Converting

[Tina]

i've decided for what i use a  computer for I can't justify a Mac So been looking at winodws conputers. I like the look of Toshiba, or is samsung better? What price do I need to pay for a 'good' laptop? Thanks

[Steve]

Have you looked at 2nd hand Macs Tina?

http://www.usedmac.org.uk/auctions/used-macbook-auctions/

[Technical Ben]

What price range, and screen size is best for you?

[Tina]

Price range up to about £600 tops. Screen size about 3.3 inches

[Glenn]

3.3 inches    Do you mean 13.3 inches, Tina?

Price range up to about £600 tops. Screen size about 3.3 inches

[Tina]

LOL yes I do .. just checking you're all awake

[cavillas]

Price range up to about £600 tops. Screen size about 3.3 inches

With that size screen an Iphone would be ideal

[Rik]

I'd go Samsung, Tina.

[Tina]

Thanks Rik Would I be better going for a specific model or any samsung? Would I get a better laptop paying more money oer isn't it like that ?

Here is some I've seen - do you like any of them? HERE
i may have to get one out of my catloague or else I'll be saving for a long time, and this little notebook really hurts my eyes (eye sight failing in left eye)

[Rik]

I don't know their current range, Tina, but I have a Samsung netbook and it's been very good, brilliant screen and long battery life. Obviously, the more you can pay, the better the machine. Look for 3-4GB RAM, 250GB or better HD and the fastest processor you can.

http://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/product/details/show.action?pdLpUid=SU691&pdBoUid=4980&lpgUid=11140266#colour:,size:

would be my choice...

[Tina]

That is the one I had my eye on

[Rik]

Google the model, see if you can find a better price, Tina.

[Glenn]

If you can afford £606, this Samsung looks a good deal http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Samsung_Q430-JU01UK_Core_i5_Laptop_NP-Q430-JU01UK/version.asp

[Tina]

Ok while I make a  decision which one to go for lets talk about things I need on it

I will use Firefox - used to it and like it
I've got avast on this little notebook - will that be OK still?
Will it come with lots of stuff on it I don't need?
What do I need?
Do you need to defrag still?
is windows 7 better than x ( I find xp slow )


Sorry never really done windows and feel out of my depth

[Rik]

No problem.
Yes
Yes - but some of it is actually useful
Very little other than your installation disks for any software you want to install (or downloaded installers)
I do, others say it's unnecessary
I find 7 a bit frustrating as it hides many of the system functions from me. Personally, I don't think it's faster than XP, but I've only got it on the laptop so can't do a direct comparison.

[Glenn]

You will find it very hard to buy a new Windows laptop/PC with anything other than Windows 7 installed.

[D-Dan]

If you wanted to save some money (and get a more powerful system into the bargain) you could always go down the "No OS" route and install Linux (Linux Mint is great for new users).

Spotted this at Novatech - http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/laptop/range/nspire2410.html - amongst others, which beats the Samsung spec hands down and costs £160 less.

[Simon]

Or buy XP as an OEM disc from someone like Ebuyer.  A new XP will be much faster than an old bloated out one. 

[Rik]

I resemble that remark! 

[Glenn]

£120 for an 11 year old OS   http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132195

I have several copies of Dell supplied XP Pro here still sealed in their packets.

[Simon]

How much, Glenn??   Last time I checked, XP OEM was about £40.

[Glenn]

£75 - XP home
£120 - XP Pro

Both OEM versions

[Rik]

Ouch. MS don't want to sell many copies, do they.

[Glenn]

I think MS don't want to sell any copies.

[Simon]

You can get it for less than £50 on Amazon.