New laptop choice...

[mattfox]

I'm in the market for a new laptop but have had my current laptop for 4 years and my desktop for about the same so am not entirely up to speed with the new specs!

I keep coming back to this one sold by Amazon.co.uk:

http://tinyurl.com/5yqpep

Because 1) it's small and my current one is big, noisy and heavy, 2) it's around my budget 3) the spec seems to be pretty good for something of that size. I am a little concerned about the lack of a dedicated graphics card though as I'm using a Canon EOS 400D and the RAW images are 10MB or larger so will it manage? Its other functions will be less power intensive, such as web design or possibly a bit of video editing on a very basic level.

Any thoughts? Any similar sized/spec models?

Thanks in advance!

[Ethel]

I like it! I love my 3 year old Acer and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the brand.

You can buy it cheaper here:

http://tinyurl.com/6advw4

with the advantage of returning it to your local store within 28 days for a full refund.

http://direct.tesco.com/help/returns.aspx

[mattfox]

I have heard good things about Acer computers so it's good to hear that again!

I did look at Tesco.com but the processors are different: Tesco is the T5450 and Amazon has the T7300. I'm guessing bigger number means better?! I guess I need to weigh up whether the difference in numbers is worth the extra pennies....

[Ethel]

Sorry about that - I hadn't noticed.

But it might be worth while buying the Tesco one to see how you get on with the smaller keyboard and screen and so on.

You might find it more than adequate for your needs.

Good review here:

http://tinyurl.com/6ghutu

It's for sale in Comet - have a look before you decide.

[mattfox]

I always have the little thought in the back of my mind that if there's a model with a higher number, I have to get that one instead :) That's just me!!!

Thanks for the advice - I'd forgotten to check out Comet. I know someone that works there so I'll see if he's working tomorrow so I can have a good ol' test run!

Will post back with the findings .... !

Thanks

[fo3nix]

The graphics card will probably suffice. It's more the applications you're using.

Photoshop will be usable, but not amazing. Video editing apps will struggle more, but it'll probably still cope. Check the minimum requirements of the stuff you use.

Another thought -- for a little more than the model you link to (or the same price if you or a close relative is a student at uni), you could get an Apple MacBook. Very similar good specs, plus Mac OS X which is more friendly with the stuff you're wanting to do.

iMove knocks the socks off Windows' movie editing apps.

http://www.apple.com/macbook

(I think the prices are �700 for normal model, or �600 if a student. Note that the prices may be a little more, but it's worth it for less hassle overall than with other laptops and operating systems (I'm looking at you, Vista).)

[mattfox]

I have thought about going down the Mac route before. Maybe now is a good time to go for it!

Just out of interest, do you know what requirements there are for qualifying as a student? I did an Open University course last year but have had to put that on hold for a while but I still have an OU username and everything... would that suffice?

Also, I believe the would still run Windows (just to put my mind at ease while I make the transition...)?! :)

[fo3nix]

You need to order online, from the institution's network (you click the education store, and tell it what uni you're at, and it checks). This can be done either physically at uni (not sure how that works with open U?), or you can VPN in to the uni network.

For example, I'm at Lancaster University. I have a small amount of storage space on their servers, and other things. I can access this by using their VPN service to log in to the network remotely.

If you can do this, you should be able to access the education site. Try it and find out I guess (it's the second option on the education for individuals list, I think).

As for Windows: you have a few options. Either install Windows itself as another OS on the machine, to reboot into whenever you need to. Or use software like Parallels, which lets you run Windows software within Mac OS X itself, with good results (for most things: games still need their own dedicated system, no virtualisation).

But personally, I did the switch about 18 months ago. Installing Windows is an option, but if you don't have to, then don't. It also carries with it the risk of all sorts of viruses and issues that Windows automatically brings. Stick to Mac OS X. Almost all Windows software is either written for Mac OS X too, or has an equally good counterpart.

[mattfox]

Update :)

fo3nix - you have a lot to answer for! I now have my heart set on an Apple MacBook. I've only ever used PCs but am going to make that step!

Thanks for your help!