I don't want to get stuck with another dud - it would be nice to have a computer that I didn't realise a few months down the line isn't what I wanted.
I have been told I must have dual-core something because it's quicker...what about the rest?
It is not for playing any games whatsoever, it’s to process & possibly store (although they are always backed up & we have survived with the 30gig memory our current computer have because of it) pictures, downloaded music (iTunes& Limewire) & the internet. In the future we might watch DVD’s on it & possibly TV…& there’s a chance we might get a camera & want to edit the films we make…
Do (any) computers come with Word & Excel as standard? Someone recommended some other (free) program that is virtually identical to them (apparently) – could you tell me if I use that software – will my Word & Excel documents open up in it?
What are the minimum specs you think a laptop should have?
& what brand would you recommend the most?
A Core2Duo would be the best option, but from your requirements you don't need the top model. As for the rest, 2Gb RAM would be nice. A reasonable graphics card would be recommended if you plan to use Vista at some point (try for 256Mb of graphics memory). Most models start with an 80Gb hard disk or so, but always chose one with a larger cache if offered (16Mb+). Built-in Firewire would be a recommendation for video editing. A DVD writer would be useful too.
The main thing you need to decide is how large you want the screen to be?
P.S. The program you're thinking of is OpenOffice, which may or may not be sufficient - if you're doing simpler stuff, then it should be adequately compatible with MSoffice - if it's complex, you'd probably be better off with the real thing. Dell bundle the full product as an optional extra, I think others do too - if not, you can always buy it seperately.
OpenOffice.org will open your Word and Excel documents. You can also create Word and Excel documents with it.
It will do just about everything that Word and Excel do unless you need an obscure feature, or you program in VBA (although OOo has it's own scripting language). I use OpenOffice professionally, not just for simple tasks. The US State of Massachusetts may be switching to OpenOffice soon, as are many governments -- The French Parliment is the latest.
More comparisons here....
It's all bloody incomprehensible to me. Even trying to read up about it I'm still clueless about which to pick??? - I just don't know what's 'good' or not...
I'll repeat the pertinent question: What size screen/laptop did you want? That determines which laptop you get.
If you want something that'll fit in your pocket, you clearly don't choose the 21" Dell monster. Similarly, if you want something with the performance of a desktop, you don't choose the Vaio UX that fits in your pocket ;)
If you like the 9400 range, choose one of the ones with the Core2 processor - so not the low end one. Also choose one with a standalone graphics chipset - again not the low end one. The middle one, upgraded to 2Gb RAM would be my choice of that bunch - you don't need the performance of the top one, but the low end one is just too low end.
Note the configuration tool defaults to three-years at home warranty - it's much cheaper with a one year return to base warranty, if that doesn't worry you too much.
Remember to read the reviews, and make up your own mind. At the end of the day, it's your money, and it'll be your computer.
Personally I'd have a look at the Sony Vaio range, they're nicely put together, and look far better - have a look at the AR series. They're more expensive though.
In the U.S., the single most popular laptop model is HP's DV6000; it's the most popular size (15.4" screen), can be configured any which way, looks decent, and in the States at least, is value-priced. Really screams "consumer friendly" and has been a big hit for the company. Dell, on the other hand, seems to be on a bit of a death spiral of late and is urgently in need of some new models...HP has been kicking Dell's sales butt for some quarters now.
...and no, if they do offer Word/Excel, it will generally be a "free trial"...Microsoft Works is the standard freebie "productivity" (ahem) software you can expect from a laptop manufacturer.
Lan - sorry missed your question. I guess between 15 inches & upwards for screen size.
Also - we're looking at under £700 if possible (preferably less).
We won't be dragging it around a lot so we don't want a tiny one...
Hm - as much to pick from with Sony Vaio - which one of them fits my description then? They all look good to me...
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