Looking to buy a laptop... PLEASE help!!

foxylaydee

Hi there,

I am looking to buy a laptop.
4GB ram
Hard-drive at least 200gb
15" screen

Budget: I want something decent- roughly 500.

Intended use: Word-processing, presentations, slide-shows, internet, e-mail, games, music, dvds, skype,

Need a good battery life.
I love music so that has to be a big part of it.
Built in Wireless.. suppose thats standard now??

Mobility: I would have to carry it around possibly twice a week. So relatively important.

Warranty: This is also important. I need peace of mind!

Operating System Windows based laptop.


Preference for sony/ toshiba / dell- in that order!

Thank you for your help in advance

Outkast_IRE

What sort of games do you play , this could be a determining factor as this sort of usage usually pushes the price up due to graphics card etc being needed.

MustangMick

Some great offers on Dell, Sony may be out of your budget?

Mick

monkeypants

Don't forget to check out Harvey Norman's. They have some good deals going. Sony look nice, but the components are the same as you'd find elsewhere.

foxylaydee

I will use the laptop mostly for the internet, word and mp3 player/ music stuff..

A graphics card? I'm not massively into games.. just the ones that are usually available..

I agree with you monkeypants about sony...

Maybe I'm wrong but I thought I saw a sony for roughly 600 on the internet.. not sure..

Also can anyone recommend a good website to buy laptop off? There seems to be so many of them!

Thanks for the posts guys and I welcome any more comments!

Outkast_IRE

personally i dont like the idea of laptops off the net, if problems occur with the item it can take a while to get problems sorted while emails are flying back and forth etc. whereas if you have a problem and its bought in a decent shop they will try and sort it quickly for ya.

For my money at that range i like toshiba i got one the other day after researching for weeks if i spent 550 and got nice specs for that which would suit you , if i was spending a bit more i would go for a sony .
Both are good .

monkeypants

If you're buying Dell, you can get them cheaper from a reseller than you can from Dell itself.

ED E

foxylaydee wrote: »

I will use the laptop mostly for the internet, word and mp3 player/ music stuff..

A graphics card? I'm not massively into games.. just the ones that are usually available..

I agree with you monkeypants about sony...

Maybe I'm wrong but I thought I saw a sony for roughly 600 on the internet.. not sure..

Also can anyone recommend a good website to buy laptop off? There seems to be so many of them!

Thanks for the posts guys and I welcome any more comments!

Bold: Please clarify? As in windows games(Solitaire etc etc)?

Sony did a deal of a Viao for 599.99, think they were clearing stocks or something, but that's long over I'd say. In any case, sony are really luxury and you wont get much outta 500 with them. Toshiba/Samsung/Dell would be the best option for you IMO.

A Dell Vostro 1520{IEBSDONL-N1115225
} would be able to do all you need I'd say[Edit: Weak on graphics, but its a contender], but its a business line model so I dont know if you could get it privately:

Processor

Intel Core 2 Duo T6670(2.2GHz,800MHz,2MB)
Operating System

English Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (32Bit)
Memory

2048MB (2 x 1024) 800MHz DDR2 Dual Channel
Monitors/Displays

15.4 inch WXGA Anti-Glare LED Display
Hard Drives

320GB (7,200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive with Free Fall Sensor
Optical

8X DVD+/-RW Drive including software for WIN7

Video Cards

Integrated GMA X4500 HD Graphics

Trankton

Go into Harvey Norman and have a look, if anything catches your eye haggle with them, I bought my laptop there and managed to get and extra 300 euro off it as well as a few extra bits and bobs.

foxylaydee

Trankton, 300euro!! How did you manage that!! Do tell!

Lethal Bull, apologies.. yes I mean windows games or even just online games..
I'm afraid I don't know the techno lingo associated with computer components!! Speaking of which, would anyone mind translating the below? Which is the best processer to go for? How do they differ? Ram? Hard-drive? Operating System? Etc..

