[Bill Posters]

As the one in the family who 'knows about computers' I've been asked to help my mother buy a PC laptop.
I've very little idea how far that amount will stretchin PC-land, though her requirements wont be too demanding.

It's basically going to be for net access, but will presumably need a simple suite of SOHO-type apps too and enough ram to have them all on the go at once without grinding to a halt.

Her budget is £700.

My only advice to her so far has been to visit PC World, try out a few models, then if she finds one that she likes, buy it online* (unless PC World throw a load of decent bundle items in too).
(* from somewhere with good deals, such as scan or aria)


Looking for pointers/tips/recommendations that I can pass on.
…Makes/models to look out for…
…Makes/models to avoid…
…Specs to expect…
…Bundles to aim for. (she has an older, but perfectly functioning printer so I doubt she'll be looking to replace that)

Her home PC runs XP, so XP is essential on the laptop (change is likely to put her off)
The home PC/monitor has a max screen res of 800x600 (1024 only w/ 256 colours), so 1024x768 @ thousands of colours would be a useful improvement.

Ta.

[byte]

Hi again, I posted on the 'other forum' Hadn't seen it here!!

[oli]

http://www.tiny.com/packages_new.php?prodid=10447 - tiny/the computer world do some good deals - look in the mirror paper, they always have something on, usually with some freebies.

For more quality try the dell outlet -
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/de...=uk&l=en&s=dfh
It wont be as high spec but they are really good for support etc.


edit: never , ever buy a compaq - I used to be an engineer for them and theyre shoddy and use proprietry parts.

[byte]

haven't they been taken over by hp- though? I've heard some good things recently!

My Dad uses a similar spec Fujitsu Siemens and has been nothing but pleased with it.

[Bill Posters]

Cheers, Matt

Oli, I think I recall hearing that Tiny are one to steer clear of - or could that be 'Time'?

I'll take a moment today to take a snifter at those links/deals - and any more than are posted.

Ta all

[Bill Posters]

What are the effective differences between XP Home and XP Pro?
Also, what would be the minimum recommended ram to run either OS with possibly a browser, email client and one or two small office apps at the same time without falling over?

Is it worth going for a 15" screen or just go for a smaller 14" screen?

Ta again.

[oli]

Nothing your mum should worry about : http://www.winnetmag.com/Article/Art...536/20536.html

Ive not heard anything bad about Tiny - my mum has a laptop from them and hasnt had any problems with it.

edit: stop editing your posts
For the 700 mark you should be able to get a 15" screen, much better. As for Ram a decent amount is 256mb but 512 is ideal.

[Bill Posters]

That Tiny laptop you linked to seems to be ideal.
(s'an ugly blighter, but it's not for me, so…)

Goes at the top of the list. Ta.

[oli]

Make sure you look in the mirror though, deals to be had I tell yas

[Mr Fred]

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/pr...hs1&l=en&s=dhs

dont touch time, tiny etc etc

a few other models there just swap components to get it to 700 or lend her £100 (at interest)