Laptops - under a grand please

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Nov 13, 2000 | 08:47 AM

Doofus

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My missus should qualify (hopefully) under some Education thing (she is a music teacher) for 200 pounds towards a PC/laptop.

We have decided (OK I decided

) that a laptop would suit her needs best.

Do any of you lot have any suggestions of the best laptop in this price range (i.e under a grand!)

Thanks in advance,
Doofus.

P.S Oh, I am a software engineer so you can get a wee bit technical if you like.

Nov 13, 2000 | 10:17 AM

gregh

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If you go to

Nov 13, 2000 | 10:26 AM

Doofus

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Thanks gregh ...

... I can also do that in pcworld, comet, dixons etc and compare specs but I was really looking for 1st hand knowledge or why buy this one and not this one etc etc

I s'pose similar price similar performance ??

Anybody got any suggestions ??
Doofus.

Nov 13, 2000 | 11:50 AM

gregh

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Well I work for Compaq so I'd recommend their laptops, the 100 is on Jungle and seems to be good for the price.

Greg

Nov 13, 2000 | 02:13 PM

AllanB

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Compaq, Toshiba and HP are all goo and offer great value. Give me an idea of the spec you are looking for and I should be able to help you out and get you a good deal.

AllanB

Nov 14, 2000 | 08:35 AM

Doofus

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Cheers for all your help ..

Now waiting to see if the missus' cash turns up

Thanks again,
Doofus.

Nov 14, 2000 | 12:48 PM

Cunning Linguss

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Just been through all the hassle of finding one for a mate. He had a bigger budget hough - and got a one for £1750

Good place to try for lower priced ones is:

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Nov 14, 2000 | 04:45 PM

gregh

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Doofus,

Some things to consider.

What is more important to her/you:

1. Battery life
2. Weight/size
3. Functionality - everything in one box, or plug in CD-ROM/floppy/etc
4. Speed

cheers,

Greg

Nov 14, 2000 | 06:34 PM

DavidRB

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As it's a laptop, the screen is very important. There are two main types, TFT (Thin Film Transistor) and HPA (High Performance Addressing). TFT is the more expensive, but better quality, I think they're all "Active TFT" now. HPA might save you money, but could leave you with a machine that your wife can't use for long without eye strain, so go for TFT.

I agree with gregh's list, although I would put RAM in place of processor speed. IMHO, Windows gains more from extra RAM than a faster processor. Extra RAM in a laptop also improves battery life as there is less disk swapping.

If you can, get a second battery and a second power lead. Very useful to have a spare battery in your bag. As long as it's charged.

Nov 15, 2000 | 06:35 AM

#10

sunilp

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Nov 15, 2000 | 09:06 AM

#11

Doofus

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Cheers!!!

Basically for under a grand it looks like I can pick up a Compaq, Toshiba or HP.

They all have a similar spec and it seems 64MB DRAM (upgradeable obviously)is the best I can get for under the grand.

They all have TFT screens and similar processors (AMD K6-2 533, Celeron 550 etc) and all have about 6 Gig memory.

All she really uses it for Word and some surfing, she also runs a few music packages on it though.

I had decided on one with more RAM as I know how slow disk swapping can be (I work on a product that runs on 32MB and a 133 MHz processor and once the software is loaded is already into virtual memory).

Cheers for the website sunilp I'll check it out now.

Thanks for your help.
Doofus.

Nov 15, 2000 | 04:53 PM

#12

Peter Ford

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Always consider the laptops avalable at whsmiths- Pad of paper availe for 99p, and also upgradle to lined pad of paper at an extra cost. Pens come in a multitude of colours like the apple imac, and you can also get the reusable version that comes with tip ex.