New Laptop needed - what should I buy?

The Graphics chip issue was on a certain Nvidea Graphics Card range. Most of the laptop's out now from HP have moved away from that range and onto better models.

The Graphics Card was repairable, but did not always last long once repaired.

I have had a good hunt around and come up with the following machine, due to a couple of deals HP are current running you will actually be able to get it Sub £500 (too my suprise)

http://h40059.www4.hp.com/uk/commercial-laptops/product.php?id=WT138EA&experience=direct

It's a HP 620 Dual Core processor (all be it previous generation), 4Gb RAM, 320Gb Hard Drive currently down to £422 +VAT (normally £455 +VAT) but with an additional £50 cash back this brings it back into your price range with the VAT included. Vitally it is also suppied with Windows 7 x64 (64-bit) which is a MUST have for 4Gb of RAM a 32-bit Windows will not be able to benefit from the extra memory. I cannot match this price, even with reseller discounts!!

It is slightly below what I would normally specify for a business laptop - but it is still the best deal I can see for your budget.

Martin

P.S. For any doubters of my previous suggestions my suggested budget increase was merely an extra £50 to £100 but was apparently enough to get some people's knickers into a twist....

This one looks good , Asus Eee PC 1008HA

Well that's true and only to be expected when some people talk total drivel.

Gel

I'd highly recommend Samsung - I had an R519 which was fab, I've now got an R530 and my daughter has the 519. It's a powerful machine - 3GB ram, 500GB hard drive, very quick, built in Web cam etc, and comes in well below your budget. It's also got a nice red shiny top and the rest of it is silver rather than boring black!

Hi Victoria

Have you had a look at some of the Samsung offers for laptops.

Can't agree more with the remarks about HP. Just don't make the mistake to mix up business lines with consumer models.

Dell in my book a mixed bag. Advent is not a manufacturer but a brand exclusive to DSG Retail (=PC world, Dixons, Curry) In short: Avoid. Lenovo took over the IBM Thinkpad brand a while ago.

Agree with Martin Horswood, £500 does not give you a reliable workhorse, we have these cheaper laptops in the workshop all the time. A total lifespan under 24 months is common. Sorry Gel, I think you are wrong.

Bit surprised about Geoffs idea of fixed pricing at PC World or Amazon, the latter changes pricing almost daily, PC World in my book pretty much the worst place where to buy. Must be a misunderstanding of sorts.

And now the words everybody expects from me:

If you want it to "just work", get an Apple MacBook. 

7 hours battery time, no viruses exist, expected technological lifespan 4 -5 years.  In the same time frame you will get through 2 Windows laptops at least. Wake up from sleep in less than 2 secs (anybody else? Really?) Not in pink, but a very clean design. From £867 and well beyond though, I know.

Now let the real battle begin  

An interesting thread for me as I'm also looking to replace my laptop, well actually to get a second unit. My current laptop is an advent and has been pretty much foolproof for the last 3 years in spite of being chucked in bags and carried all over the world as well as regularly being carried on the motorbike. I'm interested in the idea of a Mac although a bit pricey I do hear lots of good things about them.

One question for Michael though: I've been running a Windows system for years and all my documents, powerpoints etc are all windows. How would I go with running these on a Mac? I also get training material from clients for me to deliver, this is always provided in powerpoint and word format, could I run these on a Mac? 

So what you are saying is any laptop for general use, under £500 is a waste of time and money?

Gel

I've got to say that I agree with Michael here.

I've already decided that my next laptop is the Macbook pro 13", basically because they just work!

So other laptops don't work then?

Gel

Not in the same way that a Mac does.

Ultimately this all comes down to personal preference, & I'm just stating mine. I've worked with Windows laptops for a long time, have seen the newer versions of Mac in action & after due consideration have decided that, for me, it's a Mac next time.

And Vic did ask for opinions.

Cheers

Craig

What I was trying to say was that the SPEC is fixed. i.e. No opportunity to upgrade the processor, 4Gb rather than 3Gb etc. The pricing does change regularly but if you know what you want I reckon that Amazon in particular is keen on price a lot of the time. Having said all that, when I need to buy I usually buy from a source where I can specify my exact requirements!

Unless you can find a supplier you can trust, or is trusted by someone you can trust, a major recognised supplier, (whether retail or manufacturer) is better than risking £500 with a complete unknown.

Preferably with a budget of £500 or less was the question asked.

Ex

I need a new Dishwasher, my budget is £350, I dont need to be told that a super duper thingybob, highperforming  Bosch, Whirlpool or whatever costing £1100 is what I should be buying., I.ve got £350. I want to know what  is the best machine for that money,

Gel

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