Some ads say 1gb (installed)/ 4GB Max...
Does this mean that its possible to install more GB? If so how much is it to install each GB?
What happens to the hard-drive amount? Can you buy more of that too?

What do you think of these??

Toshiba Satellite Pro T130-14Q Laptop - PST3BE-00U00JEN for 657..

If youre looking for compact and ultra portable laptop for work and home, the Satellite Pro T130 is an ideal choice. Lightweight and small, its easy to carry around with you from meeting to meeting and features a Intel Core 2 Duo ULV Processor for great performance and also improved battery life - with one charge the Toshiba Satellite Pro T130 can last for up to 11 hours.

When youve clocked off, you can enjoy the 13.3” HD widescreen with Toshiba TruBrite technology that gives crisp, sharp images whether youre viewing photos or watching DVDs and the integrated Webcam keeps video conferencing truly mobile.

All this comes packaged in that distinctive Toshiba chassis and once again strives for reliability. This notebook is truly one to be admired.

Processor - Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 / 1.4 GHz ULV
RAM - 4 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR3 SDRAM - 800 MHz ( 2 x 2 GB )
Hard Drive - 250 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition / XP Professional downgrade
Screen - 13.3' TFT 1366 x 768 ( WXGA ) - TruBrite
Graphics - Intel GMA 4500MHD
Bluetooth - Yes
Notebook Camera - Integrated - 0.3 Megapixel

Toshiba Satellite Pro L500-1D3 Windows 7 Laptop - PSLS1E-00U009EN for 549.
A perfect choice for home or businesses, the Satellite Pro L500 is brilliant all-rounder that is designed to please the eyes as well as perform beyond expectation at both home and work.

Packed into the trademark case, as with all of Toshibas notebooks, this machine is designed to take the knocks that are associated with today’s busy lifestyles. And as it comes armed with a top of the range Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor and a load time reducing 4GB of RAM, this machine is future proof and always ready to perform.

A huge 320GB Hard Drive is more than ample for holding all your personal and work related files, home videos, movies, photos, etc so finally you can leave the discs at home.

The DVD burner can play and burn CDs and DVDs, whenever and wherever and the 15.6" HD TruBrite screen with a HD resolution means movies and photos look crisp, clear and vibrant.

If you are looking for mobile computing that blurs the line between business and home, this is the notebook for you.

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo T5870 / 2 GHz ( Dual-Core )
RAM - 4 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz ( 2 x 2 GB )
Hard Drive - 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Screen - 15.6' TFT 1366 x 768 ( WXGA ) - TruBrite
Optical Drive - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
Graphics - Intel GMA 4500MHD
Bluetooth - No
Notebook Camera - Integrated - 0.3 Megapixel
Warranty - 1 year warranty

or

Sony VAIO NW20EF/W Windows 7 Laptop in White - VGNNW20EFW at 522.00
Looking for an all-round entertainment experience at a price that won’t sting your pocket? Then the Sony VAIO NW20EFW could be ideal. It comes in a stylish chassis and with the new Windows 7 operating system installed, so you know you’ll be right at the height of laptop fashion.

Whether you’re a super socialite who loves getting online for a chat or a music mogul searching for the latest tracks you’ll have some stress-free surfing with this laptop. It’s got a fancy Intel Pentium T4300 processor and a massive 3GB RAM so those key applications will run quick as a flash. You won’t be drumming your fingers on the desk humming a tune; you’ll be drumming them on the keyboard downloading one.

Everything will look amazing too because the NW20EFW comes with a crystal-clear 15.5” screen and Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics. Put on your favourite film and watch the action unravel in brilliant colour and quality wherever you are.

If you’re more interested in your own pictures and video than the latest summer blockbusters then the NW20EFW will suit you. It has a roomy 320GB hard drive so you can save all your own files with space to spare. You can put them up online at the click of a button too, because this laptop comes with an Instant Internet button, connecting you to the web quicker than ever.

On top of all that it comes with an integrated webcamand wireless technology so you can share your snaps or take some new ones whether you’re in your room or on the move.

