Buying a Laptop - trying to select best deal

Worztron

Hi.

Can someone help me choose one of these for my niece (it is a surprise from her parents and relatives)?

Ordered cheapest -> dearest (prices are correct as of posting):
€390 http://laptopsdirect.co.uk/AUSU_X54H-SO180V_Windows_7_Laptop_X54H-SO180V/version.asp?switchc=e
€449 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5733-laptop.html
€470 http://pcworld.ie/Product/TOSHIBA-Satellite-C6602EL-156andquot-Laptop-Grey/308007/301
€479 http://harveynorman.ie/psk1we-0ce009en.html
€499 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5750-i5.html

FSL

Personally I prefer Asus as a manufacturer. Providing your niece is not intending to use it to play the latest games any of them would be fine.

Worztron

FSL wrote: »

Personally I prefer Asus as a manufacturer. Providing your niece is not intending to use it to play the latest games any of them would be fine.

Hi FSL. They have plenty of RAM. Are the CPU's not good enough for gaming? What would be a decent CPU for gaming?

Worztron

€370 LENOVO G575 15.6" Laptop http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/LENOVO-G575-156andquot-Laptop/307996/301

vs

€335 http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Toshiba_Pentium_Dual_Core_B950_2.1-4GB-320GB-DVD-SMDL-15.6_HD_TruBrite-reg_PSC1LE-04W005EN/version.asp?switchc=e
* Add about €30 to this (posting & packaging etc.)

Jaafa

You want to game?

_AVALANCHE_

What games?

What else will she use it for?

Worztron

Jaafa wrote: »

You want to game?

Yes.

Worztron

What are the best processors for gaming?

Which is better?
Intel Pentium Dual-Core B950 - 2.1 GHz VS Intel Core i5 processor

Worztron

Hi.

Can someone help me choose one of these for my niece (it is a surprise from her parents and relatives)?

Ordered cheapest -> dearest (prices are correct as of posting):
€387 http://laptopsdirect.co.uk/AUSU_X54H....asp?switchc=e
€449 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5733-laptop.html
€479 http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5552_AMD_Quad_Core_Laptop_LX.R4402.217/version.asp#maindesc
€479 http://harveynorman.ie/psk1we-0ce009en.html
€499 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5750-i5.html

The Internet Explorer

In my opinion surprises are great.

quietriot

I would pay a lot more than €50 of a difference in price when buying a laptop if it ensured I didn't have to deal with laptopsdirect.co.uk.

Out of those, I'd go for the Acer i5 5750 from harvey norman. It's the most expensive but it has good spec and you'd have a physical presence to bring it back to if you've any problems.

quietriot

Oh and Worztron, when you go into Harvey Norman they'll try and upsell you accessories while you're there. Just say "no thank you, just the laptop today and I'll have a think about anything else I need and come back then" politely and they'll leave you be. They make their commission off the add-ons, hence why you'll hear about them. You'll probably get a few "Oh, are you sure? because...". Don't let yourself wander into second guessing yourself

Their after sales service is solid though hence why I'd have no problem putting up with the sales pitch to buy there.

Worztron

quietriot wrote: »

I would pay a lot more than €50 of a difference in price when buying a laptop if it ensured I didn't have to deal with laptopsdirect.co.uk.

Out of those, I'd go for the Acer i5 5750 from harvey norman. It's the most expensive but it has good spec and you'd have a physical presence to bring it back to if you've any problems.

Hi quietriot. Have you had dealings with laptopsdirect - regarding warranty or laptop repairs? I also heard from others on boards re their poor customer service.

Worztron

quietriot wrote: »

Oh and Worztron, when you go into Harvey Norman they'll try and upsell you accessories while you're there. Just say "no thank you, just the laptop today and I'll have a think about anything else I need and come back then" politely and they'll leave you be. They make their commission off the add-ons, hence why you'll hear about them. You'll probably get a few "Oh, are you sure? because...". Don't let yourself wander into second guessing yourself

Their after sales service is solid though hence why I'd have no problem putting up with the sales pitch to buy there.

Cheers for the tips.

quietriot

Worztron wrote: »

Hi quietriot. Have you had dealings with laptopsdirect - regarding warranty or laptop repairs? I also heard from others on boards re their poor customer service.

I've ordered from them before and they made such a colossal f*ck up of it and only refunded me when some very threatening (legal) letters were sent to them, that I certainly wouldn't be one to deal with them again.

I cannot imagine the pain and frustration that would be involved in a: getting something back to them under warranty, b: having them admit that there's an issue, c: having them admit that it's a manufacturing issue , d: dealing with that issue and e: getting it back to me in one piece. Not worth a €50 saving anyway.

This doesn't apply to all online retailers btw, I've had nothing but good experiences with Amazon, Elara and Komplett to name a few.

With Harvey Normans at least you can drive over and they'll have a look at it for you, they'll deal with most software issues even though it's not covered by warranty and if there's a hardware issue they'll have it sent off to the manufacturer for you, rather than having to arrange it yourself.

Curries is good for range and price also but their after sales service is shite, if I buy a laptop there and have an issue, I want to be able to bring it back without being thrown to their "tech" guys who basically charge by the minute to deal with me.

