Budget Windows laptops: recommendation, great deals etc

[Sunray]

Someone asked me what I'd buy and I decided that a Dell Inspiron was what would do. Total price was £1080.

That was all the features I wanted, including dark red velvet case which cost 80 quid extra. Clearly that is top of the line but its shows that all the super low price headline grabbing might sound OK on paper but in actual genuine use, you will really notice.

I think the 17" Inspiron for 599 for a really decent spec, 689 for 4 year warranty which sounds like a good deal to me.

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/p...s.aspx/inspnnb_1720?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

It has enough there to stop you getting annoyed with it nearly straight away.

 

[mhendo]

learly that is top of the line but its shows that all the super low price headline grabbing might sound OK on paper but in actual genuine use, you will really notice.

Doesn't that depend on what your "actual genuine use" is?

If you need a computer for internet, email, looking at photos, listening to music, and doing some word processing, then a cheaper, lower-spec model will do the job admirably. For that sort of workload, the sub-£300 models that the editor listed would be perfectly fine.

 

[Sunray]

Doesn't that depend on what your "actual genuine use" is?

If you need a computer for internet, email, looking at photos, listening to music, and doing some word processing, then a cheaper, lower-spec model will do the job admirably. For that sort of workload, the sub-£300 models that the editor listed would be perfectly fine.

I'm not so sure that is true any more.

The browser is a fairly meaty application these days. Photo work requires some decent CPU power. Laptops were never fast in the 1st place. Speedstep and power management means they are even slower.

Office or OpenOffice for that matter are weighty applications. On this T42, OpenOffice is pretty slow.

People expectations and what these machines actually deliver are not well matched.

 

[editor]

I think I'll make this a sticky for a while as we're getting so many threads asking about cheap laptops.

Also: Thinkpad X31/X32 (powerful s/hand laptop available for around £200)
Laptop - up to £500: http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=250295
Laptop for gaming: http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=247275
Laptop recommendations - up to £400 - http://www.urban75.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=245924

 

[UnderOpenSky]

I'm not so sure that is true any more.

The browser is a fairly meaty application these days. Photo work requires some decent CPU power. Laptops were never fast in the 1st place. Speedstep and power management means they are even slower.

Office or OpenOffice for that matter are weighty applications. On this T42, OpenOffice is pretty slow.

People expectations and what these machines actually deliver are not well matched.

Windows photo viewer doesn't use that much cpu power & Office 2003 and Opera take a bit longer to open on my 5 year old acer, but once running are fine. Its all about needs vs budget. If you got the cash go for it, but many people a top notch pc is not that high on their priorities.

 

[longdog]

I have one of the lappys in the OP and I've been very happy with it since I got it.

As I see it performance isn't really much of an issue, it's more than fast enough to run anything I throw at it. Even my old Pentium III laptop can run Photoshop fast enough that I'm rarely kept waiting for it to do its thing.

I have no need for top end gaming or video editing capability so why pay for something I don't need. I have the same attitude to PCs as I have towards my refusal to buy an mp3 player to replace my NetMD. Why replace something that does the job perfectly adequately?

The only reason I got this machine is because the hardware on the other machines was starting to see its arse. Now they have been demoted to handle tasks they can cope with it leaves the new machine to handle the more processor intensive work, which it does more than acceptably.

 

[upsidedownwalrus]

It's not the oomph so much (and graphics-wise they do lack it for gaming). It's the battery life. Celeron chips don't have the power management features that their more upmarket cousins do.

Crispy, if they're *that* hard up for space then fine. But you pay a serious premium for a laptop - so long as they accept that, I guess it's fine. Most people I know who bought laptops for that reason end up never moving them and using external mice, HDDs and even monitors. To me that really defeats the point and I find it frustrating when they're my friends and I want to get them the best value for their needs.

On the other hand, I really wish I'd bought a laptop. I'm moving back to the UK and I'm having to put my PC in with the shipping box. Worried about it breaking etc.

But when I bought my PC two years ago, laptops were horrendously expensive in China it was like 10,000 RMB (700 quid) for a bog standard 500 mhz 256meg ram type one.

 

[Throbbing Angel]

PLAY.com are selling "Acer Aspire 7520 / Turion 64 TK55 1.8GHz / 1GB / 80GB / 17" WXGA+ / DVD-SM / Vista Home Premium / Laptop / Notebook" for £299.99 inc free delivery atm

and both the Windoze & Linux 8.9inch eeePc's are £289.99 inc free del too

Just so you know

 

[isitme]

Are ACER reliable?

