help me choose a laptop

Aidric

Evening All,

I'd appreciate some help in choosing a new laptop from people who know a hell of a lot more than me.

Budget: 600-650 max

Screen size: nothing larger than 15

Processor: dual core, pentium or core 2 duo. whats the difference between them?

Intended use: internet, e-mail, Word processing, excel, photoshop, store music and photos, webcam. From a gaming perspective it wouldn't go beyond an odd game of football manager.

Mobility: It would be used for leisure mostly and the odd trip for work so mobility isn't a deciding factor.

Warranty: Not sure. 12 months warranty I guess with the option to extend it if possible?

What Operating System - Windows 7 pre installed preferably.

I guess I'd like to know what brands would be most likely to satisfy me from a durability and performance point of view.

Thanks.

MelissaLahive

My husband is in web design and flys through laptops like theres no tomorrow. I just asked him what he would recommend and he has suggested HP or Compaq (also from HP). He has tried almost every brand over the past 8 years and has stuck with these 2 the last 4 times. As for the money, hang on until January and you will be able to pick something good up at a Harvey Norman, Currys or PC World for around 400 to 450, one that will give you everything you need and more.

When you go to buy one, look for one with 120GB + Hard drive (this is where you can store all your photos etc so the larger the better, 2GB + of RAM and at least 1.8 Ghz which will basically determine the speed.

If you went to a store and asked the assistant for that then you will end up with a good laptop and wont need to spend above 450.

haggle with them to get an anti virus software and a free extended warranty and if you really want a bargain ask to see the manager and offer him a lower price for the display model. Technically this is 2nd hand and must be sold at a cheaper rate and sometimes you will be lucky and they'll give it you for much cheaper.

P.S. Don't let the fact that my husband buys laptop after laptop put you off - he's on his close to 19 hours a day some days so he does kind of drive them into the ground. He also bought a great one over at ebuyer.com. They're in the UK but after delivery, it still worked out €100 cheaper than the same model here

Dr_Phil

Aidric wrote: »

I guess I'd like to know what brands would be most likely to satisfy me from a durability and performance point of view.

Dell 1318 if possible. Small, light and nice toy.

http://www.dell.com/us/en/home/notebooks/laptop-inspiron-13/pd.aspx?refid=laptop-inspiron-13&cs=19&s=dhs

Aidric

Would it be worth going over budget for this model? Any views on this samsung model?

http://www.elara.ie/products/detailsfullft.asp?productcode=ECE1841381#spec

Dr_Phil

Aidric wrote: »

Would it be worth going over budget for this model? Any views on this samsung model?

http://www.elara.ie/products/detailsfullft.asp?productcode=ECE1841381#spec

I wound't go for ANY Samsung. They make (apparently) good TV's and let them stick with that.

Aidric

Dr_Phil wrote: »

I wound't go for ANY Samsung. They make (apparently) good TV's and let them stick with that.

I haven't heard anything to that effect after reading some independent reviews.

Dr_Phil

Aidric wrote: »

I haven't heard anything to that effect after reading some independent reviews.

Your choice..

Aidric

Any other opinions?

Overheal

with regard to processor you can read this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core Core 2 Duo is going to be more powerful than Core Duo; and Pentium is out of manufacture afaik.

Raoul

Anybody got any opinions on these two?

http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.c...D-11X/1075592/

and the Dell Studio 15

http://www.euro.dell.com/content/top...&s=dhs&ref=hbn

The toshiba one is 100 euro cheaper than the dell

Overheal

Its few and far between you hear about great customer support experiences from Dell.

http://consumerist.com/company/dell/

Toshiba on the other hand flies very under the radar

http://consumerist.com/company/toshiba/

Raoul

I currently have a toshiba, and it has been really good, just its come to the end really.

I know a friend who has the dell and has no complaints but its very heavy and rather bulky.

kida

Very similar spec to OP. anyone spot anything in the sales?