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Author Topic: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations  (Read 549 times)

Merlot

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Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« on: January 29, 2012, 11:00:51 AM »
My old laptop is experiencing 'technical difficulties'. No matter what I do keeps going into 'start up repair' even after trying to start in safe mode. It's being checked out tomorrow but just incase it is terminal and/or the repair bill is to high for a laptop that is over six years old (it also needs a new battery at £75) could any techies out there recommend a replacement.

I only use a laptop for web access / handling music files etc nothing to CPU/RAM hungry so was thinking of a netbook. Also thinking about Ipad3 when it comes out but don't want to be an Apple dependant so available budget is no more than £300, ideally a little less.
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Hozepipe

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: January 29, 2012, 11:52:07 AM »
Get an iPad if you're just consuming content.

I predominantly create content, so need a PC but I changed from a Wintel platform (Dell notebook) to a PC/MS compatible MacBook Air last summer and would never go back to a PC.
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Yordan

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: January 29, 2012, 12:30:23 PM »
Before you throw it away try to reinstall it. All you need is windows cd/dvd and some drivers. Or download linux Ubuntu to see if everything is order harware wise. ( I managed to get a 6 year old working last year)

To the question of what laptop to get 15" machines are the cheepst of the lot. Shop on line or get an ex-display in currys.

iPad or netbook are not idleal for a primary machine.
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scuderia sitar

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2012, 12:46:54 PM »
I hate computers.  Buy some nice Abarth things instead.
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AusAbarth

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2012, 01:07:27 PM »
Facing a similar issue - but different reasons ....... new work directive means that ZERO, ZIP, Nil, private files or programmes will allowed on our lappys

So looking a a handy little device for idle surfing (like this forum!!!!) and running fiatScan, Eper, etc ..... currently favouring the Toshiba NB550D
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Merlot

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: January 29, 2012, 01:29:58 PM »
Quote from: AusAbarth on January 29, 2012, 01:07:27 PM
Facing a similar issue - but different reasons ....... new work directive means that ZERO, ZIP, Nil, private files or programmes will allowed on our lappys

So looking a a handy little device for idle surfing (like this forum!!!!) and running fiatScan, Eper, etc ..... currently favouring the Toshiba NB550D

Same problem I am having or about to have, still surprised I can get on this forum on my works laptop can't get on anything else including my email. The Tosh looks good but just a bit too rich. My favourite currently the Asus 1015px
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AusAbarth

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: January 29, 2012, 01:36:02 PM »
Too Rich !!!!  We can pick them up here for about just over 200 GBP .....I have been told they are in running out mode so you should shop about

Yep - have been looking at that Asus and the Acer Aspire Happy as contenders
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Merlot

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #7 on: January 29, 2012, 01:43:21 PM »
Quote from: Hozepipe on January 29, 2012, 11:52:07 AM
Get an iPad if you're just consuming content.

I predominantly create content, so need a PC but I changed from a Wintel platform (Dell notebook) to a PC/MS compatible MacBook Air last summer and would never go back to a PC.

Saw a few MacBook's yesterday. Look the dog's but with a price to match  :thud:

With regard the ipad don't you still need something to sync it to, unless you go down the icloud route? Did think about just getting the ipad and using the works PC but probably not a good idea at the moment, besides they are locked down tighter than cat's ass. Abarth forum an exception though  :whistle:  
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Merlot

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2012, 01:47:44 PM »
Quote from: AusAbarth on January 29, 2012, 01:36:02 PM
Too Rich !!!!  We can pick them up here for about just over 200 GBP .....I have been told they are in running out mode so you should shop about

Yep - have been looking at that Asus and the Acer Aspire Happy as contenders

Did a quick search before I replied and they were on amazon at £334 GBP. Since found a few more around the £260-300 mark but not many around
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Merlot

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2012, 01:59:05 PM »
Quote from: Yordan on January 29, 2012, 12:30:23 PM
Before you throw it away try to reinstall it. All you need is windows cd/dvd and some drivers. Or download linux Ubuntu to see if everything is order harware wise. ( I managed to get a 6 year old working last year)

To the question of what laptop to get 15" machines are the cheepst of the lot. Shop on line or get an ex-display in currys.

iPad or netbook are not idleal for a primary machine.

I can get most of my basics MS office etc from my works laptop just not private stuff or access to personal email etc Just wanted something relatively inexpensive to fill the gap, sync my ipod, run some of my personal software etc. Going to wait to see what the verdict on my old laptop is from the Tech guy tomorrow though.
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sandys

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2012, 02:29:42 PM »
I use a 11.6" HP DM1 as my netbook, enough grunt for most things and quite compact, can often buy it for less that £250 after cashback and offer codes.

Its a good value machine.
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Moots

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #11 on: January 29, 2012, 02:47:00 PM »
what exactly are you going to use it for?

Do you want it just for browsing or gaming etc as well? if it's just for browsing then you'd be hard pushed to find something better than an ipad tbh.

If you're after something for gaming too then go down the laptop route, you can get some fairly decent dell's for decent money at the minute.
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Hozepipe

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #12 on: January 29, 2012, 02:48:42 PM »
Quote from: Merlot on January 29, 2012, 01:43:21 PM
Quote from: Hozepipe on January 29, 2012, 11:52:07 AM
Get an iPad if you're just consuming content.

I predominantly create content, so need a PC but I changed from a Wintel platform (Dell notebook) to a PC/MS compatible MacBook Air last summer and would never go back to a PC.

Saw a few MacBook's yesterday. Look the dog's but with a price to match  :thud:

With regard the ipad don't you still need something to sync it to, unless you go down the icloud route? Did think about just getting the ipad and using the works PC but probably not a good idea at the moment, besides they are locked down tighter than cat's ass. Abarth forum an exception though  :whistle:  

As you say, for the tasks you've stated, an iPad/iCloud solution would be fine. I bought my wife a netbook last year and what a complete waste of money - like a bad PC. May as well have flushed £300 down the khazzi. :thumbd:

With respect to corporate networks, its only a matter of time before the vast majority migrate to BYOD (bring your own device) implemented with role/credential based security (app/data access is dependent on the device type and the individual's entitlement), all delivered via the enterprise cloud over Wifi. I see it every day with our most enlightened clients, even those that are ultra conservative financial institutions. Where they lead, the rest will follow...
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Moots

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #13 on: January 29, 2012, 03:39:48 PM »
same here, got the missus a dell inspiron duo, tablet/netbook thing. Never uses it now cos she bought an ipad2. So i've nicked it for footy manager :)
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Ricey155

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Re: Laptop/Netbook Recommendations
« Reply #14 on: January 30, 2012, 11:42:42 AM »
wipe it and install linux on it Ubuntu, Mint etc run like a brand new machine when all the crap is off it

then you have libra that does every for free Ms office does any hows infact you pay for nothing forget the rest linux is a must

Apple stuff pishhh
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