They always have great specs for the price. why is that?

 

[fractionMan]

fine for normal use £199

1gb celeron 15.4"
http://www.dixons.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/526562?source_id=aw&camp_id=HotUKDeals

better for graphics etc £299

1gb AMDturian64 17" (nvidia graphics)
http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/34777...mium-Laptop-Notebook/Product.html?&P36=8XSBZ8

 

[fractionMan]

I just bought one of these and it's excellent value for money. It's not 'budget' in the normal sense, but for a small 12" 2kg laptop it's a steal. About 1/2 the price of its rivals at £399

Best of all, it's cheaper in comet than on the internet.
http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pr...pla=Laptops&cm_ite=437530_ACER_ASP_2920_T5450

 

[Hi-ASL]

Thoughts on this? I'm very tempted.

http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Acer_As..._LX.AN60X.041/version.asp?refsource=adfroogle

Acer Aspire 5920G Laptop (the blue bits are advertising blurb, not my comments..):

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 - 2GHz (x2), 800MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache
• RAM: 2GB DDR2 - just what Vista needs!
  Low cost double memory offer, call for details!
• Hard Drive: 250GB Serial ATA 5400rpm - enough for over 60,000 MP3 files or 200,000 3MP pictures
• Screen: 15.4" Widescreen TFT (1280x800) with CrystalBrite Technology
• Optical Drive: DVD±RW Dual Layer / HD DVD-ROM - Hi-Def playback for the ultimate movie experience
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS - great for gaming on the move
• Wireless LAN: 802.11a/b/g/n - with transfer rates up to 100Mbits per second
• Battery Life (Depending on Use): Upto 3.5 Hours
• Weight: 3.0Kg
• Warranty: 1 Year Collect and Return
• Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
• Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 - superfast wired network adaptor
• HDMI Output - for direct connection to HD Ready TV
• S-Video Output
• Firewire Port - hook up your digital video camera
• Card Reader (MMC, MS, MS-pro, SD, XD)
• Built-In 0.3 MegaPixel Camera

£450 - £15/month over 36 months, or interest-free options if you pay within 9 or 12 months. I'm liking the 12-month interest-free option (and the dedicated graphics card..)..

Can anyone recommend a better one? Up to £500 with interest-free finance (that bit's essential). Ta..

 

[fractionMan]

I like my acer. seems solid enough for me.

 

[gorski]

Yeah, small differences in those models, big difference in price...

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/139029 -

• £382.26ex vat
• £449.16inc vat

Manufacturers Part Code: LX.AN40X.432
Processor
Processor Type: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T7300
Processor Speed (GHz): 2.0GHz
L2 Cache: 4Mb
Frontside Bus (MHz): 800
Memory
Memory Speed (MHz): 667
Memory Type: DDR2
Memory Size (MB): 2048Mb (Configuration = 2*1024Mb)
Max Upgradeable Memory Size: 4096Mb (Configuration = 2* 2024Mb SoDIMM Modules)
Hard Disk Drive
Hard Drive Capacity (GB): 1*250Gb
Hard Drive Type: SATA
Optical Drive: 8X DVD-Super Multi double-layer drive
Display
Display Type: Acer Crystalbrite™ TFT LCD
Diagonal Size (in): 15.4"
Resolution Format: 1280 x 800
Resolution Type: WXGA (220-nit)
Graphics
Graphic Card Full Name: Nvidia® FeForce® 8600M GS
Memory: 256Mb VRAM up to 1024Mb TurboCache™
Interfaces

• IEEE 1394 Port: Yes
• DC in: 1
• Card reader: 5-in-1 card reader (SD™, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD
• Audio out: Yes
• Audio out Type:Headphone/speaker/line-out jack with S/PDIF support
• Microphone Jack: Yes
• RJ-11 Direct Port (Modem): Yes
• RJ-45 Direct Port (Network): Yes
• Consumer Infrared Port (CIR) Yes
• S-video/ TV-out Yes
• USB Port (quantity): 4
• HDMI Port: Yes
• VGA Connector for Monitor: Yes
• Line in Jack:Yes
• Express Card Slot:Yes
• Express Card Type:ExpressCard™/54

