Laptop spec help

Arterion · 23 May 2006 at 03:38

Hi all,

I don't really know lots about laptops, and was hoping someone here could point me in the right direction. Basically, i'm looking for something with a 14.1 or 15 inch screen which will happily play DVDs and some basic games, command and conquers, jedi knight, maybe UT2k3/4 at a push. I'm trying to spend as LITTLE MONEY AS POSSIBLE.

What sort of spec should I be looking out for, or better still can someone suggest a make/model? Don't mind 2nd hand or refurbed.

Cheers!

Madwelsh · 23 May 2006 at 04:06

hi there, similar question.. I got 400-500 to spend, graphics not important, it's a lappy for my folks.. (who have zip all knowledge) however, I'd like something they can learn on, and something that'll last a couple of years. Probably used for playing dvd's and surfing web, maybe the odd vid cam session on msn.. anyone got any ideas?

TY

Styles · 23 May 2006 at 09:09

To be honest for £400-£500 you'll be able to get an excellent laptop for your folks. I always found it better to look in a couple of shops at laptops to get a good idea of size and feel of them before deciding exactly what I want.

Again, for the first point you can get a very very cheap laptop that will do what you stated above. You can go for the onboard graphics, but I wouldn't recommend this. Very cheap nowadays are the bottom of the range ATI Xpress mobile graphics cards, which will perform up to and beyond what you need it for. What is your maximum budget.

I will try and find some models that suit your needs.

Styles · 23 May 2006 at 09:12

From Other Post,

Dell Inspiron 1300
Intel Celeron M Processor 380 (1.60 GHz, 1MB L2 Cache, 400 MHz FSB)
768mb Ram
40GB (5.400rpm) Hard Drive
15.4inch WXGA (1280x800) LCD Panel
8X DVD+/-RW with Software
6 Cell 56Whr Primary Battery
Dell™ Wireless 1370 802.11b/g Mini PCI Card

£498.87 inc vat

Acer Aspire 3004WLMi
AMD Sempron 3100+ - As powerful as P4 2.8GHz, 15% faster than 3000+
512MB DDR SDRAM
60GB Hard Drive
DVD Dual Layer Drive
15.4" WXGA Widescreen TFT Screen
Integrated wireless 802.11b/g
3 USB 2.0 Sockets
1.5-hour Battery Life
Weight 2.8kg

£479.95 inc vat

Arterion · 23 May 2006 at 09:35

I guess my maximum spend needs to be around the £500-£550 Mark. Thanks for that, I'm not sure Celerons are the way to go, because let's face it, they suck. The Acer would be nice if it wasn't for the crappy integrated graphics- would probably better off with an ATi 7500 than that SiS thing wouldnt I?