Laptop Choices

[Will]

I'm looking for a laptop, mostly for Uni work. I was originally going to go with a MacBook, but TdC suggested a Sony Vaio instead. I'm tempted, but their range isn't exactly easy to get my head around. Which one should I be looking at (E?, CW?) and what sort of spec is good for the price?

 

[Ch3tan]

Sony is just as bad as apple for their overcharging.

Go Lenovo.

 

[Will]

Can I get some model suggestions and shit?

 

[Ch3tan]

What is your budget?

 

[Will]

As little as possible, but I guess around £800

 

[Ch3tan]

That's high, you can get quite a lush laptop for that much.

Try http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/

 

[DaGaffer]

I've had a few Vaios and while they look nice, Sony have a nasty habit of doing bespoke shit to the BIOS and OS which cause all kinds of headaches if you want to upgrade. Their customer service is also lamentable.

I'd be quite tempted by this

 

[Will]

Not bad, but I'd like a larger screen than that. And to be honest, its a bit flashy.

 

[MYstIC G]

Get a Dell. They're solid and reliable.

 

[inactionman]

Yeah, seeing some good deals on Dell's currently. You may want to look at a studio 17.

 

[MYstIC G]

Try this. You can shave £30 off if you don't want bluetooth.

Edit: lol, love it inactionman

 

[taB]

I bought: Asus UL30 laptops < £349 - The Carphone Warehouse

after reading:
Asus UL30A - Overclockers UK Forums

It seems to work very nicely and you'll have lots of money left for beer. HDMI goes into my tele and runs iplayer / films n stuff well. Only game I've played so far is Vampire: Masquerade though. No DVD drive. Also, use quidco for another £17 off.

 

[Will]

The Asus is tempting.

For the Dells, why a Studio over an Inspiron? I could save a bit of cash if I went cheaper.

 

[Wazzerphuk]

Pretty pleased with my Dell too tbh. Very usable, unlike a lot of other laptops. Small details.

 

[MYstIC G]

No reason, you said £800 mark so I went with £800 mark. Dad has a D630 and it still runs great. Nothing wrong with that Asus either tbh.

Personally if you have no idea, you'd do well to look at: A-List Award Winners | PC Pro

 

[old.user4556]

My sister, my missus, her sister and her mum all have Dells. They seem very nice to use, nicely made, understated but classy at the same time. If I had to buy a laptop it would be a Dell just out of experience, but I don't know what else is out there so my opinion is biased.

 

[DaGaffer]

We've all got newish Dells in my office (Latitude E6500); look nice, good screen and they're powerful enough, but several of us have had issues with wonky battery connections (not charging properly) and erratic wi-fi (something to do with undock problems), so I'm less than impressed by Dell at the moment

 

[Bodhi]

You will get a shit hot Samsung for that sort of budget, and they are cracking laptops. I've had one for 18 months now, has been hammered daily for work and is still trucking away. Runs UT3 a treat and all

Samsung R580-JS05UK Core i5 Laptop in Red NP-R580-JS05UK - Laptops Direct

That's the new version of what I've got. Highly recommended.

 

[Will]

The Dell builder is pretty frustrating. I want the basic processor, but I want a 9-cell battery. For some reason, this isn't an option on the Studio 15. FFS.

 

[Ch3tan]

Call them. You'll be able to haggle as well.

 

[Will]

Meh. Haggling = lose.

 

[Embattle]

Which ever laptop you get just remember to unload all the shit on it. This article appeared in PCPRO last year - The Crapware Con | Analysis | Features | PC Pro

 

[Wazzerphuk]

Which ever laptop you get just remember to unload all the shit on it. This article appeared in PCPRO last year - The Crapware Con | Analysis | Features | PC Pro

Dell appear to do well then. I have to say, I barely noticed any crapware. Didn't have that dock thing that they talked about on that site. The only thing I've needed or wanted to remove from it is McAfee because it's utter shite.

 

[Madmaxx]

You will get a shit hot Samsung for that sort of budget, and they are cracking laptops. I've had one for 18 months now, has been hammered daily for work and is still trucking away. Runs UT3 a treat and all

Samsung R580-JS05UK Core i5 Laptop in Red NP-R580-JS05UK - Laptops Direct

That's the new version of what I've got. Highly recommended.

Same with me, Ive been reading about these one's and very tempted to get one tbh !

 

[Ch3tan]

Meh. Haggling = lose.

Meh. You don't ask, you don't get. there are always offers that are not advertised.

 

[Cadelin]

I'm looking for a laptop, mostly for Uni work. I was originally going to go with a MacBook, but TdC suggested a Sony Vaio instead. I'm tempted, but their range isn't exactly easy to get my head around. Which one should I be looking at (E?, CW?) and what sort of spec is good for the price?

What does your uni work involve?

If you will want portability and good battery life don't let someone convince you to get something with high specs...

If you have the budget and are looking for a laptop that is portable then I would go for the macbook.

 

[Yaka]

or he could get the dell mini lappy which is being discontinued and can be had for £190 from dell outlet and it runs osx snow leopard fine. far cheaper than a proper lappy carrying ab apple badge

http://www.mydellmini.com/forum/

 

[xane]

I'll second the Dell, I've ordered at least 5 of them for various family members, and been impressed with all of them, great value for the price. None have the crapware installed, and all have worked perfectly for a number of years. My dad's older Inspiron has a 17" widescreen and looked ace when he got it, I'd definitely go for 17".

Lenovo are very good quality, and I also got hold of an old Toshiba Portege cheap from work, if their current range is anything as good I'd consider them too.

I'd also agree Sony are as bad as Apple on making expensive nice looking underpowered paper weights.

 

[Will]

My Uni work involes mostly Word. My priorities are battery life, portability, a decent keyboard and a decent screen that doesn't hurt my eyes.

My shortlist at the moment is the MacBook, Sony Vaio Y-series (less so following the comments), the more realistic Dell Studio 15 or Inspiron 15 (though I could be persuaded by the 17 if the price is right). I'll have a look at Lenovo too.

 

[MYstIC G]

Then chop bits out of the 17. I put in a Blu-ray.