Connectivity Built-in Modem: 56K ITU V.92 with PTT approval,
Wake-on-Ring ready
Integrated Wireless LAN: Intel® PRO/Wireless 3945ABG (dual-band tri-mode 802.11a/b/g)
Ethernet network: Gigabit Ethernet, Wake-on-LAN ready
Camera: Integrated 0.3Mp Acer Crystal Eye webcam
Bluetooth: No
VoIP Phone: No
Software
Acer Empowering Technology (Acer eNet, ePower, eAudio, ePresentation, eLock, eRecovery, eSettings Management) Acer GridVista™ Acer Launch Manager Acer Crystal Eye Acer Video Conference Manager Adobe® Reader® CyberLink® PowerProducer® Norton Internet Security™ Trial NTI CD-Maker™ Microsoft® Works 8.5 with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial

Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium

or

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0010X94O4/nextag1-21/ref=nosim - the same money

• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7300
• Memory:2*1GB RAM
• Hard Drive: 250GB Hard Disk Drive
• Graphics Card: Mobile Intel PM965 Express chipset with with NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS 256MB VRAM
• Optical Drive: DVD SuperMulti, CD/DVD reader/writer for all types of CD/DVD discs
• Connectivity: Wireless LAN ABG, 4 x USB 2.0 Ports, 5 in 1 Card Reader
• Audio: Dolby Home Theatre surround sound
• Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium
• Additional Software: Acer Empowering Technology, Acer Arcade Deluxe, Norton Internet Security Trial, Adobe Reader, NTI CD Maker
• Display Size: 15.4" WXGA TFT Display with Acer CrystalBrite technology
• Webcam:0.3MP Built in Crystaleye Camera

or for £529.97 [and now, what's the difference with the 2 models above, please?]

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5920G-302G25Hi_Laptop_LX.AN60X.041/version.asp

General
Platform Technology Intel Centrino Duo
System Type Notebook
System Flash Memory Intel Turbo Memory (1 GB)
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers, subwoofer, wireless LAN aerial
Width 36.4 cm
Depth 27 cm
Height 4.4 cm
Weight 3 kg
Localisation United Kingdom
Processor Intel Core 2 Duo T7300 / 2 GHz
Multi-Core Technology Dual-Core
64-bit Computing Yes
Data Bus Speed 800 MHz
Chipset Type Mobile Intel PM965 Express
Cache Memory Type L2 Cache
Installed Size 4 MB RAM
Installed Size 2 GB / 4 GB (max)
Technology DDR II SDRAM
Form Factor SO DIMM 200-pin
Configuration Features 2 x 1 GB
Storage Controller Type
Serial ATA Serial ATA Interface Serial ATA-150
Storage Hard Drive 250 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm
Optical Storage Type HD DVD-ROM - integrated
Card Reader Type 5 in 1 card reader
Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard, xD-Picture Card
Display Display Type 15.4" TFT
Max Resolution 1280 x 800 ( WXGA )
Widescreen Display Yes
Colour support 24-bit (16.7 million colours)
Features CrystalBrite Video
Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GS
Video Memory 256 MB
Audio Audio Output Sound card
Compliant Standards Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Pro Logic II, High Definition Audio, Dolby Home Theater
Audio Input Stereo microphone
Notebook Camera
Camera Type Integrated Sensor Resolution 0.3 Megapixel
Input Device(s) Type Keyboard, touchpad, 4-way scroll button
Telecom Modem Fax / modem Max Transfer Rate 56 Kbps Protocols & Specifications ITU V.92
Features Wake on Ring
Networking Networking Network adapter
Wireless LAN Supported Yes Wireless NIC Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN
Data Link Protocol Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Features Acer SignalUp Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Expansion / Connectivity Expansion Slots Total (Free)
2 ( 0 ) x memory
¦1 ( 1 ) x ExpressCard/54
Interfaces 4 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
¦ 1 x display / video - HDMI
¦ 1 x display / video - VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)
¦ 1 x display / video - S-video output ¦ 1 x infrared - IrDA
¦ 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
¦ 1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11
¦ 1 x network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45
¦ 1 x audio - SPDIF output/headphones/line-out - mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
¦ 1 x microphone - input - mini-phone 3.5mm
¦ 1 x audio - line-In - mini-phone 3.5mm
Miscellaneous Features
Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately),
administrator password, system password, wake on LAN
Compliant Standards ACPI 3.0
Power Power Device External
Voltage Required AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Battery Technology 8-cell Lithium Ion
Installed Qty 1 Capacity 71 Wh
Run Time (Up To) 3.5 hour(s)

