27 replies to this topic

[blacktulip]

im looking to buy a new laptop soon but dont know where to start. just want one that i can surf the net really, not too fussed about space as i dont really store much stuff like music and photos. can anyone recommend any decent prices ones that are solid and reliable?

my budget is best value for money really. like the kyaba gas adjust, not to pricey and excellent lol

Edited by mikecmini, 07 January 2008 - 10:04 PM.

[Jammy]

Don't buy the best spec for your budget, they only use cheaper components that fail quicker, focus on getting a decent (not Dell) make primarily, then look at spec.

[*Raz*]

get one like my xmas pressie

its HOT

and it works unlike my last one

[LukeH]

I can't really recommend a specific make/model but I can tell you the following;

Sony - stylish, good spec but quite expensive. I have one and think it's great but was expensive to buy

Dell - Fairly good if you buy the right model. Try looking at the business models rather than home user model i.e. Latitude systems (my new laptop is a Latitude D620 business spec cost about £1400) They start around £400.

IBM - reliable, fairly bland but good laptops and very well built.

HP - very similar in looks to IBM, fairly cheap to buy and not too bad spec

Fujitsu-Siemens - Not the smallest compared to other brands but very good, well made and reliable (had one at work for 12months)

Acer - Don't bother

Packard-Bell - Cheap, plastic feel not the best spec and tend to break quite easily.

Things to look out for are;

1. dual-core processor - most have it now

2. independant graphics card, avoid motherboard based if you do a lot of graphics based stuff i.e. watch movies etc...

3. At least 1GB of RAM if you plan to have a Windows Vista system

4. 40GB hard drive - most programs are fairly large now so even if your not going to store movies/music etc you will still need a bit of space Vista OS takes up about 3GB alone and that's before you've put anything else on.

5. Intergrated wireless - most have it but some cheaper one's don't

I hope all this helps, sorry I haven't really recommended a specific laptop but I thought it might help you choose.

By the way, I work in IT so I kinda know what i'm talking about for what it's worth.

Luke.

[bakker110]

Get a MAC! sorry i'm biased

[Ethel]

My Acer is about 3yrs old and still going strong even if it is a bit of a brick 'n the touchpad is pants

I will second that a decent graphics chip with dedicated memory is worthwhile, especially if it has onboard DVD.

[Grimmy@JHE]

im with acer... had it a year and no bother what so ever.

[nurseholliday]

My sis dragged me to PC World today. Not a lot on offer currently there. Looking at about £700 for a mid-top end laptop.

All my friends have done well with Toshiba and Sony laptops, so can't go wrong there. I can't really give a personal opinion since I use a fruit

[Juju]

My DELL Latitud is fabby & tiny , but it is a work lap top & therefore supported by our IT dept.
Oh Noes!! I'm going to have to give it back when I quit!
Must get a replacement so I'll keep an eye on this thread...........

[blacktulip]

thanks for the info, do you think i should steer clear of ebay for one? not to sure where to look as just when you think its a good deal, something better pops up.

[Holly]

theres one in asda for £299 atm Acer!

avarage spec but if you just need it for net usage!

t

[LukeH]

thanks for the info, do you think i should steer clear of ebay for one? not to sure where to look as just when you think its a good deal, something better pops up.

eBay is ok if you know what you are looking for but what with laptops being fairly difficult to repair if anything goes wrong, I would buy one with a warranty pesonally.

Sorry if I offended anyone saying to avoid acer, it’s just from a IT support point of view they have always proved problematic however, that is from a business use point of view!

[Rhys]

Get a MAC! sorry i'm biased

Me to i payed £1000 for a top end macbook a year and a half ago and have not had one single problem well worth the extra

Rhys

[1275COOPER]

Mac's are amazing if you can afford it even the cheapest Mac is amazing but i reckon a price of 500 would get you a good laptop.

I would recommend:

http://www.play.com/...earchtype=genre

http://www.play.com/...earchtype=genre

[minipinkprincess]

i have got this one and its ace !!! only problem is it has white/grey keys which could be a problem but im finding it fine and i cant be arsed to figure out how to work the bluetooth lol

http://www.acerdirec...146/version.asp