Laptops

[patboy]

Anyone bought a new laptop recently or happy with the one they bought. I'm looking now and want to pay 400 - 500 quid for a new one. I know I can check on which magazine etc, but its still hard to know with the technology changing. I'm looking for one to use for word, multimedia and general use. So many to chose from and just looking for a bit of advice. Also is it worth going with the new windows or sticking to vista? I presently have XP on my desktop PC at home.

 

[ovenpaa]

Just got a Lenovo ideapad to replace the failed eeeP at home and it is great and was sub 240 quid. Also have a Lenovo 64bit something that is ok but was a bit more pricey.

For work I now have a 2 week old Dell Vostro 1720 - running Win7 and dislike it, too big, too heavy and too much keyboard bounce.

EDIT Win7 seems OK tho and only 4 or 5 BSOD's so far

 

[wessie]

I use http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/ as a general guide to what's available for the money.

Looking at your requirement and what is available for £500
http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer..._LX.PDR0X.049/version.asp?refsource=LDfroogle I would say that you can lower your budget to sub £400 as that machine is way over the spec for your requirement.

If you want the laptop this side of Xmas then I would say buy it retail from a shop unless the seller can guarantee delivery. All of the box shifters will have decent spec Acer/Fujitsu/Toshiba laptops in stock for about £350 that wil do what you want.

Picking a box shifter at random, then Comet have this http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/596787/ACER-AS5732Z - it has a dual core processor, 2GB of RAM and comes with Win7

If you fancy a bigger screen then John Lewis have this http://www.johnlewis.com/230696906/Product.aspx and it comes with a 2 year guarantee. Celeron processor not ideal, but the dedicated graphics card will take away much of the processing. This would be a good home based machine if you want to use it it in different rooms, perhaps a bit bulky to carry around elsewhere. It has a bigger HDD than the Acer, should you want to store loads of movies.

 

[Ash]

windows 7
i find it much better and easier to use than vista.
http://www.johnlewis.com/230826439/Product.aspx
2yr warranty

 

[Gonzo]

FWIW personal experience.....

Lenovo - top quality, great understated style and having used and abused various models at work for 10+ years, never had a hardware issue. Excellent but pricey.

Home - Dell. Good value, good quality and the after sales support, having used it a few time, has been very good. £500 will get you a half-decent spec.

 

[patboy]

Thanks chaps. I went for the Acer Aspire 5738-644g50mn gold award Whatlaptop.