laptops

[peppermum]

I'm wanting to buy a new laptop, approx �400-�500, I don't need it for games, just Internet, Microsoft office type things, Photographs etc. I haven't a clue about dual core or whatever processors, on the whole I know the higher Ram & Rom and CPU speed are better but thats it. Any suggestions about which Make is best value
Julie

[trish432]

Toshiba are always recommended on this site.
This one sounds ok for your needs, it`s only 1GB of ram memory, but I`m running vista ultmate with 1GB and no problem with speed.
There`s also a number to ring for offer to double the ram.

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Toshiba_Satelli te_Pro_L300-1FK_Laptop_PSLB9E-02U003EN/version .asp

[VHG]

Well generaly higher RAM (memory) is better, 2Gb (Gigabyte) should be enough.

Ignore ROM that is an acronym you have obviously picked up from somewhere but does not effect laptop performance.

It used to be true that higher CPU speed was better, but in these days of dual core and quad core and memory cache that is not always true (a higher CPU speed could actualy be a worse CPU than one of a lower speed).

In fact todays CPUs run a lot slower than ones of a few years ago (because they were getting too hot).

Hence the need for dual core (half the speed, double the cores). We now have quad core of curse.

That is enough technical mumbo jumbo, my next append gives you some things to consider when buying your laptop.

[VHG]

If all you are going to do is internet and Office type work then almost ANY laptop you buy nowadays will be good enough for that, so dont get too bogged down in techncial specs.

Things to consider are:

Get a good reliable make, not a no-name cheapo from a supermarket or PC World.

If you are going to carry it round a lot consider the weight, which will be important. Go for a 15" or so screen.

If it is going to be in one place most of the time consider a 17" screeen, more desktop.

If you are going to be on the road a lot then battery life is important.

Dont buy one with Vista Home Basic, go for Vista Home Premium (more goodies). Note that Vista Business has many "home" type applications missing so dont go for that if you may use them.

The things above are probably more important than if it has a slightly faster CPU than another laptop.

[ACtheTROLL]

I rarely chose for others ... I prefer the set a budget and read a few PC magazines - go and play with a few

BUT
at the moment dell it seems is being taken over by Microsoft

they've had a massive drop in sales (as has everyone)

but because of that - there are some good offers
http://www.dell.co.uk/home/laptops

�400 should get you a good general purpose machine
with enough of everything

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/pro ductdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-1545?c=uk&cs= ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

[indie_chick5]

You should look at the very samll notebook type laptops they have now, perfect for simply word processing, internet and photos, especially the first two. I wish I had got one, so convienient and portable and great for travelling or moving around the house a lot.

[barry1010]

As you want it for photographs, the bigger the screen the better, and unless you have very small hands a small netbook is going to be uncomfortable for word processing.