Laptop for work

thomasm

Hi There. Need to get a new laptop for work,

Main uses will be the basic office packages word, excel and outlook. Would like something with decent speakers as I like to listen to music in the office. Tend to have between 5-10 excel spreadsheets and word docs open at any one time

Have selected the one below because it has the i7 processor and I'm thinking its good to get the latest and because of the beats sound system. Also looks like a good discount.

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/HP_Pavilion_DV6-6C56SA_1174930.html

Thats about as much as I'm gonna pay. Any thoughts on this or other recommendations based on requirements above.

Torqay

thomasm wrote: »

I'm thinking its good to get the latest

Pretty good deal, but not quite the latest. It's only a 2nd gen Core i7. Although plenty processing power for your needs, the performance isn't anywhere close to the current entry level quad Core i7.





At Komplett, there is a Lenovo Z580 with a current generation Core i7 3612QM for 40 yoyos more (SOL charges £10 for delivery). The CPU is more power efficient (35W max TDP), if battery life is of concern to you and the GT 630M beats the HD 7470M by a country mile.



As for the sound:

Audio

The Z580's audio easily filled a large room, thanks in part to Dolby's Home Theater v4 technology. Sound quality remained clear and accurate.

Verdict

The Lenovo IdeaPad Z580 is a capable multimedia laptop that combines solid construction, impressive sound and strong overall performance.

Source (full review)

thomasm

Thanks for that, much appreciated. I'll have a read of the review

thomasm

Looks like what I'm after. My only question is around the O/S. I have not used Home Premium before and wondering is it suitable for heavy work use. Would I not be better off with Windows 7 (pro or not)

Thanks again

Torqay

Depends on your work environment. Windows 7 Professional adds the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain. Additional features include operating as a Remote Desktop server, location aware printing, Encrypting File System, Presentation Mode, Software Restriction Policies (but not the extra management features of AppLocker) and Windows XP Mode.

If you do not require any of the additional features, Windows 7 Home Premium will do just fine.

thomasm

Spoke to our I.T guy in head office in relation to what O/S is required and he said Windows 7 pro or Windows 8 (both 64bit). Tried to find the Lenovo with that spec in same price range but could not even when increasing the budget by another €100-150 which I'm willing to do. Any other recommendations much appreciated.

Torqay

Lenovo does not offer the Z Series with Windows 7 Professional. Only their Business grade computers, for example the ThinkPad E530:



Review here, sound doesn't seem to all that great though. May need external speakers.

Alternatively, configure your own laptop at PC Specialist. The Genesis IV in the following configuration costs £589/€723 (plus delivery):



Comes with Windows 7/8 Professional (incl. OS installation DVD) and a 3 yr warranty. I can't say much about the sound quality, you may want to check their forum for reviews.

P.S.: A great variety of mobile speakers and sound systems can be found here.

thomasm

My last question on this I see I can get Windows 8 Pro from here
http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-IE for €14.99.
Can I presume it would be possible and straight forward to update the Lenovo Z580 linked at the start of the thread to Windows 8. Thanks again

Torqay

If your "IT guy" is happy with a new operating system which has yet to be tested in business environments. Usually IT is very cautious, they don't like their flock being used as lab rats.

thomasm

Got the Lenovo in the end. Delighted with it. Great sound from it and feels like driving a Ferrari compared to my old one. Noticed though its now down to 729 on Komplet from 799 when recommended first. Even more of a bargain now I reckon.