FSL

I've had several laptops and other equipment from Laptops direct and never had any problems. They shift boxes any warranty is with the manufacturer.

I had one order which included a couple of hard drives. They came in one package and the drives were only in an anti-static bag inside a jiffy bag.

I said I was unhappy with the packaging and without any quibbling they arranged to pick them up and gave me a full refund.

Jaafa

Worzton what kind of games do you play?

First don't but from Harvey Norman or any other bricks and mortar store.
Go to sites like, komplette, saveonlaptops or computeruniverse.net. Much cheaper.

I would suggest something that has an I5 processor and a GT540m or GT555m graphics card.Also a AMD 6850 or above would do too.

partyatmygaff

Jaafa wrote: »

Worzton what kind of games do you play?

First don't but from Harvey Norman or any other bricks and mortar store.
Go to sites like, komplette, saveonlaptops or computeruniverse.net. Much cheaper.

I would suggest something that has an I5 processor and a GT540m or GT555m graphics card.Also a AMD 6850 or above would do too.

I'd second all of that. But there's no need for a 6850 unless you intend on playing everything maxed out and are willing to pay at least €1000 if not more.

Personally, i'd recommend one of these:
http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/ZKB_02PC/02_NOTEBOO/21_15/productdetails/80003373/Acer_15_6_5755G_2438G75MN_i5_2430M_8GB_750GB/LX_RPZ02_065/default.aspx
http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/ZKB_02PC/02_NOTEBOO/21_15/productdetails/20106850/ASUS_15_6_K53SV_SX838V_i7_2670_8GB_640GB/K53SV_SX838V/default.aspx

The second one is the better laptop. Don't mind the smaller HDD. The ASUS will be better built and has a faster CPU.

Jaafa

partyatmygaff wrote: »

I'd second all of that. But there's no need for a 6850 unless you intend on playing everything maxed out and are willing to pay at least €1000 if not more.

Personally, i'd recommend one of these:
http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/ZKB_02PC/02_NOTEBOO/21_15/productdetails/80003373/Acer_15_6_5755G_2438G75MN_i5_2430M_8GB_750GB/LX_RPZ02_065/default.aspx
http://www.komplett.ie/Komplett/product/ZKB_02PC/02_NOTEBOO/21_15/productdetails/20106850/ASUS_15_6_K53SV_SX838V_i7_2670_8GB_640GB/K53SV_SX838V/default.aspx

The second one is the better laptop. Don't mind the smaller HDD. The ASUS will be better built and has a faster CPU.

A 6850m is about the same as a GT555m.

EDIT: Also for the same price of the Asus (which is a good deal too), you could get this with a much better GPU and much better screen at the cost of a lesser CPU which you probably wouldn't need anyway. http://www.computeruniverse.net/info.asp?id=90428426&used=all&idused=38371

Only thing is keyboard may have german layout, but thats easy to get used to.

Jaafa

For something a bit more in the budget range put still very capable theres this

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90431252/packard-bell-easynote-ts13hr-075ge.asp?sr=Packard+Bell+EasyNote+TS13HR

_AVALANCHE_

Jaafa wrote: »

For something a bit more in the budget range put still very capable theres this

http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90431252/packard-bell-easynote-ts13hr-075ge.asp?sr=Packard+Bell+EasyNote+TS13HR

Any exp with that site Jaafa?

Jaafa

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

Any exp with that site Jaafa?

Not personally but theirs a large number of reviews on their laptops, and delivery can be done by UPS so I can't see any problems.

fitz265

dell windows 7 beast of a machine

Worztron

Jaafa wrote: »

Worzton what kind of games do you play?

First don't but from Harvey Norman or any other bricks and mortar store.
Go to sites like, komplette, saveonlaptops or computeruniverse.net. Much cheaper.

I would suggest something that has an I5 processor and a GT540m or GT555m graphics card.Also a AMD 6850 or above would do too.

The laptop is for my niece - she plays games such as The Sims 3 (2009) etc.

Jaafa

Worztron wrote: »

The laptop is for my niece - she plays games such as The Sims 3 (2009) etc.

Ah well in that case you dont even need a dedicated GPU or an i5.

But that Packard bell I posted would do perfectly.

Or for even less money this would probably do too. http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90432266/lenovo-ideapad-b570-m58fqge-freedos.asp

_AVALANCHE_

Worztron wrote: »

The laptop is for my niece - she plays games such as The Sims 3 (2009) etc.

Now if only you'd answered that 18 posts ago think of all the time that could have been saved.

Worztron

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

Now if only you'd answered that 18 posts ago think of all the time that could have been saved.

Well that is just one game I know she plays. I'm sure she will play more modern games in time. Although she ain't (not surprisingly) into FPS or racing games.

_AVALANCHE_

Jaafa wrote: »

Not personally but theirs a large number of reviews on their laptops, and delivery can be done by UPS so I can't see any problems.

Had a look there, their selection filter thing doesn't work right at all which is a pain but anyway....

