Laptop

[bald eagle]

I am considering buying a laptop. I cant afford new, as limited budget, (the cheaper the better) I need it to go on the net, be reasonably quick, but most of all, reliable... what should i be looking for.. any advice appreciated... cheers

[Southwell]

Depends what your budget is.

[chris_dono]

if you just need it for going on the net, then I'd look at a netbook

[JCJC]

This was on here 2 weeks ago : http://www.oople.com/forums/showthre...ghlight=laptop

[markwilliamson2001]

Look at Dell or better HP. You can probably get a good deal on one off ebay or maybe here. Best to go for an intel cpu IMO.
HTH
Mark

[Medders]

Depends also on how your are going to use it, i.e if its your main pc then you'll probably want something with a good size screen etc. If its going to be a sofa / outdoor pc then some of the small ones with more basic screens can be great for practically and battery life and cheap also.

[bald eagle]

Originally Posted by JCJC

This was on here 2 weeks ago : http://www.oople.com/forums/showthre...ghlight=laptop

Cheers matey

[samd]

Ive got a advent netbook pal, no cd drive but perfect for internet and messing around, bit of music. Think they are about 250 new now and its my only computer, i use it at work as well i just chuck it in the glove box in the car. Well worth a look.

[bald eagle]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...B:EOIBSA:UK:11

How about this one?

[Medders]

As it stands it needs more memory and a bigger hard drive.

[Richard Lowe]

Originally Posted by bald eagle

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...B:EOIBSA:UK:11

How about this one?

Thats a right creaky old thing! Dothan CPU (1st gen Pentium M), DDR1
Also taken from the description...

Also I can upgrade one of the laptops to 1.8Ghz Centrino Mobile processor for the extra £30 added to the final price. This is really fast processor and it works as fast as Core Duo processors.

No such thing! Centrino is the collective name for certain CPU's/chipset/wifi chipsets used together.


Might be worth keeping an eye on this...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Acer-eMachines...1%7C240%3A1318
It's not the fastest thing in the world but it's a current model so you are more likely to get parts for it later on if it gets dropped ect.

Personally I'd wait and save up a bit longer to buy new, sometimes deals pop up on end of line or 'B-grade' stuff...
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asp/v...=version&page=

[Medders]

[quote=Richard Lowe;233744]

Might be worth keeping an eye on this...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Acer-eMachines...1%7C240%3A1318
It's not the fastest thing in the world but it's a current model so you are more likely to get parts for it later on if it gets dropped ect.


If that ones running Vista it will also need more RAM.

[Southwell]

Nah, you could get a brand new HP off Ebuyer for £290.

[Medders]

Indeed. Buying a secondhand laptop is false economy. It'll aready be out-of-date, the battery will be knackered, and some idiots probably filled it full of loads of shite you'll spend hours cleaning off before it works properly

[Richard Lowe]

Originally Posted by Medders

If that ones running Vista it will also need more RAM.

£10 or so for a 1Gb stick of memory to upgrade it is hardly going to break the bank though

[bald eagle]

Is it "easy" to upgrade laptops at home? ie buy the parts and diy?.. just wondering if it's worth it?

[Richard Lowe]

Upgrading/changing the ram/hard drive and to a lesser extent the CPU is no problem. Building your own isn't really to attractive as you can't get close to the price of the pre-built systems.

[Medders]

Originally Posted by Richard Lowe

£10 or so for a 1Gb stick of memory to upgrade it is hardly going to break the bank though

True, but the cost will depend on whats already in it and number of slots etc. I.e. it might have two slots with 512 and therefore need two new sticks. With memory as cheap as it is though its certainly a good upgrade, and changing it couldn't be easer

[markwilliamson2001]

I wouldn't touch acer with a bargepole either, we had a load of them at work ( I didn't buy them) and they all broke within about 6 months. Also they rebadge stuff, and don't support certain products, even though its got there badge on it. Support it also poor IMO, since if you send stuff back to be repaired under warranty, it gets "lost" or never sent back....

[Rich D]

I got one of these recently

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/150183

Superb for practicality and mobile surfing, however as with most netbooks it does not have a DVD drive. If its your main PC then go for a new one with a larger screen and DVD drive. Its just not worth saving £50 for zero warranty and outdated technology !

Personally, im not keen on Vista or Dell - ive never worked on a fast, smooth high steet purchased - Vista machine yet !

Look at HP or Samsung gear from Ebuyer, their after sales is superb and if you ring them with the specification you require they will find you the best deal and inform you of offers.