Looking for a laptop

[Beaker]

Moving in with my Girlfriend in about 4 weeks time, and I am looking for a laptop but am not too sure what will be best for what we need?

All it will be used for is using the internet, word and excel documents every now and then, and thats about it!

Im not a very techy person and don't want to go into a shop and get sold something that I don't really need? I know that they will all do the similar thing but thought someone might know the best place to go?

On another point, we are looking to getting Sky but they also do your phone and internet too, are they a good provider and is this the cheapest and best way to get Sky TV, Phone line and internet all through one company?

I'd appreciate any help! Thanks

 

[Atticus_Finch]

This is the SKY package I've got, but you'll have to check that SKY have coverage in your area.
I got a new laptop in January and I use it pretty much for the same things as you. I'm not much of a techy person, but I'm very happy with what I got for the price I paid.

http://www.dealgiant.co.uk/archive/hp-presario-compaq-cq70-116-laptop-reweiw/

 

[theeaglehunter]

I'm not sure about a specific laptop but I'd consider what you are looking for in terms of memory (which equates to computer speed) and what size hard drive etc. It is pretty dependent in my opinion on how much media you tend to view / store on it as to how much memory / storage you need but there is no set factor in this. I have an HP media laptop and can't fault it in the 9 months I have had it.

As for internet service provider it is worth considering whether or not you want mobile broadband. If not I would, if you are in a cable covered area, go with virgin media over sky (If you are looking for a bit of discount for having tv, phone and internet) as although the actual television is arguably not as good (not in my opinion but there we go) the internet service is far superior with virgin, and the phone call rates cheaper if I remember correctly, depending on what specific deal you get. I think the price with Virgin is actually better overall when you look at like for like prices / packages as in most of them the internet speed offered is much better and tv / phone similar.

This is based on information I recruited when making a similar decision about 6 months ago so may have changed (I was considering changing all 3 services to sky from virgin but it would not have offered a discount and would have been a worse service)

 

[MVP]

how much do you want to spend??/

 

[gjbike]

This may help
http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk//showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/82896/an/0/page/5#82896

 

[RGDave]

I have an HP laptop. It's top (I had to upgrade to 2 gb RAM though to make it snappy).....but there is a drawback I'd like to point out.

The HP laptops ship with a "copy" of the Operating System on the hard drive, so in the event of a major disaster, you can instigate a recovery at start-up. However, my hard-drive died and I lost the recovery option.

It cost me A LOT to get the HD replaced and for the company that sold it to me to re-install the Vista Business OS.

My advice would be to buy a laptop with the original windows CD and (preferably) a disk that contains any essential drivers.

I've now copied the entire HD contents (OS and everything) to a portable HD and *hope* this will save me should it happen again. It was brendy's suggestion......

I've never had a machine that didn't have the windows disk.
I have re-formatted ALL my machines at some point or another, and thanks to live updates and what not, it's pretty hard to fail to recover everything just perfect.

My work is the least of my worries, this is triple backed-up on 2 portable HDs and the work server.....

 

[User 105]

beaker,

first decide how much you want to spend and how 'big' a machine you need.

Netbooks like the Asus Eee PC's are small and cheap. £200-£300. But they're not very powerful. But if you just want to surf and edit some docs they are fine providing you don't mind a small screen and keyboard. Not that upgradable either.

Next step up is you standard type laptops. usually have something like a 15" screen. Do all you need and have good multimedia capabilities. Watch DVD's etc etc. Probably set you back £400-£800, although you can find some good deals for cheaper.

I'd say you're probably want something with a min of 2gb memory, 2ghz processor, 250gb hard disk, 15" screen, DVD Writer. There are loads of models to choose from that will fit the bill, they're all pretty much the same.

Try to stick to a named brand. You might pay a little bit more but they're more likely to be around this time next year of you have problems.

HP, Dell, IBM, Samsung etc are all good solid brands.

I know a lot of people don't rate Dell much. Personally I've never had a problem with them and they have a good range of machines and always have some offers on.

Anthing more powerful and you're getting into desktop replacements and gaming machines.

The other choices are XP or Vista. Most machines come with Vista now. XP is probably a bit more stable, but is aging, Vista is probably mature enough now.