As a mobile multimedia machine the Sony VAIO NW20EFW fits the bill and fits in your bag!

Processor - Intel Pentium T4300 / 2.1 GHz ( Dual-Core )
RAM - 3 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz ( 1 x 1 GB + 1 x 2 GB )
Hard Drive - 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Screen - 15.5" TFT 1366 x 768 ( WXGA ) - X-black
Optical Drive - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - integrated
Graphics - Intel GMA 4500M
Bluetooth - No
Notebook Camera - Integrated - 0.3 Megapixel

Outkast_IRE

I got the toshiba L500 this week and i am very impressed with it , i would highly reccomend it and its good value for money at 550 i managed to get a few extras thrown in .

badker

where did you end up buying it? Where did you check out PC world,Harveys etc? Which are best?

foxylaydee

*BUMP*

Jarren

foxylaydee wrote: »

Hi there,

I am looking to buy a laptop.
4GB ram
Hard-drive at least 200gb
15" screen

Budget: I want something decent- roughly 500.

Intended use: Word-processing, presentations, slide-shows, internet, e-mail, games, music, dvds, skype,

Need a good battery life.
I love music so that has to be a big part of it.
Built in Wireless.. suppose thats standard now??

Mobility: I would have to carry it around possibly twice a week. So relatively important.

Warranty: This is also important. I need peace of mind!

Operating System Windows based laptop.


Preference for sony/ toshiba / dell- in that order!

Thank you for your help in advance

The only thing is ...Newry


http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0946958784.1259434101@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccehadeimgkkfffcflgceggdhhmdgmj.0&page=Product&sku=138073

Darwin

foxylaydee wrote: »

Trankton, 300euro!! How did you manage that!! Do tell!

Lethal Bull, apologies.. yes I mean windows games or even just online games..
I'm afraid I don't know the techno lingo associated with computer components!! Speaking of which, would anyone mind translating the below? Which is the best processer to go for? How do they differ? Ram? Hard-drive? Operating System? Etc..

Some ads say 1gb (installed)/ 4GB Max...
Does this mean that its possible to install more GB? If so how much is it to install each GB?
What happens to the hard-drive amount? Can you buy more of that too?

What do you think of these??

Toshiba Satellite Pro T130-14Q Laptop - PST3BE-00U00JEN for 657..

If youre looking for compact and ultra portable laptop for work and home, the Satellite Pro T130 is an ideal choice. Lightweight and small, its easy to carry around with you from meeting to meeting and features a Intel Core 2 Duo ULV Processor for great performance and also improved battery life - with one charge the Toshiba Satellite Pro T130 can last for up to 11 hours.

When youve clocked off, you can enjoy the 13.3” HD widescreen with Toshiba TruBrite technology that gives crisp, sharp images whether youre viewing photos or watching DVDs and the integrated Webcam keeps video conferencing truly mobile.

All this comes packaged in that distinctive Toshiba chassis and once again strives for reliability. This notebook is truly one to be admired.

Processor - Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 / 1.4 GHz ULV
RAM - 4 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR3 SDRAM - 800 MHz ( 2 x 2 GB )
Hard Drive - 250 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit Edition / XP Professional downgrade
Screen - 13.3' TFT 1366 x 768 ( WXGA ) - TruBrite
Graphics - Intel GMA 4500MHD
Bluetooth - Yes
Notebook Camera - Integrated - 0.3 Megapixel

Toshiba Satellite Pro L500-1D3 Windows 7 Laptop - PSLS1E-00U009EN for 549.
A perfect choice for home or businesses, the Satellite Pro L500 is brilliant all-rounder that is designed to please the eyes as well as perform beyond expectation at both home and work.

Packed into the trademark case, as with all of Toshibas notebooks, this machine is designed to take the knocks that are associated with today’s busy lifestyles. And as it comes armed with a top of the range Intel® Core 2 Duo Processor and a load time reducing 4GB of RAM, this machine is future proof and always ready to perform.

A huge 320GB Hard Drive is more than ample for holding all your personal and work related files, home videos, movies, photos, etc so finally you can leave the discs at home.

