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Help choosing a laptop

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  • 12-03-2017 6:49pm
    #1
    contrary_devil
    Registered Users Posts: 204 ✭✭


    My current laptop is a Sony Vaio, OS is Vista which it seems won't be supported after April this year so I suppose I need to bite the bullet and go shopping but I'm clueless as what to buy so I'd appreciate any help please.
    My main uses would be web browsing, Youtube, MS Office, and I'm thinking of getting an action cam so ability to run editing software would be great. I would like to have a DVD/CD drive though is that necessary?
    I was browsing the laptopsdirect website and came across names such as Stormforce and MSI, are these good alternatives to the common manufacturers?
    Thanks in advance for any help.


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    #2
    Alanstrainor
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 23,157 Mod ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    I haven't needed a CD/DVD drive in about 10 years. I doubt you do either, but that's up to you I guess.

    Your requirements are very minimal, even with the odd video editing task thrown in. If you budget 600 or so you should be able to get a laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. You would be able to spend less if need be.

    As for those brands, I'm aware of MSI, they're a good brand. However their computers are generally marketed at gamers. As in they are generally high spec and higher cost. Might be overkill for your requirements.

    Include links to any machines you're looking at.


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    #3
    eoinzy2000
    Registered Users Posts: 256 ✭✭eoinzy2000


    supported Shmupported. Does it work ok? are you doing some crazy security issued CIA work? Don't believe the hype! Alternatively, if you are looking for a new toy, then fair enough.
    How about this?
    http://www.komplett.ie/acer-aspire-e5-575g-35me/20822838/details.aspx


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    #4
    contrary_devil
    Registered Users Posts: 204 ✭✭contrary_devil


    I was eyeing up these the other night, what's the opinions on Dell?

    http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-5567-laptop/pd?oc=cn55704&model_id=inspiron-15-5567-laptop
    http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-5567-laptop/pd?oc=cn55717&model_id=inspiron-15-5567-laptop

    After my browsing I have another question, would a machine with 256 GB SSD be enough storage?

    Thanks for your help folks.


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    #5
    eoinzy2000
    Registered Users Posts: 256 ✭✭eoinzy2000


    contrary_devil wrote: »
    I was eyeing up these the other night, what's the opinions on Dell?

    http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-5567-laptop/pd?oc=cn55704&model_id=inspiron-15-5567-laptop
    http://www.dell.com/ie/p/inspiron-15-5567-laptop/pd?oc=cn55717&model_id=inspiron-15-5567-laptop



    After my browsing I have another question, would a machine with 256 GB SSD be enough storage?

    Thanks for your help folks.

    I have a 17inch inspirin 5000. Got it with a 1tb Hdd and then bought a HDCADDY and 256 SSD and put the HDD in cd drive slot in the caddy and ssd as main drive. If u need more space in future u could swap a HDD for the cd drive with a caddy.
    I7 Inspirons a good job. Not particularly robust but i dont fling it about


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    #6
    eoinzy2000
    Registered Users Posts: 256 ✭✭eoinzy2000


    Heres one for same money. Same specs but also with HDD on top of SSD. Lenovo make good nuff stuff, albeit only a badge on a case really. Inside by others. http://www.komplett.ie/lenovo-ideapad-510-15isk-80sr0087mh/80044618/details.aspx
    (Ok, not the same specs but sounds like 8gb ram more than enough if youre not heavy gaming and the graphics card too)


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    #7
    eoinzy2000
    Registered Users Posts: 256 ✭✭eoinzy2000


    Dell looking slightly on dear side for what you get tbh. I got a good deal on an offer for my inspiron and upgraded a bit on the cheap. Try amazon.co.uk and parcel motel or some of the newer uk address providing delivery services. You will do better. Its also only in uk for returns. Not as though its China (make sure the seller isnt in China !!)


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    #8
    smacl
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 15,740 Mod ✭✭✭✭smacl


    contrary_devil wrote: »
    I was browsing the laptopsdirect website and came across names such as Stormforce and MSI, are these good alternatives to the common manufacturers?

    I was in a similar situation last month, and having read reviews of a reasonably high level of failures for Stormforce in particular and MSI to a lesser extent went for an Asus GL702VT from laptopsdirect.ie. It arrived faulty, wouldn't work without the charger plugged in or take any charge, so I rang them up to look for a refund. This was a long process involving a lot of phone calls, many emails (which you have to cut & paste into their support website as their email support system doesn't work) and over a month to get the money back. Personally I wouldn't use them again, but thinking about it they're probably no different from any other discount laptop supplier. I ended up going a totally different route and getting a good refurb, but this is not for everybody either. For a new laptop where you're looking to push the spec with a limited budget, look long and hard at the reviews, particularly those talking about after care in the event of failure. From my reading, a lot of faults on low cost high spec laptops relate to the PSU and battery, so would advise against anything with a battery that can't be easily replaced without invalidating the warranty.

    I've put some trustpilot links below on laptops direct, but following the problems I've had found that trustpilot isn't so trustworthy either.


    https://ie.trustpilot.com/review/www.laptopsdirect.co.uk
    https://ie.trustpilot.com/review/laptopsdirect.net


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