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Decent Specs for a Laptop

  • 19-08-2008 12:01pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 240 ✭✭


    My heir to the throne is heading of to uni shortly and requires a laptop, main use will be college work, email, web, storing music and photos, it will not be used for gaming.

    What type of specs should I look out for?

    Manufacturer isn't important - I'll search Dell, Currys and Soundstore for best value.

    Thanks in advance.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,405 ✭✭✭Dartz


    Depends on how long you want to keep it for, and still be relevant. I bought a laptop that I will need to have for a long time, so I spend a little bit extra to get a more powerful spec...

    If it's definitely not going to be used for gaming, getting a Laptop with integrated graphics, rather than discreet will save a bit of cash.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 240 ✭✭Pshan


    Thanks for the reply, it will probably be replaced in a few years (4 max, I'd guess).

    I should have added that it'll be used for photo editing as well.

    Need info on best specs on the following:
    Processor
    Memory
    HD - not too bothered about size as we'll be getting an external drive for back-up as well.
    Screen/Display
    DVD Re-writer
    Wireless Modem

    Not sure if I missed anything but if there is something that is a must please let me know.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,405 ✭✭✭Dartz


    4 years, you're looking at something near top of the range...

    Try looking for something with an Intel T8100 processor, or better. Penryn's are much more efficient than previous generation processors.

    The more RAM you have, the better. I bought a laptop a few years ago, and thought I could get away with 256Mb... turned out not. 3Gb would be best, unless the builder offers 4Gb with dual channel. Most only sell 32 bit OS, so you wont detect all 4Gb, but the Duall channel memory makes up for that by being a bit faster.

    HDD... if you're not bothered by size, then dont worry. 120Gb should be enough, easily.

    Screen... anything with a number larger than 1200 in it should do you well.

    DVD-RW... So long as it work.

    How much money are you willing to spend?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 240 ✭✭Pshan


    Dartz wrote: »
    4 years, you're looking at something near top of the range...

    Try looking for something with an Intel T8100 processor, or better. Penryn's are much more efficient than previous generation processors.

    The more RAM you have, the better. I bought a laptop a few years ago, and thought I could get away with 256Mb... turned out not. 3Gb would be best, unless the builder offers 4Gb with dual channel. Most only sell 32 bit OS, so you wont detect all 4Gb, but the Duall channel memory makes up for that by being a bit faster.

    HDD... if you're not bothered by size, then dont worry. 120Gb should be enough, easily.

    Screen... anything with a number larger than 1200 in it should do you well.

    DVD-RW... So long as it work.

    How much money are you willing to spend?[/QUOTE]

    Thanks,

    I'll spend as much as I need to get the right laptop but at a guess without having done any great research I was thinking of about €700 but that's not a limit.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 240 ✭✭Pshan


    Took a quick look at Dell this morning and checked out their XPS Laptops.

    I choose the following based on above specs:

    Processor - Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.10 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 3 MB L2 cache)
    Screen - 15.4" Widescreen™ WXGA (1280x800) TFT Display (220nits) with TrueLife™
    Memory - 3072MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [1x2048+1x1024]
    HD - 320GB (5.400rpm) SATA Hard Drive

    Also included is a backpack (€48) and MS Office Teacher Student (€70).

    Total Price €1,116

    Is this a good price for what I'm getting?
    Should I get their 3 yr warranty?
    Am I purchasing something way over my needs (see OP)?

    Thanks in advance.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 621 ✭✭✭TommyGun


    check out the dell outlet store on there website. I picked up a xps for 800 euro.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Given the OP's needs i think the above machine is a bit excessive, especially for the price. A "similar" vostro can be had for considerably less.
    Vostro 1510: €724 (inc VAT + Delivery)
    BASE Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T8100 (2.1 GHz, 3 MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz
    OPERATING SYSTEM Windows Vista® Home Premium with Service Pack 1
    LCD 15.4" Widescreen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display with Anti-Glare Coating
    INTEGRATED WEBCAM Glossy Black with 1.3 MP Camera
    MEMORY 2048MB (2x1024) 667MHz DDR2 Dual Channel
    HARD DRIVE 250GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard Drive
    GRAPHICS CARD 256 MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS (64 bit) Graphic Card
    OPTICAL DRIVE Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
    PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 6-cell 56 WHr Lithium Ion battery

    But I'd be thinking this would probably suit better. The OP wont need massive processing power so the T5670 will more than cover the requirements.
    Vostro 1510: €567.49 (inc VAT + Delivery)
    BASE Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T5670 (1.8 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 800 MHz FSB)
    OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista® Business with Service Pack 1
    MICROSOFT SOFTWARE Microsoft® Works 9.0 - English
    LCD 15.4" Widescreen WXGA (1280 x 800) Display with Anti-Glare Coating
    INTEGRATED WEBCAM Glossy Black without Camera
    MEMORY 2048MB (2x1024) 667MHz DDR2 Dual Channel
    HARD DRIVE 250GB (5400rpm) SATA Hard Drive
    GRAPHICS CARD IntelJ Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
    OPTICAL DRIVE Fixed Internal 8X DVD+/-RW Slot Load Drive
    PRIMARY BATTERY Primary 6-cell 56 WHr Lithium Ion battery

    I just can't see the point in splashing out that much on a PC for office and internet. It'll last the 4 years no bother. And a 3 year warranty can be added for €120 i believe.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 240 ✭✭Pshan


    Given the OP's needs i think the above machine is a bit excessive, especially for the price. A "similar" vostro can be had for considerably less.


    But I'd be thinking this would probably suit better. The OP wont need massive processing power so the T5670 will more than cover the requirements.


    I just can't see the point in splashing out that much on a PC for office and internet. It'll last the 4 years no bother. And a 3 year warranty can be added for €120 i believe.

    Thanks for the reply, is this a Dell offer? Must do some hunting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Sorry i should have added the e-value codes.
    IEBSDONL-N0815119A

    IEBSDONL-N0815107A

    The vostro range of laptops are available in the small business section of the dell website. Consumers can purchase them no bother, just remember the prices quoted on the website are ex VAT. I've added VAT to the machines above.
    They're certainly a cheaper option, and i haven't heard of any issues with them, they're supposed to be quite good for the cash actually.


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