And finally what kind of extended Warranty you want\need. tbh, some of them arn't worth the paper their written on. £100 for a 2 year for an on site warranty, vs the standard 1 year return to supplier type thing.

If you've got a mate who knows a bit and willing to help out once in a while, I wouldn't bother.

Hope that helps.

 

[brendy]

beaker,

first decide how much you want to spend and how 'big' a machine you need.



Anthing more powerful and you're getting into desktop replacements and gaming machines.


Hope that helps.

Just got my hands on a new machine this week since that linked post up top was made a while back.
HP Elitebook 8730w, it is a serious machine and easily runs like a good desktop with 5gb ram and an excellent graphics chip.
http://computershopper.com/laptops/reviews/hp-elitebook-8730w just dont look at the price tag! I got mine through work so didnt cost anything like that.

 

[CrapHacker]

For what you want you can get a half decent lappy for £350 -£500.

I used to get my business stuff through Dell, coz it's ok and the backup suited me.

But for my current lappy I spent a week looking at spec vs spec and the difference was so minimal I got fed up, wandered into Comet, told the guy I was shopping around, so he discounted the retail price to the online price.

And I walked out with a reasonable HP machine that was all fired up and ready to go. £399, Pentium dual core, 2GB memory

For me the biggest decision I had to make was about the keyboard. I didn't like the feel of the cheaper brands, so the extra £50 I spent was well worth it.

I know people who know about computers slag off PCW, but can you get something like this for much less anywhere else ?

HP G60-118EM
Intel ® Pentium ® Processor T3200
(2GHz, 667Mhz, 1MB Cache)
Genuine Windows Vista ® Home Premium
3GB Memory
250 GB Hard Drive
15.6” widescreen Display
Webcam£349.97was £499.99

Seems a reasonable spec to me, but I know nothing....

 

[Macster]

*cough* Mac's are best......... *cough*

More expensive perhaps, ........but they dont go wrong, or clog up and go slow,
but do do exactly as they say on the tin........

 

[GB72]

*cough* Mac's are best......... *cough*

More expensive perhaps, ........but they dont go wrong, or clog up and go slow,
but do do exactly as they say on the tin........

Have to agree, switched my laptop over to a Mac last year and will never go back, they are just so much easier to use and are virtually hassle free. Well worth the extra money in my opinion.

 

[Beaker]

Thanks for all your help everyone, Im looking to spend around the £300-£350 mark.

I only realy use the internet and use word and excel so not looking for anything too powerful as I don't think I need it? Again, im not a techy guy so im guessing this is fair??

As long as it has wireless, which most have, then im happy! I do a bit of work for people in America and if I could find one in that price bracket with a webcam then that would also help, but its not a necessity!

Thanks for all your help so far!

 

[CrapHacker]

I reckon you're similar in usage to me.

I honestly think that things like the keyboard are more important if you are using it for word processing etc.

In which case I don't think the extra couple of quid you can save by buying direct is going to save you a fortune.

This weekend all the major retailers are going to have some kind of half decent to mad offers on. Just get out there are click away - some of the keyboards are frankly horrid.

Make sure you're paying t'internet price, not the retail price ( I know Comet play along - I assume PCW do as well ) and you'll have everything you want, including a web cam, up and running by next week.

BTW I love HP kit and that one I mentioned up there is a better spec than mine. And I know mine would be great for you kinda usage.

 

[Beaker]

Well I want to say thanks "CrapHacker" but it kind of sounds offensive?!!

Cheers anyway, got to go bed shopping tomorrow so might try and get a look in at PCW or Comet if I can!!

 

[CrapHacker]

Well I want to say thanks "CrapHacker" but it kind of sounds offensive?!!

Cheers anyway, got to go bed shopping tomorrow so might try and get a look in at PCW or Comet if I can!!

I used to 'do' beds

 

[Andy]

http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5735Z_Laptop_LX.AU50Y.004/version.asp

Good spec laptop there for £389, I know its a wee bit over your limit but will provide some future proofing. Spend a wee bit extra now and it'll last a bit longer, technology wise.

Make sure any laptop you get has an Intel Dual Core processor. Better speed and less lag. Stay away from celeron and AMD. Also dont go for less than 2GB of Ram, try for 3GB min if you can afford it.

I've got 2 acer laptops and they are great, not one bit of trouble.

Any questions ask.

Andy