pips_pekins Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 I would like to buy a small laptop/notebook but know very little about all the different ones on the market. I have a desktop computer and work provides me with a laptop, (Toshiba, not very impressed), which I use for work related things but it is too big and heavy to be carried around. I don't want to spend more than around £250 as I will probably only use it for watching films, surfing the net, skyping and Omlet forums and not so much for work! I have seen a few different ones, in particular Acer but don't have a clue about the technical side such as which processor should I be looking for etc. Also, do you think I have set a realistic budget for what I want it to do? Any guidance would be sooo appreciated. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 I did loads of research when buying a laptop for ES going off to Uni. I settled on a Dell M101z. He was really pleased with it (being a teenager he wanted for a bit of gaming, watching films, etc) and hasn't had any complaints in the 18 months he's had it. It's really tiny so you'd need to decide if you want a screen that small (great for portability - he takes it everywhere!) I can't remember how much I paid for it, I'm afraid, and you'd have to call Dell for a price as it's not listed as a current product. You could have a look about for something similar or you might get one cheap because it's been around a while! Good luck, it's mindboggling when you start looking - there are just too many out there . I would say though, I've had no complaints with Dell at all (and we have 3 pcs and a laptop from them!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 We are Dell fans here too & bought our eldest a new laptop about a year ago. Again,it seems great value for money, & does all the stuff she needs (mainly gaming,streaming TV & watching movies....some Uni work but not much!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Both of my laptops are/were Dell, and I'm pleased with them. They are often special offers on for laptops at places like Currys or Tesco. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 Watching films how? A lot of netbooks don't come with a DVD drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted November 19, 2011 Author Share Posted November 19, 2011 Watching films how? A lot of netbooks don't come with a DVD drive. Online . I don't need it to play dvds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 It must be like everything, that there are good and bad examples, because unlike everyone above I think my Dell is rubbish and would never buy another one - DH who works in IT doesn't rate them either (yes I should of listened to him). I have probably had it about 3 years and it is on its last legs; after about 18 months the battery didn't last very long and it could soon only be used when plugged in. Then last month the charger died too so I had to order a new battery and charger (quite reasonably on ebay I have to say) but I think this should have lasted longer. I have always had problems that it looses my settings too, so for example when I log onto omlet it doesnt recognise me- this is so annoying for banking and things like that. It also reboots randomly and gets hot. My friend has a similar model that is about a year older and hers has completely stopped working! Sorry to confuse but maybe it means you need a specific model recommendation and checkout reviews online. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted November 19, 2011 Share Posted November 19, 2011 This one is within your budget and will do everything you need, I have one that is a few models below this and it does everything you want it to brilliantly, the battery life will easily last 8 hours, my battery is still giving out 8 hours of battery life and I have had it for about a year and a half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted November 19, 2011 Author Share Posted November 19, 2011 Thanks for the replies. That looks interesting Fred. I will research it a bit more. Have always been happy with any Samsung products I have had in the past. My OH has the same view about Dell as you CatieB as he had one a couple of years ago. Also they are over budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...