Tried to match up two Asus Brand Models with an i5, Nividia 540M, 8GB RAM, same HDD size, same battery, same number off USBs etc. Near as I could get was...

Computeruniverse ASUS €672
Komplett ASUS €699

But Kompletts HDD is 140GB bigger and i5 variant is bit better. Komplett wins.


But (again!:o) Spotted these Y typeLenovos that have the Nividia 555M (best card availabe without mega price bump) with an i5 for €750 delivered. So the Lenovo selection is worth a look and Jester gave site the thumbs up over on B&Upgrading so should be sound.


Usually don't see the 555 on anything that isin't packing an i7, aswell as an €850+ish price tag. Though for the extra €100 you are getting an i7, faster bigger HDD, 9 Cell battery and bigger screen.

On Dell now with no Voucher for €850

i7-2670QM processor (2.20 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.10 GHz)
44 cm(17.3") HD+ WLED True-Life (1600x900) with 2.0 Mega Pixel Integrated Camera
3GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 555M Graphics Card
6144MB (1x2GB, 1x4GB) 1333MHz DDR3 Dual Channel SDRAM
750GB (7,200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
9-cell 90Whr Lithium Ion battery

All depends on buyers max budget....

Jaafa

@ Avalanche
Their's an MSI on their with an I5 and GT555m and 1920x1080 screen for 725, its a return but still in box and everything, new its like 775. The same one on Komplett is 1050 euro but comes with an i7.

However IMO with the Gt555m the i7 is not necessary, at best you'll get maybe 5FPS better compared to an i5 and the battery life will be worse.

Now if it was a GTX460 or 560m then it would be useful.

Can you link that dell? Doesn't look right....

_AVALANCHE_

Dell site must use cookies at the checkout stage or something, tried linking before and it wouldn't work for anyone....but worked fine for me.

http://www.dell.ie/-->follow Employees & Students link-->Students-->Laptop Deals and then run through to cart where they'll take away €50 for something or other. €850.

Jaafa

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

Dell site must use cookies at the checkout stage or something, tried linking before and it wouldn't work for anyone....but worked fine for me.

http://www.dell.ie/-->follow Employees & Students link-->Students-->Laptop Deals and then run through to cart where they'll take away €50 for something or other. €850.

Ok found it, yeah decent deal if your a student.

_AVALANCHE_

Jaafa wrote: »

Ok found it, yeah decent deal if your a student.

You don't have to be a student.

A friend bought one.

Jaafa

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

You don't have to be a student.

A friend bought one.

They don't check at all?

_AVALANCHE_

Jaafa wrote: »

They don't check at all?

As of 4th quarter last year their wasn't.

As of 2/3 weeks ago their's no check on Employee link either, similar offer through that link.

Worztron

A €500 cap is in place.

Which is a better deal?
I am unsure of which processor is better but am familiar with all other specs.

€479 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5750z.html
€449 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5733-laptop.html

_AVALANCHE_

Worztron wrote: »

A €500 cap is in place.

Which is a better deal?
I am unsure of which processor is better but am familiar with all other specs.

€479 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5750z.html
€449 http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5733-laptop.html

What happened to online????

The B940 is better, actually based on similar tech as the i3,

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Pentium-P6200-Notebook-Processor.40596.0.html

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Pentium-B940-Notebook-Processor.52440.0.html

From here.

5min look on Komplett.ie has this under budget and this much better yoke for not much over.

finality

Jaafa wrote: »

Ah well in that case you dont even need a dedicated GPU or an i5.

But that Packard bell I posted would do perfectly.

Or for even less money this would probably do too. http://www.computeruniverse.net/products/e90432266/lenovo-ideapad-b570-m58fqge-freedos.asp

You should go with this, OP. That's a really great deal.

Or if you don't trust the site, dell have this for just around the 500 mark:
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=n00qs501&c=ie&l=en&s=dhs&cs=iedhs1&model_id=inspiron-15r-n5110

dell have a couple of cool extras like their webcam software and up to 9 hour battery life, my sister got one around Christmas and it's great. intel 3000 graphics are enough for your needs, the performance is similar to the 512mb dedicated graphics card in my laptop.

but the Lenovo above has pretty much the same specs for 90 euro less.

partyatmygaff

The Lenovo may be cheaper but bear in mind it comes with FreeDOS. There's no Windows licence included with that price.

_AVALANCHE_

partyatmygaff wrote: »

The Lenovo may be cheaper but bear in mind it comes with FreeDOS. There's no Windows licence included with that price.

I just spotted that, scrolled down to post same as.

Never heard of FreeDos, is it any good?

partyatmygaff

Well it's DOS. There's nothing good or bad about DOS but it's not really an OS that you'd expect someone to have used in 2002 let alone 2012. It's archaic.

Worztron

_AVALANCHE_ wrote: »

Komplett.ie has this under budget and this much better yoke for not much over.

Those look like great deals.

Worztron

Which processor is better?

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Fujitsu_Lifebook_AH530_Core_i3_Windows_7_Laptop_VFY_AH530MRSC2GB/version.asp?switchc=e

OR

http://www.harveynorman.ie/acer-5750z.html

_AVALANCHE_

First one