Laptop for £1200

markwombat · 11 Jun 2006 at 16:51

Hi guys,

just quickly what is the best laptop i can get for £1200?? Time for a new toy and I want the best money can buy.

Thanks in advance

Matt · 11 Jun 2006 at 17:02

Apple MacBook Pro 15inch

or

Apple MacBook 13inch with loads of upgrades

Apple education discount on laptops is approx 15%, so remember to factor that in if you're able to get it!

markwombat · 11 Jun 2006 at 17:15

I was looking for a "non-mac" approach. I'm looking at the Toshiba Pro P100 PSPa4E T2400 any views?

Matt · 11 Jun 2006 at 17:24

markwombat said:
I was looking for a "non-mac" approach. I'm looking at the Toshiba Pro P100 PSPa4E T2400 any views?

Do you really want such a large machine? Personally i take the approach of a laptop needing to be as portable as possible, which a 17inch one is not (if i've got the right model). Though Toshiba do make well made kit i guess

What's the reason for the non-Apple thinking? I'm by no means an Apple only person, as i have Windows machine too, and have done for a long time

I'm just interested in hearing why you've ruled them out so quickly.

hp7909 · 11 Jun 2006 at 17:29

Alienware?

markwombat · 11 Jun 2006 at 17:40

I have ruled out Apples because I am running Windows Software and have zero experience with Mac's.

Looked at Alienware, whats the best for £1200.

hp7909 · 11 Jun 2006 at 17:54

Don't know, because 1200 doesn't seem to take you very far with Alienware. Also it depends on what you plan to use the machine for? If you say Video Editing, then I'd also suggest you look into the Apples :cool:

Matt · 11 Jun 2006 at 17:55

markwombat said:
I have ruled out Apples because I am running Windows Software and have zero experience with Mac's.

Looked at Alienware, whats the best for £1200.

The current Intel Mac's run Windows if you want, and they run it perfectly

But i doubt you'd use it after trying OS X

I booted into Windows on my MacBook for the first time since i installed it, and i hate it now!

spirit · 11 Jun 2006 at 18:05

Matt said:
The current Intel Mac's run Windows if you want, and they run it perfectly

But i doubt you'd use it after trying OS X I booted into Windows on my MacBook for the first time since i installed it, and i hate it now!

but they dont have two click buttons, the speakers dont turn off if you plug in headphones, the camera doesnt work, and other stuff (which ive forgotten)

so they don't quite work perfectly (all thats just from what i read).

I think the thinkpad x60 or something is quite light and nice.

it really depends what you want to do with the machine. if you want it to just sit on the desk or actually be portable.

Richdog · 11 Jun 2006 at 18:06

For £1300 you can get this: http://www.alienware.co.uk/product_...Code=PC-EU-LT-AR51M7700R1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

Has a Geforce Go 7900GTX. Eek. :eek:

spirit · 11 Jun 2006 at 18:09

Richdog said:
For £1300 you can get this: http://www.alienware.co.uk/product_...Code=PC-EU-LT-AR51M7700R1&SubCode=SKU-DEFAULT

Has a Geforce Go 7900GTX. Eek.

thats like 5-6kg with bat though isnt it, lol not that portable, plus appalling bat life. we need to know what/how hes gonna use it

bbreezeuk · 11 Jun 2006 at 18:12

Have a look through the dell xps range

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/nb_xps?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

markwombat · 11 Jun 2006 at 23:21

Hey guys thanks for the replies so far, it will mainly be used for acrhitecture work which will involve some heavy "auto-cadding" and also some sketch-up (3D rendering). Working with A1+ sized prints. Weight isn't really an issue to be honest. Never used a MAC before so not really feeling brave enough to jump ship yet.

Would I really be instantly converted to MAC if i did chose to go down that path?

what are the major MAC plus points?

Lots of questions but thanks so far.

bbreezeuk · 11 Jun 2006 at 23:23

markwombat said:
Would I really be instantly converted to MAC if i did chose to go down that path?

what are the major MAC plus points?

NO & NONE

leezer3 · 12 Jun 2006 at 00:19

bbreezeuk said:
NO & NONE

Grow up

Its all a matter of personal preference really. If you've had experince of a *NIX flavour in the past and liked it, then the Mac may well be for you- They have most of the commercial pro level apps that Linux lacks, as well as decent game support.
Major plus points- Mainly the inetegration of the system & the apps, and the little intuitive touches that are lacking with Windows.
I also love the ability to compile just about any Unix app on the Mac- Currently steeling myself for the full compile of Gnome

-Leezer-

Matt · 12 Jun 2006 at 00:33

markwombat said:
Would I really be instantly converted to MAC if i did chose to go down that path?

what are the major MAC plus points?

Lots of questions but thanks so far.

Personally i've been a Windows user for a LONG time (ie. 10yrs or so) and i got my MacBook a few weeks ago

I've found it VERY easy to convert to, and OS X and the Mac applications work in the way i want them to, unlike Windows. The problem is it's very difficult to know what it'll be like for you, you could go and try it in a shop and get a basic idea though.

Go over to the Mac forum if you have any more specific questions though (and to see lots of pictures of Mac's!)

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=10

What software packages do you use at the moment?

5tephen · 12 Jun 2006 at 14:36

The Dell Latitude D820. They've only been out 2 or 3 months now, really well built, superb battery life, excellent screen (high-res and very bright) and nVidia Quadro graphics for your workstation/CAD stuff. Hard-wearing too, it feels solid and will last for years imho.
I ordered one for a customer a couple of weeks back and I'm very impressed by it - very tempted to get one for myself