Operating System / Software OS Provided Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Software
Acer Launch Manager, Norton Internet Security, NTI CD-Maker, CyberLink PowerProducer, Acer GridVista, Adobe Reader, Acer Empowering Technology, Microsoft Works 8.5, Microsoft Office 2007 Home and Student Edition (Trial), Acer Arcade Deluxe, Acer PureZone

Manufacturer Warranty Service & Support 1 year warranty Service & Support Details Traveller warranty - 1 year

 

[gorski]

Other than a HD DVD drive, that is...

 

[Hi-ASL]

No difference. The price at both LaptopsDirect and AcerDirect was £449 about a month back too. I tried buying one from AcerDirect on interest-free credit but, first they placed the order for the wrong model; then they put the price up to £479; then, about 2 days later, they put the price up again to £529. All the while I'm actually trying to set up some fucking finance here, please.

Wankers.

 

[electroplated]

My sister just got a Lenovo R61i from Dabs for £299

Very pleased with it she is too now it's got an extra gig of ram and xp rather than vista...

Link

 

[gorski]

Acer 5920 was yesterday still priced the same at Amazon.

Others, like eBuyers, revoked the special offer. Now for that price one gets a Blu-Ray model, with a dedicated graph card, 4GB DDR2 and more... ar Curry's of all places - at Wimbledon they have 10 pieces.

Still the best deal I could find... Carefully sorted, with Home theatre extras/instant on buttons and so on - unlike most others which are basic models.

Good luck!

 

[mk12]

Can anyone recommend a good, quick laptop predominantly for gaming? I don't like the 13x8 inch screens though, as they're clunky. My old one was 12x8 inch and it was nice and thin.

 

[DG55]

Where have all those £300 ish 15 inch laptops gone? All the ones noted at the start of the thread have been discontinued on ebuyer, and there are no similar ones except tiny 'netbook' things.

Any ideas?

 

[gorski]

A bit more expensive and a cheaper version of Acer Aspire 5920 would do, maybe?

 

[gorski]

http://www.dabs.com/ProductList.asp...archMode=any&SearchKey=P_Quicklinx&PageMode=3 - the latest offer from DABS and it's quite good... £340. One can add cheap memory...

Specifications

Office Ready PCYes Audio Input

TypeMicrophone Audio Output

Compliant StandardsHigh Definition Audio TypeSound card Battery

Cells6-cell Installed Qty1 Run Time (Up To)3 hour(s) TechnologyLithium Ion Cabinet (Chassis)

Built-in Devices (AB)Stereo speakersWireless LAN aerial Cache Memory

TypeL2 Cache Card Reader

Supported Flash Memory Cards (AB)Memory StickMemory Stick PROMultiMediaCardSD Memory CardXD-Picture Card Type5 in 1 card reader Dimensions & Weight

Depth26.7 cm Height4.3 cm Weight2.9 kg Width36 cm Display (Projector)

Colour support24-bit (16.7 million colours) Diagonal Size15.4 in Display Resolution AbbreviationWXGA Max Resolution1280 x 800 Monitor FeaturesCrystalBrite TechnologyTFT active matrix Widescreen DisplayYes Header

CompatibilityPC Country KitsUnited Kingdom ManufacturerAcer Model5720-301G16Mi Packaged Quantity1 Product LineAcer TravelMate Input Device

Type4-way scroll buttonKeyboardTouchpad Mainboard

Chipset TypeMobile Intel GM965 Express Miscellaneous

Compliant StandardsACPI 3.0 FeaturesAdministrator passwordDisc Anti-Shock Protection System (DASPSecurity lock slot (cable lock sold separately)System passwordWake on LAN Modem

FeaturesWake on Ring Max Transfer Rate56 Kbps Protocols & SpecificationsITU V.92 TypeFax / modem Multimedia Functionality

TV Tuner TypeNone Networking

Compliant StandardsIEEE 802.11aIEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11gWi-Fi CERTIFIED Data Link ProtocolEthernetFast EthernetGigabit EthernetIEEE 802.11aIEEE 802.11bIEEE 802.11g Features (AB)Acer SignalUp Remote Management ProtocolDMI 2.0 TypeNetwork adapter Wireless LAN SupportedYes Wireless NICIntel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Wireless Protocol802.11a/b/g Notebook Camera

