Buying a laptop

kinmel · Apr 29, 2008, 19:40:51

I am definitely not a laptop person, my own is 5 years old and rarely used.

My brother-in-law is not interested in computers (imagine ! ), but now needs to keep in contact with family who are moving to the Dominican Republic.

So, advice please on which laptop to buy. It needs to have a built-in webcam, and will probably only be used for surfing, email, skype and a messenger like video conference program. There will definitely be no cpu intensive programs used.

Rik · Apr 29, 2008, 19:47:29

Macbook?

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=295434&CatId=2984

HP

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=288208&CatId=0

Wingco1 · Apr 29, 2008, 19:47:39

Suggestion
http://www.shoplaptop.co.uk/pp/Toshiba_Satellite_Pro_Laptops/Toshiba_Satellite_Pro_L40_Series/Toshiba_Satellite-Pro_L40-17F-PSL4BE-00R005EN.html

No "Built In" webcam but obviously can be added.

Rik · Apr 29, 2008, 19:48:32

It's strange, a while ago, every laptop had the webcam built in, now they don't seem to.

Glenn · Apr 29, 2008, 19:52:59

Whats the budget for the laptop?

Glenn · Apr 29, 2008, 20:13:23

various makes here http://www.microdirect.co.uk/productlister.aspx?&n=3,33&se=webcam&s=13

john · Apr 29, 2008, 20:16:30

I know some people are not keen but Dell laptops are quite competitive. You can get a basic machine for arounf £330 + £20 for a webcam delivered, which should meet your needs.

I've got a Dell laptop and I bought both my daughters one too. They've both been fine.

kinmel · Apr 29, 2008, 20:58:05

Quote from: Glenn on Apr 29, 2008, 19:52:59
Whats the budget for the laptop?

What it takes, but it need not be top spec, apart from the webcam which he wants built-in

Sebby · Apr 29, 2008, 21:02:08

I quite like the Acer range. They seem to be reasonably priced, quite stylish and well-equipped. To be honest, if you go for a decent brand, it should be fine.

The only notebooks I'm not particularly keen on are Dells. I like their desktops, but I find their laptops are poor quality compared with offerings from the major manufacturers.

This site might be of interest.

Glenn · Apr 29, 2008, 21:27:09

I find the Dell Latitude D620 & D630's to be very good. I have never had a motherboard or screen replaced on the 100 or so we have at work. The are not suitable for Kinmel's request though, no webcam

Sebby · Apr 29, 2008, 22:19:21

Funny you should say that actually. My work laptop is a Latitude D620 and I quite like it!

Dangerjunkie · Apr 30, 2008, 13:49:30

I too have had good experiences with my last laptop (an Acer) and my latest one (a Dell.) Toshiba have worked well for us at work in the past too. I would never buy a Sony (personal dislike of the company and lack of confidence in their products.) Those choices assume you want a Windows machine or one you could install Linux on later. If I was buying as an ordinary user I would probably buy an Apple now.

If the budget is there you may be better off with one of the more expensive Dells. I know you don't really need the power but the bigger machines tend to still have Windows XP as an option rather than the Russian-roulette experience many people have had with Vista. That being said I know a couple of people for whom Vista works well. The question is "Do you feel lucky?" The other thing to consider is that at present there are far more people around that can help fix a broken XP system than can help with a Vista system.

How important are the size of the screen and the size/weight of the machine to your friend? Would he like a small 13" screen in a sleek, ultraportable machine, a more normal 15" machine that comes in at about 2.5kg or something that's heavy but has a really big 17" screen?

Good luck,
Paul.

Gary · Apr 30, 2008, 14:02:19

Quote from: Dangerjunkie on Apr 30, 2008, 13:49:30
I too have had good experiences with my last laptop (an Acer) and my latest one (a Dell.) Toshiba have worked well for us at work in the past too. I would never buy a Sony (personal dislike of the company and lack of confidence in their products.) Those choices assume you want a Windows machine or one you could install Linux on later. If I was buying as an ordinary user I would probably buy an Apple now.

If the budget is there you may be better off with one of the more expensive Dells. I know you don't really need the power but the bigger machines tend to still have Windows XP as an option rather than the Russian-roulette experience many people have had with Vista. That being said I know a couple of people for whom Vista works well. The question is "Do you feel lucky?" The other thing to consider is that at present there are far more people around that can help fix a broken XP system than can help with a Vista system.

How important are the size of the screen and the size/weight of the machine to your friend? Would he like a small 13" screen in a sleek, ultraportable machine, a more normal 15" machine that comes in at about 2.5kg or something that's heavy but has a really big 17" screen?

Good luck,
Paul.

I have no issue wit Sony as a company and never had a problem with their products, other than pc/laptops which are over priced and bloated with software, I think a macbook would be good, anything but that mac air thing and you would be getting a great machine.

Rik · Apr 30, 2008, 14:06:25

I've heard some horror stories about Vaio screens failing, but only second-hand, so I don't know how much to believe them. My Acer has been reliable, my Evesham was rubbish, my Toshiba kept getting HD problems.

kinmel · Apr 30, 2008, 16:01:10

Thanks for all the replies.

I think I will start by looking at the Acers - 15", Windows XP if possible, and go from there

Rik · Apr 30, 2008, 16:03:15

Let us know what you decide on, Alan, and we'll all tell you why it's wrong.

Sebby · Apr 30, 2008, 17:00:04

I used to buy Sony notebooks, but wouldn't again. They may look nice, but I don't believe the high price is justified anymore. I found thei support to be frustrating, and the quality of their models are no better than the others (made in China).

Rik · Apr 30, 2008, 17:01:24

It's why I prefer buying desktops, Sebby. At least you can assemble the 'best of breed' components that you want, rather than having to buy a 'best fit' bundle.

madasahatter · Apr 30, 2008, 17:04:40

Quote from: kinmel on Apr 30, 2008, 16:01:10
Thanks for all the replies.

I think I will start by looking at the Acers - 15", Windows XP if possible, and go from there

you shouldn't be disappointed Alan - my Acer laptop is fine - no bother at all

psp83 · Apr 30, 2008, 17:04:46

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/product/437816/ACER-5920G-302G25MI/tab/specification

I have this one, Using it now to reply here. Its a very good laptop, best one i've had. Has a built in webcam (excellent quality)

kinmel · Apr 30, 2008, 17:06:34

Quote from: Rik on Apr 30, 2008, 17:01:24
It's why I prefer buying desktops, Sebby. At least you can assemble the 'best of breed' components that you want, rather than having to buy a 'best fit' bundle.

Me too, but can't convince him of that.

Rik · Apr 30, 2008, 17:08:23

Bring him here, Alan, we'll do our best.

Gary · Apr 30, 2008, 20:06:29

Quote from: Rik on Apr 30, 2008, 14:06:25
I've heard some horror stories about Vaio screens failing, but only second-hand, so I don't know how much to believe them. My Acer has been reliable, my Evesham was rubbish, my Toshiba kept getting HD problems.

I had two Vaio desktops Rik and both failed with motherboard issues, they are hyped beyond belief by film advertising, to be honest if I wanted all that on a machine I would get a desktop.....which I did

Rik · Apr 30, 2008, 20:07:04

So it's back to the abacus then?

Gary · Apr 30, 2008, 20:10:22

Quote from: Rik on Apr 30, 2008, 20:07:04
So it's back to the abacus then?

Oh yes with shiny beads,

Acer make some good machine and Justina's Toshiba laptop scren failed, I think its hard to get quality in pretty much anything electrical unless you pay for B&O Arcam, Roksan Lynn, and of course for washing machines Melie