Christmas Present [ASUS] - Laptops Direct?

Jessieannas

Hi, I was looking for a laptop for my mam for Christmas. I want to make sure I have it in perfect condition in time for Christmas. I want it out of the way and everything for Christmas and I was hoping to get a few accesories. The person insisted on being the [only] admin on my laptop. Long story short, it got wrecked.

I was hoping to get her her own to use. She mainly uses it for the internet, typing up for work, MSN, etc. An optical drive is almost essential, unless I can get an add-on to act as an optical drive [that isnt too dear]. A webcam is preferred. Shes in her mid-thirties. We have a big enough screen, but I thought the small laptop might be better for bringing it to work as they're more portable. My budget is about 200, 300.

I'm still in school, jobless, so what laptops do you recommend? I was thinking of ordering off of laptops direct as they're cheaper, but everyone here seems to have mixed views on their reliability. I would be using a relatives credit card, so having money mix-ups are a definate no-no, especially as the relative hates handing it out.

EDIT: Was thinking about this laptop: http://www.laptopsdirect.ie/ASUS_EeePc_1005HA_SeaShell_in_White_1005HA-WHI050X/version.asp?PID=1376
Im not sure if it fits all her requirements though.

majiktripp

That Netbook you linked to would do the job fine. Has an inbuilt webcam and is a newly released model to the market. Only draw back is the lack of Optical drive that you mention in the post.
You could get one of these : DVD Drive from DealExtreme or the likes.
You could try and find a 15.4" notebook with inbuilt webcam/dvd drive for the €350 ball park....I'll keep an eye out.

majiktripp

Couple more options :

HP 550 15.4" on eBuyer

Toshiba L300 15.4" on eBuyer

Jessieannas

Thanks mate. Prolly gonna get the Toshiba L300 for her.