Camera TypeIntegrated Optical Storage

Enclosure TypeIntegrated TypeDVD±RW (+R double layer) / DVD-RAM Optical Storage (2nd)

TypeNone OS Provided

TypeMicrosoft Windows Vista Home Premium Power Device

Form FactorExternal Frequency Required50/60 Hz Nominal VoltageAC 120/230 V Processor

64-bit ComputingYes ManufacturerIntel Multi-Core TechnologyDual-Core Processor NumberT7300 TypeCore 2 Duo RAM

Configuration Features2 x 512 MB Form FactorSO DIMM 200-pin Installed Size1 GB Max Supported Size4 GB TechnologyDDR2 SDRAM Service & Support

Type1 year warranty Software

Microsoft Office ReadyIncludes a preinstalled image of select 2007 Microsoft Office suites. Purchase a Medialess License Kit (MLK) to activate the software. TypeAcer Crystal EyeAcer Empowering TechnologyAcer GridVistaAcer Launch ManagerAdobe ReaderCyberlink PowerDVDMicrosoft Office Ready 2007 (Trial)Norton Internet SecurityNTI CD-MakerNTI Shadow Storage Controller

Serial ATA InterfaceSerial ATA-150 TypeSerial ATA Storage Floppy Drive

TypeNone Storage Hard Drive

Capacity160 GB Serial ATA InterfaceSerial ATA-150 TypePortable Storage Removable

TypeNone System

Hard Drive(-s) Total Capacity160 GB Notebook TypeNotebook Platform TechnologyIntel Centrino Duo Video Memory

Max Allocated RAM Size358 MB TechnologyDynamic Video Memory Technology 4.0 Video Output

Graphics Processor / VendorIntel GMA X3100

 

[mistere]

Hmm, not really up on my techy stuff, how does this sound as a laptop for £390 http://www.ebuyer.com/product/144181?

I start a PhD next week and only really use it for typing and browsing, maybe watch the odd film and saving photos on. I don't do anything really power heavy (no gaming, massive downloading or advanced graphics stuff). The main requirement is something that will last me four years without needing replacing, I want a laptop as it's easy to move around but I won't be taking it everywhere with me and wherever I do take it will have a powerpoint so battery life isn't essential either. My budget is £400, I could stretch to £500 if someone persuades me that I need to for what I want, but I don't think I do. This seems to be the best I can get for that money that meets my requirements but what are the components like and the manufacturer? Reliable or Italian?

 

[treefrog]

*subscribes*

There's a lot of out-of-date stuff here though

I need to get a new laptop as this one is nearing the end of its life and isn't likely to survive the trip to NZ (structually, it's buggered). I really don't have much of a budget here, but all I need is something that will go on the net, play tunes and be properly portable. The little Asus EEE things look cute, but if someone who really knows what they're talking about could help then I'll be eternally grateful!

 

[gorski]

The Acer I bought is now £100 less and with Bluray drive, 4GB memory and all it costs £500!!

 

[Yetman]

Ok so I'm trying to find a budget laptop for a 10 year old - not looking to spend over £200. Basic spec required, wifi, dvd drive, email and word proc for schoolwork and stuff, dont need anything flashy.

Its either, a second hand one, or one of these grade b things from ebay (with a short warranty) OR some kind of netbook......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IBM-ThnkPad-X...14&_trkparms=72:1300|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1309

What do you think peeps?

 

[Daniel]

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1360591487.1230813317@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccefadegdkkllejcflgceggdhhmdfoi.0&page=Product&fm=1&sm=0&tm=2&sku=138246&category_oid=

http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/store/cur_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1360591487.1230813317@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccefadegdkkllejcflgceggdhhmdfoi.0&page=Product&fm=1&sm=0&tm=2&sku=819400&category_oid=

I know fuck all about PC specs, and was wondering, out of these two, which would you pick?

I see one has a bit more ghz, but then the other one has more mhz?

Also, one says Wireless N Connectivity, does that mean its got a stronger wifi receiver?

 

[gorski]

You get the BluRay Acer I mentioned above for some £480 and more or less the same HW, if a little lower specs... That's £220 difference!

 

[Daniel]

Which one would that be?

 

[gorski]

Above: 5920 with BluRay.

4GB memory, 250GB HDD, 256MB ATI graphics card, 2x2 GHz processor etc.