Laptops...Recommendations ?

[saafend_seagull]

Do not get an ACER or Dell laptop.

www.pcpro.co.uk will have many reviews.

I only know two people with Acers. One sent his back 3 times in first 12 months, the other 5 times in 6 months. All having different problems each time!

Also, i only know two people who have had Dell laptops, one blew up from overheating - 2 years old, and the other has been sent back twice within the first year.

Although, Compaq and Vaios from all my friends at uni, not one has had a problem.

 

[dougdeep]

I've had a Toshiba for nearly 3 years and it has been great.

 

[bhaexpress]

I have a Compaq and I would opt for that or an HP which is the same thing anyway. They are solid and reliable if not the cheapest. Dell's are okay but I prefer the former. The Viao is very overpriced and overrated, a relative of mine bought a new one recently and it has already been returned THREE times, not worth the cost. As for the Mac, well, if you want to throw money away on one that's your choice, pointless and frankly they don't do anything that a PC can't do at a lower price.

One thing though, watch out for Windows Vista, there's a host of things that won't work with it, from ADSL modems to Web cams. I would buy a decent XP HP or Compaq on Ebay personally.

 

[saafend_seagull]

Not sure if you can buy new laptops with XP on anymore? And i think the old office isn't compatible with Vista. May be wrong though

 

[dougdeep]

Not sure if you can buy new laptops with XP on anymore. May be wrong though

You are.

 

[bhaexpress]

You are.

True, PC World will sell you an Acer with XP on it, the problem there is that it's an Acer. An acquaintance of mine had three before she got one that worked properly.

 

[BigGully]

I would consider looking at reviews and what people say on here, then maybe NOT using PC World or Curry's etc. to actually buy the product.

On Moneysavingexpert.com Martin Lewis the Radio money 'guru's website says that they have a very poor track record for customer service, seeming to actively try ignore your legal rights as a customer.

Find the product first then try to use a reputable local retailer, to purchase the item, always likely to price match anyways.

 

[TonyW]

My step-daughter's 15th birthday is fast approaching, and she has her heart set on a laptop. I know sweet f.a. about these things so thought I'd turn to the vast knowledge base that is NSC for tips.

Main usage is going to be farting about on bebo/msn etc I would suspect, but homework and GSCE coursework will also be done on it, so probably don't need anything too high spec. Budget around £300-£350

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/nbranges.html

Great company, superb products, a customer service team that know what their doing.
For me, the best value out there

 

[BigGully]

Remember guys...you do not need warranties, you are already covered by the 'sale of goods act'.

Any product must last a 'reasonable amount of time' which is a little ambiguous i know, however the retailer must recognise that your laptop should last a reasonable amount of time.

So if you are out of your 12 month guarantee it doesnt matter !!

Just work on the assumption that a products 'faultless lifespan' should be comprable to the amount spent on that item.

I always think you should get at least 1 year for every £150 spent.

Dont ever let the retailer fob you off, they cannot supersede the law of the land......

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

get a mac

 

[bhaexpress]

get a mac

Why ? Will it stop you getting wet ? Most Mac users are drips anyway.

 

[Easy 10]

I would consider looking at reviews and what people say on here, then maybe NOT using PC World or Curry's etc. to actually buy the product.

Very true. Only complete MUGS buy PC's from PC World or Currys.

 

[The Large One]

Getamac.

The only problem with my Macs is that they keep getting stolen.

 

[pasty]

Cheers everyone. I thinks a MAC is probably a no-goer due to budget.

Dell seem to have been quoted a bit and also compaqs, but not an Acer. Never thought of not using pcworld, currys, comet etc, but yeah, it makes sense. I might try a couple of local type retailers.

Oh, and Gina - thanks for the advice, and believe me, there is no way IN THIS WORLD she is having a webcam! I also keep a very close eye on her bebo and myspace stuff.

 

[cheeseroll]

Why ? Will it stop you getting wet ? Most Mac users are drips anyway.

I've got 3!

 

[dougdeep]

The Ferrari ones look cool.

 

[Lady Bracknell]

Most Mac users are drips anyway.

Whatevver. But I'm a contented drip.

 

[Cian]

Cheers everyone. I thinks a MAC is probably a no-goer due to budget.

Dell seem to have been quoted a bit and also compaqs, but not an Acer. Never thought of not using pcworld, currys, comet etc, but yeah, it makes sense. I might try a couple of local type retailers.

Oh, and Gina - thanks for the advice, and believe me, there is no way IN THIS WORLD she is having a webcam! I also keep a very close eye on her bebo and myspace stuff.

All Apple laptops have webcams built in, so thats them out then anyway

 

[ben andrews' girlfriend]

Do NOT get a toshiba

 

[Bluejuice]

HP Compaq is your definitive answer Pasty.

Reliable, affordable and sensible.

Shop around locally and on the web for the best prices on a Compaq Presario Notebook.

Personally I would avoid Dell or Acer.