I do spend?

[JustSteve]

Do you know what you need it to do? Will it have to run Windows (possibly 64bit)? Will a built in DVD drive be useful, are you going to have to lug it about & run off the battery?

You could take a trip to PCworld, Dixons.... just don't give them your money!

hey ethel.. as I say, at the moment, all i need to do is use the titerweb, store files and watch iPlayer I would like to have a play with photo editing stuff though, eventually, when I can buy a camera. I would like to watch DVD's too, but it's not THAT important. I shouldn't really need to lug it about, I just want the ability to take it from room-to-room and store it under the bed.

thank you :)

[MaxAndPaddy]

Argos....there customer service is (believe it or not) second to none on electricals

Thats why they pay me the big money....Genius

[JustSteve]

Argos....there customer service is (believe it or not) second to none on electricals

Thats why they pay me the big money....Genius

Get us a discount?

[MaxAndPaddy]

Argos....there customer service is (believe it or not) second to none on electricals

Thats why they pay me the big money....Genius

Get us a discount?

I dont work for them ....I'm an IT genius!

[Ethel]

You may find you need Windows if you're doing ICT and it'll be cheaper if it's packaged with the laptop. You could save some dosh, and size 'n weight, if a separate usb DVD drive will suit you.

[minimarco]

Haha I like how you insult the computer geeks while asking for their help. Hey GEEKS help!

You should do another home built desktop. It's cheaper and/or better than a pre-built one for the same money. And since you built it yourself, you can always upgrade individual parts in the future easily. Your old computer never really worked probably because it's old.

Or, get a second hand mac mini. it's basically made to store some files and play videos. HDMI port, optical drive, and you can use you old mouse, screen and keyboard.

[MaxAndPaddy]

Alternatively I also highly recommend the dell outlet, refurbs and returns at very good prices, not very sexy but mostly bomb proof build quality.

www.dell.co.uk/outlet/

[Lee_bash]

If you go on ebay, places like tesco and argos sell reconditioned units cheap on there. They usually come with a warranty too... just check first mind.

[JustSteve]

Haha I like how you insult the computer geeks while asking for their help. Hey GEEKS help!

You should do another home built desktop. It's cheaper and/or better than a pre-built one for the same money. And since you built it yourself, you can always upgrade individual parts in the future easily. Your old computer never really worked probably because it's old.

Or, get a second hand mac mini. it's basically made to store some files and play videos. HDMI port, optical drive, and you can use you old mouse, screen and keyboard.

Not meant as an insult mate, I'll quite hapily admit im a mini geek

I cant built a desktop, as theres nowhere to put it! I didnt built it myself either- I dont understand anything that doesnt work with cogs and chains

Alternatively I also highly recommend the dell outlet, refurbs and returns at very good prices, not very sexy but mostly bomb proof build quality.

www.dell.co.uk/outlet/

Thanks mate, I'll take a look

If you go on ebay, places like tesco and argos sell reconditioned units cheap on there. They usually come with a warranty too... just check first mind.

I know 'simont' suggested staying away from PCworld, but I have been looking at their ebay page at the reconditioned laptops. I did find one that seemed alright, if If can find it again I'll post it up

[Lewis998]

Avoid dell like the plague (unless you go for Alienware pretty pricey though)
Acer have always been good for me

[Black.Ghost]

Most of the stuff is all made in the same places by the same people.

If you want to do some serious photoshop and video editing you will need a bit more power and an HD screen, costing you a bit of money. The other option is buy cheap now - you can get something for around 350 pretty easily, and consider a new one later on if you decide you want the extra power later.

Of course if you happen upon mega money the new MacBook Pros are pretty nice.