The DVD burner can play and burn CDs and DVDs, whenever and wherever and the 15.6" HD TruBrite screen with a HD resolution means movies and photos look crisp, clear and vibrant.

If you are looking for mobile computing that blurs the line between business and home, this is the notebook for you.

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo T5870 / 2 GHz ( Dual-Core )
RAM - 4 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz ( 2 x 2 GB )
Hard Drive - 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Screen - 15.6' TFT 1366 x 768 ( WXGA ) - TruBrite
Optical Drive - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM
Graphics - Intel GMA 4500MHD
Bluetooth - No
Notebook Camera - Integrated - 0.3 Megapixel
Warranty - 1 year warranty

or

Sony VAIO NW20EF/W Windows 7 Laptop in White - VGNNW20EFW at 522.00
Looking for an all-round entertainment experience at a price that won’t sting your pocket? Then the Sony VAIO NW20EFW could be ideal. It comes in a stylish chassis and with the new Windows 7 operating system installed, so you know you’ll be right at the height of laptop fashion.

Whether you’re a super socialite who loves getting online for a chat or a music mogul searching for the latest tracks you’ll have some stress-free surfing with this laptop. It’s got a fancy Intel Pentium T4300 processor and a massive 3GB RAM so those key applications will run quick as a flash. You won’t be drumming your fingers on the desk humming a tune; you’ll be drumming them on the keyboard downloading one.

Everything will look amazing too because the NW20EFW comes with a crystal-clear 15.5” screen and Intel GMA 4500MHD graphics. Put on your favourite film and watch the action unravel in brilliant colour and quality wherever you are.

If you’re more interested in your own pictures and video than the latest summer blockbusters then the NW20EFW will suit you. It has a roomy 320GB hard drive so you can save all your own files with space to spare. You can put them up online at the click of a button too, because this laptop comes with an Instant Internet button, connecting you to the web quicker than ever.

On top of all that it comes with an integrated webcamand wireless technology so you can share your snaps or take some new ones whether you’re in your room or on the move.

As a mobile multimedia machine the Sony VAIO NW20EFW fits the bill and fits in your bag!

Processor - Intel Pentium T4300 / 2.1 GHz ( Dual-Core )
RAM - 3 GB (installed) / 8 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz ( 1 x 1 GB + 1 x 2 GB )
Hard Drive - 320 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Operating System - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Screen - 15.5" TFT 1366 x 768 ( WXGA ) - X-black
Optical Drive - DVD±RW (±R DL) / DVD-RAM - integrated
Graphics - Intel GMA 4500M
Bluetooth - No
Notebook Camera - Integrated - 0.3 Megapixel

>Which is the best processer to go for? How do they differ? Ram?
>Hard-drive? Operating System? Etc..
For the usages you have described, a Pentium Dual Core processor will do and you will not notice the difference between the processors in the 15" laptops you have listed. However, the Toshiba T130 falls into a different marketing category than the bigger 15" laptops. Think of the T130 as fitting into the 'ultraportable' category, whereas the 15" machines are definitely not! The T130 has a ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor which is designed to maximize battery life generally at the expense of better performance.
Broadly speaking 2GB of RAM is perfectly adequate for Windows 7. Don't worry about disk space, anything above 100GB should be fine (you can always store your data on an external USB hard drive if necessary).
Don't buy a laptop at this stage with Vista, unless you know somebody who can upgrade it to Windows 7 for you.
To sum up, pick a laptop with a Pentium Dual Core (2.0Ghz or better is fine), with at least 2GB RAM running Windows 7. Most of the other features (DVD Writer, Wifi etc) are standard now in the 15" category you are looking at.

monkeypants

They have some offers in PC World right now. Not fond of the place, but worth checking out for laptops.

Rylan

Outkast_IRE wrote: »

I got the toshiba L500 this week and i am very impressed with it , i would highly reccomend it and its good value for money at 550 i managed to get a few extras thrown in .

Where did you buy it.