Need a laptop..what spec???

Apollo_Creed

Hi guys,
I'm looking to buy a laptop. Basically, heading to Oz next month on the WHV so need a laptop for web browsing and some basic office tasks for fixing CV etc.
Don't really know anything about laptops spec so any suggestions for what types of laptops would suit would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Just realised I should have posted this in a different thread. Sorry about that.

Markachy

I have just returned from Australia on WHV, great experience, laptop is invaluable for applying for jobs etc! Number one tip is go for something LIGHT and SMALL!! 11" or 13" screen, no bigger. Also, I'm assuming you'll be staying in hostels etc so you probably won't want to buy anything too expensive so if the worst does happen and it gets nicked, it won't be the end of the world. Don't worry, you'd be very unlucky to have anything nicked, but I did hear of one or 2 people who had a phone nicked which they left lying about unattended. If the laptop is cheap, its less tempting!

I got a HP DM1 in Australia on Gumtree for about 130euro which was a bargain, its slow and the screen is crap but it did the job. How much you want to spend? You should look for an Intel IVY BRIDGE i3 at least. You'll know its Ivy bridge because the model number of the i3 will start with a 3, not a 2. So if it is an i3 2xxx (where the xxx are numbers) DON'T get it, you're being ripped off, its old tech. Look around and you'll get an i3 3xxx for not much money.

Just check saveonlaptops and laptopsdirect.ie for some ideas. Stay away from bricks and mortar, the likes of Currys etc. They peddle old crap for high prices. I still see Pentium laptops being sold there for full price, that processor is 3 years old!

Apollo_Creed

Markachy wrote: »

I have just returned from Australia on WHV, great experience, laptop is invaluable for applying for jobs etc! Number one tip is go for something LIGHT and SMALL!! 11" or 13" screen, no bigger. Also, I'm assuming you'll be staying in hostels etc so you probably won't want to buy anything too expensive so if the worst does happen and it gets nicked, it won't be the end of the world. Don't worry, you'd be very unlucky to have anything nicked, but I did hear of one or 2 people who had a phone nicked which they left lying about unattended. If the laptop is cheap, its less tempting!

I got a HP DM1 in Australia on Gumtree for about 130euro which was a bargain, its slow and the screen is crap but it did the job. How much you want to spend? You should look for an Intel IVY BRIDGE i3 at least. You'll know its Ivy bridge because the model number of the i3 will start with a 3, not a 2. So if it is an i3 2xxx (where the xxx are numbers) DON'T get it, you're being ripped off, its old tech. Look around and you'll get an i3 3xxx for not much money.

Just check saveonlaptops and laptopsdirect.ie for some ideas. Stay away from bricks and mortar, the likes of Currys etc. They peddle old crap for high prices. I still see Pentium laptops being sold there for full price, that processor is 3 years old!

Thanks for that Markachy...Will look up those sites...Looking to spend about €300 (very basic laptop I know). Gonna try and buy it here as I want to hit the ground running in Oz on the job front.

Apollo_Creed

Apollo_Creed wrote: »

Thanks for that Markachy...Will look up those sites...Looking to spend about €300 (very basic laptop I know). Gonna try and buy it here as I want to hit the ground running in Oz on the job front.

How about these two??

15" http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Acer_TravelMate_P253_1320392.html

13.3" http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Lenovo_IdeaPad_Z370_1341188.html

Markachy

First one is much too big. Seriously go for the smaller ones, you'll appreciate it when travelling. You don't have much room to move for that sort of money so you'll have to make do with an older processor. That Lenovo looks fine for your needs but is out of stock.

Check out:

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Acer_TravelMate_B113_1292831.html

Most powerful of these 3, I know nothing else about this specific laptop.

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/HP_Pavilion_dm1-4300sa_1271257.html

Same as the one I bought, slowest one here. I owned it and can say it does the job, just slowly. I replaced it as soon as I could when I got home though (new Dell ultrabook arriving tomorrow!)

http://www.komplett.ie/komplett/product/zkb_02pc/80008476/asus_vivobook_x202e_ct001h/details.aspx

Probably the nicest-looking and best built one here (Asus have a good reputation), but check reviews of it to make sure. Touchscreen included in case you care.

I've never bought from any of these guys so can't recommend any, but I know people who buy off Komplett happily. You should google these 3 for reviews and have a look, or maybe go to a brick and mortar just to get your hands on some laptops and have a look.

Seriously though, get a small one! You'll thank me in a year!

T-K-O

Apollo_Creed wrote: »

How about these two??

15" http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Acer_TravelMate_P253_1320392.html

13.3" http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/Lenovo_IdeaPad_Z370_1341188.html

Check out the outlet section on lenovo.ie. Bargains to be had!