Laptop advice please

[Jediboy]

Hi,

My PC is on it's last legs so I am going to treat myself to a new laptop. I don't know much about laptops or computers so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

My main use will be for Internet, iTunes and editing my photos using elements 9.
With this in mind is there anything in particular I need to look out for? What sort of processor, RAM, memory etc etc?

Thanks again,

Chris.

[silversnapper1]

Hi Chris,

You don't say what your budget is but, with my limited knowledge, I would say that you would want one of the newer processors, say i3, i5 or i7, as much RAM as you can afford but a minimum of 4Gb and as big a hard disc as you can afford as you will soon fill up a smill hard drive. as you can afford

[Jediboy]

Thanks Steve. Appreciate the advice. Budget wise I've not really made my mind up. £500 tops. Would love a MacBook but can't justify the huge expense.
Got some research to do.

Cheers

Chris

[silversnapper1]

Yeah Chris, I was looking to replace mine recently. Specced a Dell up to about £8/900 and then decided that I would stick with what I've got. I was looking at the macs too but, like you, couldn't justify the expense. Just as well really as the wife spotted a 3 piece that she liked and the money has gone now. lol

[OldBoy]

There are some great laptops around at present at around £400 plus. Check this out at Dabs: http://www.dabs.com/products/toshiba...15-6-7BH9.html

Remember a laptop isn't going to be as good as a full PC, but they can be useful and handy to carry round. Also, with USB ports it's easy to connect a external harddisk for extra storage.

[Jediboy]

I've just got back from the shops. There are some good laptops out there but I'm still drawn to the MacBook. Damn.
Cheers Oldboy. I'll have a look.

[OldBoy]

Macs are very dear and always have been, but when I brought my last laptop a Toshiba 3GHz it cost £1,500.

I've always preferred Windows to Macs, and find you have more choice with parts and been cheaper aswell. If money is tight then you could consider the iPad for about £500. http://www.dabs.com/products/apple-i...QP.html?q=iPad

The small screen may put you off and it's only 32gb SSD. Not sure if you can connect a external harddrive, and may not be able to use your software even if you have the Mac version.

[MattUK]

I've personally had bad experiences with Dabs, so would recommend Scan - but that's just me.

Anyway, looks like a few I3 or I5s in your budget range:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Shop/Computer-...lus-Display-i5

Asus K72F-TY201V 17.3 i3-330 4GB 320GB Windows 7HP DVD Super Multi - this is sub £500

There are a couple of others just over £500, but don't include Windows (so add another £60 or so for Win 7)

[MattUK]

Originally Posted by OldBoy

If money is tight then you could consider the iPad for about £500.

The small screen may put you off and it's only 32gb SSD. Not sure if you can connect a external harddrive, and may not be able to use your software even if you have the Mac version.

Yeah, no mouse, can't run software such as Elements, small screen, no external HD, can't view flash, can't do anything you're looking for....

But on the plus side, they look soooo pretty

[Jediboy]

Cheers guys. Appreciate the help. May up the budget a bit just to get what I need. I've got a few weeks before I need to buy so there is no rush. And maybe I can find a bit more money to put down.
Thanks

Chris