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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 18:28:55

Title: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 18:28:55
I know this has been asked many times, but I know as much about computers as I do about how a womans mind works.

My daughter wants a laptop so she doesn't have to come around to our house to do her work but she also wants internet to check her accounts but doesn't have a BT line to her house, is internet possible without a BT line and does anyone have any recommendations for a cheap usable laptop.

TIA :y
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: TheBoy on 14 July 2008, 18:35:36
does she have any line in her home?  if not, look at 3g cards if she is in 3g area.

laptop, depends on use, but start with core2 duo.  memory etc is upgradable later...
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 18:37:36
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does she have any line in her home?  if not, look at 3g cards if she is in 3g area.

laptop, depends on use, but start with core2 duo.  memory etc is upgradable later...
There's no line to the house, I will have a look at 3g coverage ;)
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: waspy on 14 July 2008, 18:40:38
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does she have any line in her home?  if not, look at 3g cards if she is in 3g area.

laptop, depends on use, but start with core2 duo.  memory etc is upgradable later...

Yup. I recently bought a Toshiba L300D Dual Core in the Satelite range. £350.00 from Comet. Does everything i need & alot more i don't  :D
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: TheBoy on 14 July 2008, 18:41:07
make sure the laptop can take the 3g card as well - newer laptops have a express socket, not pcmcia
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: theolodian on 14 July 2008, 18:42:56
Yeah, what TB said - except can also get broadband over cable if she has that.
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 18:48:57
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Yeah, what TB said - except can also get broadband over cable if she has that.
Its a new build, so apart from a TV aerial and gas and electric, thats it ::)
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: theolodian on 14 July 2008, 18:54:26
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Yeah, what TB said - except can also get broadband over cable if she has that.
Its a new build, so apart from a TV aerial and gas and electric, thats it ::)
No running water?  When IS the UK going to modernise?!  :P ;D
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Gaffers on 14 July 2008, 18:58:20
Mobile internet such as a 3G card (either USB or PCMCIA) but watch out for download limits and charges for going over those limits!

As for laptops, you want cheap and cheerful go for a Dell, but I think their Aftersales has taken a bit of a dive recently.  I got a HP for a song in the States but even over here are great value in the right place.  :y
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: TheBoy on 14 July 2008, 19:11:57
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Mobile internet such as a 3G card (either USB or PCMCIA) but watch out for download limits and charges for going over those limits!

As for laptops, you want cheap and cheerful go for a Dell, but I think their Aftersales has taken a bit of a dive recently.  I got a HP for a song in the States but even over here are great value in the right place.  :y
I use an HP laptop. Actually 2 - work one is HP as well.  Wouldn't recommend them, though mine has been good.  If you do go HP, go for business oriented stuff - much better quality/reliability, and better specced, and often not that much more of a premium
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: zirk on 14 July 2008, 19:47:29
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does she have any line in her home?  if not, look at 3g cards if she is in 3g area.

laptop, depends on use, but start with core2 duo.  memory etc is upgradable later...
There's no line to the house, I will have a look at 3g coverage ;)

If your looking at going down the 3g Route, then PM when your ready and I'll tell you a trick for getting no contract / unlimited 3g internet access for just less than 50p a day. :y

No, I'm not trying to sell you something.
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 19:55:11
Is this Laptop any good

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1173101/art/toshiba/satellite-l300-148.html?srcid=867
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 19:55:49
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does she have any line in her home?  if not, look at 3g cards if she is in 3g area.

laptop, depends on use, but start with core2 duo.  memory etc is upgradable later...
There's no line to the house, I will have a look at 3g coverage ;)

If your looking at going down the 3g Route, then PM when your ready and I'll tell you a trick for getting no contract / unlimited 3g internet access for just less than 50p a day. :y

No, I'm not trying to sell you something.
Sounds good to me :y
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: TheBoy on 14 July 2008, 19:58:33
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Is this Laptop any good

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1173101/art/toshiba/satellite-l300-148.html?srcid=867
old cpu, worth trying to get current generation
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 19:59:45
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Is this Laptop any good

http://www.pixmania.co.uk/uk/uk/1173101/art/toshiba/satellite-l300-148.html?srcid=867
old cpu, worth trying to get current generation
You lost me after old ::)
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: MikeDundee on 14 July 2008, 19:59:49
I am looking at one of these, but after adding the bits on it's over 1k ::)

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukbsdt1&kc=NRS15304&l=en&oc=N07X5302&rbc=N07X5302&s=bsd
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 20:31:09
If a laptop has an Express card slot, does that mean 3G will not work?
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: zirk on 14 July 2008, 20:37:55
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If a laptop has an Express card slot, does that mean 3G will not work?

No 3g will still work, it just means your need a express card 3g/HSDPA or USB Modem, I personally dont like the USB Modems.

Most older laptops use pcmcia Datacards.
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: TheBoy on 14 July 2008, 20:56:28
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If a laptop has an Express card slot, does that mean 3G will not work?
no, just ensure you get right 3g card.
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 21:04:29
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If a laptop has an Express card slot, does that mean 3G will not work?
no, just ensure you get right 3g card.
Is a USB one OK?
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: TheBoy on 14 July 2008, 21:06:19
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If a laptop has an Express card slot, does that mean 3G will not work?
no, just ensure you get right 3g card.
Is a USB one OK?
Not as convenient, and generally hog the processor, slowing down the PC
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Elite Pete on 14 July 2008, 21:07:20
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If a laptop has an Express card slot, does that mean 3G will not work?
no, just ensure you get right 3g card.
Is a USB one OK?
Not as convenient, and generally hog the processor, slowing down the PC
Oh bugger, my head hurts ;D
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: Phil on 15 July 2008, 09:15:50
i've been using a 3G connection for work for over 18 months now, had a PCMCIA card, an express card and now on a USB version i can say it makes no difference which one you use (well no noticable difference) ALLEGEDLY as they have 'evolved' the newer ones have better 'aerials' and therefore get a better signal, but can't say i've noticed the difference.

Working in and around London there is no issues with a 3G signal, but if you are in an area that doesnot get a reliable signal then don't bother (at home can't get 3G, but dont need it there as i have BB)!!

The biggest down fall is they can be expensive, being on a company plan we pay £30 a month for unlimited useage with Vodaphone, but then the company has about 50 3G cards so i'm guessing they get a fairly good deal!

Although the company mobiles are on O2, who offer better talk plans, they stayed with Vodaphone because their 3G coverage is better 'apparently'  ::)
Title: Re: Laptop recommendations
Post by: mv6copcar on 15 July 2008, 10:20:55
Im selling a Sony laptop, i won it on a 'Text in reverse auction' for 132pence!! Looking for £350. PMif your interested, CASH ON COLLECTION if you are interested as i'm not looking to use pay-pal and vanish from the forum with your cash!!!

Sony Site - http://vaio.sony.co.uk/view/ShowProduct.action?category=VN+NR+Series&product=VGN-NR21J%2FS&site=voe_en_GB_cons

currys site - http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/Computing/Laptops/Standard+Laptops/Sony/VGN-NR21J/337227

regards