Laptop Ideas for around £900 budget?
07 June 2007, 02:32 PM
#1
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Laptop Ideas for around £900 budget?
Never bought one in my life (use one from work) and girlfriend is looking to get one to replace her ageing desktop. She has about £900 max to spend. Wants Vista so I guess 2gb memory required, decent screen (would prefer better quality 15.4 rather than 17" just for the size, 100gb hard drive, wifi, semi decent sound (hook up to some speakers to play mp3's), fairly decent graphics card (as she wants to dabble with graphic design packages).
She wanted a Sony Vaio but my research suggests their graphics cards are mostly shared and low powered. Your also paying about £150 over other brands of similar spec just for the Sony name and styling.
Any input appreciated before she parts with her hard earned.
Cheers,
Simon
She wanted a Sony Vaio but my research suggests their graphics cards are mostly shared and low powered. Your also paying about £150 over other brands of similar spec just for the Sony name and styling.
Any input appreciated before she parts with her hard earned.
Cheers,
Simon
07 June 2007, 03:25 PM
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Dell XPS M1710 (from ebay to keep to your £900 budget) - try and get the 7900 GS graphics card - the 7950 is too expensive for your budget
Or the
Dell 9600 with the 17" Truelife screen (The XPS comes with this by default) - try and get the 7900GT graphics card
From dell direct or ebay to save a few quid.
Or the
Dell 9600 with the 17" Truelife screen (The XPS comes with this by default) - try and get the 7900GT graphics card
From dell direct or ebay to save a few quid.
Last edited by BlkKnight; 07 June 2007 at 03:28 PM.
07 June 2007, 10:13 PM
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My own laptop is a MacBook and I also have a Dell 9600 through work. Both machines are very good. If you're happier with Windows, then I would err towards the Dell or similar.
Don't skimp on memory or processor power - get the most you can afford - Vista is terribly bloated. You can still get many of the Dell's with XP Pro (which mine is running) and that does the job fantastically well.
The 17" truelife widescreen on the 9600 is stunning and puts many TVs to shame - but it does make it a big laptop. I have it for customer demos and it is also specced up to run serious amounts of software - which it does with ease.
Don't skimp on memory or processor power - get the most you can afford - Vista is terribly bloated. You can still get many of the Dell's with XP Pro (which mine is running) and that does the job fantastically well.
The 17" truelife widescreen on the 9600 is stunning and puts many TVs to shame - but it does make it a big laptop. I have it for customer demos and it is also specced up to run serious amounts of software - which it does with ease.
08 June 2007, 03:20 AM
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I got a 17" truelife inspiron of ebay for £900
Has T7200 2Ghz core 2 duo, 2GB ram, 200gb hd, and nvidia 7900gs.
Not to clued up about laptops but seems an ok one.
Luckily it came with XP pro, not interested in vista.
Has T7200 2Ghz core 2 duo, 2GB ram, 200gb hd, and nvidia 7900gs.
Not to clued up about laptops but seems an ok one.
Luckily it came with XP pro, not interested in vista.
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08 June 2007, 04:59 AM
#8
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I'm well happy with my Acer, and MrsD is equelly impressed with hers. I would definitely recommend them as a manufacturer, but being clueless on the geeky stuff (but I know what I like
), I couldn't advise you on a specific model I'm afraid.
), I couldn't advise you on a specific model I'm afraid.
08 June 2007, 07:48 AM
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Is the Dell 9600 even a current model as cant find it on their website? I can only see the 9400 and this doesnt have the option of a Truelife Screen from what I can see. Also no Nvidia Gfx option - ATi X1400 instead.
I dont think she would be too happy buying from Ebay so would have to be Dell direct.
Simon
I dont think she would be too happy buying from Ebay so would have to be Dell direct.
Simon
08 June 2007, 10:08 AM
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Sony Vaio FE41S Laptop VGNFE41S.CEK From Laptops Direct
Yes Sony are a bit more expensive but if you value design then thats the price you pay. This one fits the bill with Vista and 2GB ram, but not being an expert not sure about the graphics stuff. Laptop direct seems to be pretty reputable as well.
Yes Sony are a bit more expensive but if you value design then thats the price you pay. This one fits the bill with Vista and 2GB ram, but not being an expert not sure about the graphics stuff. Laptop direct seems to be pretty reputable as well.
09 June 2007, 11:50 AM
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MacBook every time. Just sold mine on eBay mind and changed it for a Mini to be used as a Media Centre... Still brilliant.
Later on I'll get a MacBook Pro to replace the void of the MacBook. Just don't need it quite yet.
Later on I'll get a MacBook Pro to replace the void of the MacBook. Just don't need it quite yet.
09 June 2007, 12:12 PM
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Hi, i wanted a laptop just after christmas, my girlfriend is a designer and always uses macs, i always used a pc, she talked me into getting a macbook.
Its the best decision i could have made, the screen is glossy and the images are sharp, the scrolling is great (2 fingers to move pages up and down etc).
If you go to the mac store and type in REFURBISHED MACBOOK you will get one for around £550 thats what i paid for mine with 1 years free applecare which includes full telephone support for any queries.
BUY A MAC YOU WONT REGRET IT
Its the best decision i could have made, the screen is glossy and the images are sharp, the scrolling is great (2 fingers to move pages up and down etc).
If you go to the mac store and type in REFURBISHED MACBOOK you will get one for around £550 thats what i paid for mine with 1 years free applecare which includes full telephone support for any queries.
BUY A MAC YOU WONT REGRET IT
10 June 2007, 12:09 AM
#18
Rock are worth a look. Very good warranty included too. 
Very happy with mine.
rock :: Welcome :: Ultimate performance gaming laptops and notebooks
Very happy with mine.
rock :: Welcome :: Ultimate performance gaming laptops and notebooks
but too small for your spec requirements I think. 
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