Please help me find decent, reliable laptop for my son

wheelbarrow12

Budget:
Would like to spend as little as possible as on a tight budget.

Intended use:
He is representing Ireland at EU chess championships this year and needs something to communicate with his coach (skype) and run some chess software. However would like it to serve other purposes such as basic wp, on line stuff, etc. not so much on gaming but I wouldn't mind ability to watch dvds on it.

Mobility: Nothing too massive

Warranty: Will pay for warranty but want a place with good, reliable service. desktop from pc world and like their policy but a look at their laptops not too impressed on bang for buck.

Oh and am thinking XP as well.

thanks very very much for your help

the_syco

wheelbarrow12 wrote: »

Warranty: Will pay for warranty but want a place with good, reliable service. desktop from pc world and like their policy but a look at their laptops not too impressed on bang for buck.

Oh and am thinking XP as well.

thanks very very much for your help

Look at a few threads here. The DSG group (Currys, Dixons, PC World) are a**holes when it comes to fixing the laptop, even within warranty.

Best advice: Dell. Also a**holes, but not as bad as DSG, and Dells support is also better. Finally, Acer. Cheap, good, and their tech support is meant to be pretty decent. Also Acer laptops are usually light.

wheelbarrow12

Thanks!

What about the likes of Dabs? Or other on-line purchasing sites?

Pete4779

If you say what your budget is, people will be able to pick out a good laptop for that pricepoint and your needs.

wheelbarrow12

Sorry about that.

I'd really like if at all possible to not go over 500 euro. Understand that might be difficult. But am hopeful.

wheelbarrow12

I notice that previous generation processors are much cheaper. Do I want to spend the extra for dual core?

Pete4779

wheelbarrow12 wrote: »

Sorry about that.

I'd really like if at all possible to not go over 500 euro. Understand that might be difficult. But am hopeful.

Well that should be plenty for what you are looking for.

The basic Dell Inspiron 1525 is €549 at the moment. You can get probably another 6% off if you work for the HSE, BoI or a good few other companies/organisations on the Employee Purchase Programme.

Overheal

how expensive are EEEpcs anyone? might be the trick. Lightweight, small, efficient laptops they are.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eee_pc

as you can see from the image its clearly running skype

Pete4779

If that's a real alternative to a "full size" laptop, then the MSI Wind is better than both the EeePC and the HP MiniNote spec wise, and costs around €440 - it's being released in a week. The Wind (and MiniNote) also run full versions of Windows XP.

There are a few laptops in this range out or coming out. The EeePC series are looking quite limited next to them at this stage TBH!

jahalpin

You could always try the dell outlet store www.dell.ie/outlet.

I just ordered an Inspiron 1525 with a Pentium Dual Core T2370 with 2gb and a 160gb hd for €377 inc VAT, delivery and a bag

wheelbarrow12

How about something like this http://www.dabs.ie/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=5372&CategorySelectedId=11012&PageMode=1&cl=4294963687&NavigationKey=11012&InMerch=1

wheelbarrow12

What is general opinion of Dell laptops? Is there a difference between inspiron and vostro? Any suggestions on minimum spec? Are they reliable and what sort of service should I opt for?

Appreciate very much all your help.

wheelbarrow12

I have to place order in next day or so as the trip is coming up quickly. I would really appreciate any feedback on above questions. Thanks!!!

wheelbarrow12

I can't use laptops direct as my credit card is American.

jahalpin

wheelbarrow12 wrote: »

I can't use laptops direct as my credit card is American.

You wont be able to use the DELL site with a non-Irish card as they verify the delivery address with the card issuer.

PC World have a large range of laptops, inc DELL. They have a nice Compaq laptop with a Core 2 Duo T5550 chip for around €580.00