Thinking of getting a Laptop

[smurfchops]

I have always used an office size PC with keyboard and mouse as I find it easy to use. However my PC is now getting old, and things are beginning to break down. I am thinking of getting a laptop, possibly using with a mouse, but which make would be easiest for a layman like me? I would just use it for internet, putting on photos, ebay, etc. I have AOL on my PC at the moment, how would I go about using AOL on the laptop as well? Thanks all.

[hc4361]

If you intend using it as a desktop replacement and not moving it much, you can get very big laptops with the same keyboard as you already use. Easy to plug a mouse in to the usb port.
Otherwise 15" laptops have full size keyboards without a separate number pad.
Any 15" £300 laptop will suit you.
Just install the AOL software on it, as you did with the desktop.

[Rollo]

In my view it is worth paying a little extra for a 17 inch screen and the number pad on the right.

You also get better display of pictures etc.

Just my opinion.

[smurfchops]

Thanks guys :)

[manutdstott]

i had few laptops in my time the most reliable laptops in my opinion are toshibsa i have an acer now performs no where near as fast and smooth as my toshiba did, whatever you decide on, it might be worth just checking out the reviews on the web see what people say about it, as you probably know anyting you buy there are lots of reviews, especially on electronic products, good luck hope you buy wisely

[smurfchops]

Thanks, I will definitely buy in John Lewis but will go just for a look this week first.

[romko]

If you want reliability and comfort, I wouldn't get a laptop. Cramming all that electronics into a small thin case with poor airflow is not in the best interests of longevity. Used occasioanlly they can last quite a while, but they don't tend to stand up well to daily use and being left on, especially the batteries.

The screen and keyboard will amlost certainly be inferior to what you're used to, in size and comfort - these computers are designed for convenience and temporary work- on- the- move, not as a permanent solution.

Upgrading is also trickier and more expensive. Getting into a standard PC is childs play but opening a lap top is complex, fiddly, time consuming and usually requires then service manual. Off- the- shelf parts are not really an option, as each maker uses their own drives, batteries, fans etc - $$$. I know because I've done it a few times and it's no picnic!

[smurfchops]

Romco, I totally agree. But I am fed up with running upstaris to my PC every few minutes for every little thing I need to look up, it would be nicer to have a laptop by the TV to save my legs. I really don't like laptops as I am used to a mouse, and they do seem fiddly to me. YOu are now giving me second thoughts !!

[vulcan]

I find my setup extremely useful.My laptop is mounted on an expansion base and all additions,including a mouse and full size keyboard, are plugged into that. There is only one connection between the base and laptop, which can be quickly removed when I need the laptop "to go".The base raises the laptop about 4 inches off the desk which I find better than the laptop sitting flat on the desk.

[hc4361]

My laptop is in constant use, the screen resolution is more than acceptable, the keyboard as comfortable as the desktop.
I use a mouse when needs be, simply plug it in.
My laptop is a cheap Acer 15.4" screen, 6 years old with a RAM upgrade. Still going strong, problem free.