New laptop. But what to buy???

Meds · January 10, 2010, 08:31:17 AM

Ok so some of you will know that i lost my laptop just before Christmas, well i say i lost it it died on me. So i am busy saving up to buy a new one. Now first things first dont bombard me with jargon, it just doesnt register in my brain but i trust you good folk here. Second my budget is around £500 which is about $801 actually my budget is under the £500 mark lol. So does anyone have any advice or recommendations. I look forward to reading your tips.

Bromptonboy · January 10, 2010, 08:34:18 AM

Are you looking for something ultraportable (read: I can bring it to my local to type away) or more of a desktop replacement?

Meds · January 10, 2010, 09:14:56 AM

Well I have a very good tower unit that I use for the audio productions and iTunes/podcasting so I really need a laptop that I can use to write my novel/rpg and also be quick on the Internet.
I can't abide slow machines so I need it to be up and running as soon as the on button is pressed.

psikeyhackr · January 10, 2010, 07:21:38 PM

You haven't said what you use the laptop for.

Do you type a lot? Are you a gamer? What applications do you use the most? What operating system(s) do you want?

Someone could give you GREAT advice that matches THEIR needs and desires but it could be terrible for you.

Do you have a desktop at home or will the laptop be your only machine? Personally I think a desktop and a netbook combo would be best for most people. The desktop doesn't even have to be new. A used dual-core desktop with a NEW BIGGER hard drive and an HP-311 netbook would serve 80% of people just fine I bet. But it still might be terrible for you. For all I know you travel around town gaming with people kicking their asses.

psik

Meds · January 11, 2010, 01:01:14 AM

I'm a writer so I will be typing away on it. I dont do gaming on a computer. Fast Internet is a must and as I said I can't stand things that take ages to start up. So there you go.

Rico · January 11, 2010, 05:23:49 AM

I like Dell.

billybob476 · January 11, 2010, 05:39:16 AM

I've had good experiences with Dell (my last two laptops have been Dell). I also hear very good things about the Sony Vaios however I don't have much personal experiences with them.

Feathers · January 11, 2010, 05:51:19 AM

We have a Dell and are very happy. My brother had an early Sony - the battery became the chief bugbear with that I think. Not that battery technology is brilliant anywhere, of course.

X · January 11, 2010, 07:59:15 AM

My friend used to build Dell computers for years and having listened to him for those years about the levels of quality control that goes into it, they are pretty good systems.

Bromptonboy · January 11, 2010, 09:56:17 AM

For mobility I have been lusting after one of the new Lenovo X100e's. Like a mini - but with extra power. The HP 5101 is also quite nice - with a solid state drive added you might be able to stay in your price range and get that speed boost you are looking for. Is the 10"-11" display too small for you?

sheldor · January 11, 2010, 10:15:37 AM

Quote from: HawkeyeMeds on January 11, 2010, 01:01:14 AM
I'm a writer so I will be typing away on it. I dont do gaming on a computer. Fast Internet is a must and as I said I can't stand things that take ages to start up. So there you go.

Is there a Mac in your price range?

billybob476 · January 11, 2010, 10:33:09 AM

Cheapest macbook looks to be 999.00 USD.

cosmonaut · January 11, 2010, 12:51:46 PM

I'd at least consider to go with a Netbook like the Dell Mini 10v.
Should be perfect for writing and surfing. Here a nice review:

http://www.notebooks.com/2009/09/15/i-believe-in-netbooks-again-dell-mini-10v-review/

A small warning: There are some hints customer support is not exactly a strength of Dell.

billybob476 · January 11, 2010, 12:56:10 PM

Only problem with a netbook is the keybaords tend to be less then standard size. It could be annoying it type on for extended periods of time.

cosmonaut · January 11, 2010, 02:00:45 PM

Quote from: billybob476 on January 11, 2010, 12:56:10 PM
Only problem with a netbook is the keybaords tend to be less then standard size. It could be annoying it type on for extended periods of time.

It's a 92% keyboard and the reviewers say its good for writing, some even say for lots of writing. Haven't encountered one in the wild so far, but I like small and light (and he price is good, too). I'll certainly keep an eye on them if my iBook should decide to quit working, I don't like sitting on a desk all day.

I think it would be fine for me, but you're right, my brother probably couldn't use it (like, uhm, small cars and mobiles with small buttons).