Complete novice needs help buying PC laptop

[whiskygalore]

I know absolutely nothing about computer specifications and was hoping I would never have to, but as I now have to purchase a laptop, I don't want to end up with a white elephant that Currys is trying to offload.  Too many stupid questions to post here, so would be grateful to receive recommendations as to a website that can give me the basics of what makes a laptop and also specific reviews?  I know I could Google this but it's quicker to ask here! Thanks in advance.

[QmunkE]

How much do you have to spend? And what do you plan on using this laptop for? Without at least those facts, it's tough to advise.

As for websites, manufacturers such as Dell or Sony will detail the specs, and then you can just compare them. With the exception of the cost, higher numbers are generally going to mean a better machine.

[whiskygalore]

Can spend up to �750 for new, �550 for used - will be using mainly for work and in the long term may need to access work's network and my work e-mail remotely, but again have no idea whether the laptop needs to have anything specific in order to make this work!  The only personal use will be for my MP3 player and internet access (hoping to get wireless access if possible for the funds i have to spend).

[QmunkE]

Check out ebay - for �550 you should be able to pick up a decent machine. Keep an eye out on sales that are just ending and again, just compare numbers when it comes to spec. For what you want to do, you won't need a top-of-the-range laptop.

[ian.miller]

you don't even need Ebay, if all you are doing is office stuff (internet and docs etc) then you don't need to be spending more than �750 new, and you can get a lot for �600 nowadays.

i have just spent the last 2 months buried in "what laptop" and the like and you can get a lot for your money now, I only paid a lot more as I wanted DVD burning ang decent enough graphics for games plus a few other niceities (sp?)

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asp/dealoftheweek.asp

is a good indication, bottom 2 are very good value.

The rule is you pay for something, so it's either:

Cheap and heavy and not that well specced
Medium price - small and light and under specced
Medium price - well speced
Very expensive - all of small, light and well specced.

But as a rule - aim for :

About 3kg
2hrs battery life minimum
Centrino if you can get it
256mb RAM minimum and 512mb if you can.

But even if you get a 256mb lappy you can upgrade it yourself to 512 for under �50.

On that site - check out the Acer Aspire 1362LMi, seems good all rounder - �615 inc VAT

But also check out What laptop group reviews at certain price points, good mag but boring as hell to read more that 2 issues.

Any questions, just post them up.

[TEAK36]

For �750 you can get a top spec Laptop from WWW.Tiny.com. one I am thinking of buying has the following specs, all for �749.

AMD 64 Processor

1024MB RAM.

80GB HD

DVD RW Drive

6 X USB 2 Ports

[ian.miller]

Teak - what model is that, I had a look and couldn't see anything with that spec at that price - not for more.

Do you mean inc of VAT too ?

AMD processers laptops are generally a lot heavier, great performance but are more for desktop replacements that aren't going to be moved a lot.

Plus at �749 INC VAT you are probably going to get integrated graphics which will be useless for gaming but Ok for office apps only, so haveing a beefy processer and stacks of RAM and H/D space might be pointless if you are after games machine.