New Laptop

[Calnefoxile]

Oh great and knowledgeable ones......

SWMBO and me have decided to buy our daughter a new Laptop for Xmas, but I'm having difficulty deciding which one to buy. We are looking to spend around the £300 mark, but obviously want the best laptop for this price.

In fact I seem to be completely out of the loop concerning specs for laptops these days, I have seen this one at Currys http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-aspire-e1-570-15-6-laptop-21732510-pdt.html and this one at E-Buyer http://www.ebuyer.com/579021-hp-probook-4545s-laptop-h5k12ea-abu

But I seem to be getting confused by all the differences in Processor details these days, i.e. the differences between I3, I5 and AMD processors. I know the Celerons are, basically, rubbish, but which AMD ones are higher spec these days??

Any help would be appreciated, I'm fine when it comes to Memory and Hard Drive stuff and other specs, but it's just the Processor specs I'm confused about.

Regards

Neal.

[scotsoft]

First question I would ask, is what is she going to use it for?

If it is just for twitter or facebook then a tablet would be better as they are more portable.

cheers John.

[Calnefoxile]

First question I would ask, is what is she going to use it for?

If it is just for twitter or facebook then a tablet would be better as they are more portable.

cheers John.

John,

Did ask her that, if she'd prefer a tablet, but she needs a laptop for 6th Form college work etc.

Cheers

Neal.

[Jack]

John's question is a very good one. Salespeople will convince you you need the biggest one they've got in the showroom!

Have a wonder around this site
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/bct/laptops-and-netbooks/acer-laptops?&isort=price

I've bought several Toshiba's from them over the years and I've found the service is good. My current one is over 5 years old. Even the refurbished one my daughter bought is still going strong after about four years. You just might get more for your money.

Usual statement - no connection to the firm, just had very good, quick service from them over the years.

[MikeDunn]

Of the two you list ... while I'd prefer to say "the Intel one" it's both more expensive and the OS doesn't say if it's 64-bit or not.  The AMD is cheaper and being 64-bit will use all the RAM.

So - I'd plump for AMD here.

[Geoff]

Like Jack says Laptops Direct are a good company and you should get more bang for your bucks there, I have had 2 Laptops off them before and there returns were good when I received a dud and it was not Laptops Directs fault, I got a good service all round.

But before you buy always check reviews on the model you want to buy.

[Newportnobby]

Dunno much about 'puters but the I.T. guy at our company said that Toshibas were best so that's what I am using (Satellite model) with AMD and Windows 7

[EtchedPixels]

Also take a look at morgancomputers.co.uk . You can pick up Windows 7 laptops for very decent prices for the specification. Right now in fact often less than "brand" tablets.

There are some very good deals on XP laptops as XP is Xterminated in April or so (no support, no security fixes) which is great for Linux users . Windows 7 bargains vary in number and choice according to what they have around.

The only other thing to know if buying for Windows with refurb laptops is that many come with Windows 7 Pro. Minesweeper is not missing, you just have to enable the games!

Alan

[Calnefoxile]

Also take a look at morgancomputers.co.uk . You can pick up Windows 7 laptops for very decent prices for the specification. Right now in fact often less than "brand" tablets.

Alan

Oooohh Alan, you naughty boy 

You've got me all of a quiver now with this one I saw on morgan computers http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/product_detail/14520/Toshiba-Portege-R700-13-3-Ultrabook-i5-520M-2-4Ghz-4GB-RAM-320GB-HDD-Win7-Pro-DVD-RW/ which I think looks to have a pretty good spec......

But should I buy my daughter another 2nd hand machine, as she already has one from Student Computers. Admittedly it has lasted her the best part of 3 years, before the keyboard finally started falling apart. She has set her heart on a new machine, but for the money I might just get her a refurbished one again. But on the other hand, is that a false economy?? I mean buying her a refurb'd one and then in 2 -3 years having to replace that one as well 

Thanks for all the advice so far chaps & chapessess, keep it coming.

Regards

Neal.

[OwL]

Im no expert on laptops, however one thing I can say, avoid currys and PC world.
They may look good on price, but once your out the door aftersales service, help advice, support proper sucks..........

Pray you have no technical or warranty issues with the machine. You will find the door firmly closed regarding any help!

Just my own experience, but beware and think of a good warranty on any machine you buy.........

Good luck

[EtchedPixels]

I work for Intel. I'd prefer not to express opinions on specific laptops, x86 processors or OEMs except machines I've specifically owned and used. Wouldn't want to be seen as biased.

Alan

[Pengi]

If you are considering something different . . .

Mac Book Air may be loads more expensive but it looks so cool and is a tough as old boots. Plus it is much less hassle to install upgrades and there are significantly less viruses etc about than for the PC environment (I do not pay for a virus checker etc)

Lost track of the number of times I've dropped mine (once down stairs ) and there are virtually no scratches/dents on it (it is almost 4 years old). Mine gets a lot of use. They have a much higher resale value too. I get my Mac stuff from the Apple UK on-line refurbished shop where you can make some significant savings on stock that has hardly been used.

But appreciate it is not a PC and the majority of the world still revolves around Microsoft (and there are fewer games too)

[Sprintex]

...  as XP is Xterminated in April or so (no support, no security fixes)

Noooooooooooo!! :'(


Paul

[Bealman]

Sometimes I wonder.. you are on a forum for advice but when inundated with suggestions, could end up more confused! 

Like NPN, I just go with what works when it comes to IT.

I do know that on my recent trip to UK and Europe, tablets seemed to be flavour of the (2) months. 

[Paddy]

Oh great and knowledgeable ones......

SWMBO and me have decided to buy our daughter a new Laptop for Xmas, but I'm having difficulty deciding which one to buy. We are looking to spend around the £300 mark, but obviously want the best laptop for this price.

In fact I seem to be completely out of the loop concerning specs for laptops these days, I have seen this one at Currys http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-aspire-e1-570-15-6-laptop-21732510-pdt.html and this one at E-Buyer http://www.ebuyer.com/579021-hp-probook-4545s-laptop-h5k12ea-abu

But I seem to be getting confused by all the differences in Processor details these days, i.e. the differences between I3, I5 and AMD processors. I know the Celerons are, basically, rubbish, but which AMD ones are higher spec these days??

Any help would be appreciated, I'm fine when it comes to Memory and Hard Drive stuff and other specs, but it's just the Processor specs I'm confused about.

Regards

Neal.

Hi Neil,

We recently bought Mollie the following laptop for 6th Form and she loves it.  Runs Windows 8.1 well and has a good screen/keyboard.  For the price it is a steal.  Although it says "refurbished" it comes like new.

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/refurbished-laptops/acer-aspire-v5-171-refurbished-11-6-laptop-silver-21302079-pdt.html

Hope this helps.

Paddy