Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Any advice from any computer whizzes much appreciated.


I am trying to choose a new laptop. Despite not being very computer literate, I think I have narrowed down what I want:


- big screen (at least 15 inches) - it is basically a desktop replacement and doesn't need to be portable (just want the option of working on the kitchen table or in study);

- HD screen (we have got just got an HD camcorder);

- at least 4GB memory;

- decent processor speed;

- at least 500GB hard drive (we have loads of photos and music);

- integrated webcam for skype calls with family;

- main uses - general office work, internet, photo and music storage, a bit of video editing; and

- cost of about ?1k.


I can't get a mac as they are not compatible with my work systems (I log in remotely).


I have been looking at models like the Dell Studio XPS 16 and the HP Pavilion dv6-2106ea but then keep finding reviews saying there are better options in that range. Unfortunately the reviews don't tell me what these better options are! I've been into places like PC World to try to get some advice but it has all been pretty low quality and google is just confusing me more and more. If anyone is a computer whizz and has a view on what would be a good model, I'd be really grateful. Thanks!

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/11489-help-choosing-a-new-laptop/
Share on other sites

"I have been looking at models like the Dell Studio XPS 16 and the HP Pavilion dv6-2106ea but then keep finding reviews saying there are better options in that range."


Not sure how you arrived at one of the criteria being "Spend a grand" - why not just spend less if you can get what you need for less, and go on holiday / down the pub whatever with the money you save?

If you are planning to edit HD video you'll need a fairly fast processor, lots of RAM and a motherboard/video card with built-in HD (1080P) support (most have that as standard these days - best to make sure, though).


See if you can find an online laptop website with a 'configurator' that displays the price as you pick and choose upgrade options. It might help you decide the spec you need while keeping within your budget.

If you are planning to do video editing, you will probably need a Firewire connection as well. Most video cameras need one.


You have have a pretty good list of requirements - you should be able to shop with that. Providing you recognise the name, you should be OK. Though I would say:


- big screen (at least 15 inches) - fine

- HD screen (we have got just got an HD camcorder) - fine

- at least 4GB memory - you can always put more memory in from Crucial or Kingston. Don't let this be a showstopper.

- decent processor speed - look for a dual core, especially of your video editing software can make the most of it.

- at least 500GB hard drive (we have loads of photos and music) - I put all mine on a portable USB drive. More than one, in fact (just in case). 320GB should be fine and will give you greater choice.

- integrated webcam for skype calls with family; - Shouldn't be a showstopper - portable cams are cheap and probably better quality that integrated.


Have a look at reputable online stores like DABS that often have some rather good deals.

I would look at the Dell website rather than through other sites like amazon, as then you can completely personalise the laptop. So you can choose a laptop, choose the processor, then add the amount of memory and hard drive space, you can choose which screen you want (like for the Studio 15, you can choose between HD and HD widescreen), you can change the battery also. It means you get exactly what you want, but remember if you have high needs, everything need to be powerful, so having a less powerful power supply won't help much with a powerful machine.


Hope that helps a little.

One thing you need to think about is operating system if you are going for windows 7 then the 32 bit version of it can only use up to 4GB of RAM but 64 bit can use more which will be very important with HD video editing


I have bought Samsungs for the last 3 laptops and they've taken quite a beating and run well

I ordered my laptop yesterday and have just seen some of the more recent comments. Im afraid to say that I have gone for a Sony Vaio! It is the Sony Vaio F11S1E/B. It ticked all my boxes and seemed to get universally good reviews. Hope it doesn't prove to be a disastrous decision. Looked long and hard at a Dell but it seemed to have real problem with overheating, which doesn't bode well for a long life-span.

Personally, I really like Sony Vaios: I have one myself at the moment and am really happy. Also, if style is important to you, they are, I think, the coolest designed PC laptop - you wouldn't be embarassed next to a Mac. Here's a link to the E series where you can configure to your hearts content:


Vaio E Series Link


If you go for all the bells and whistles, it works out at around ?930 (it starts at ?739).


Just one more thing - I wouldn't worry about storage capacity on a laptop (although this one gives you 500GB), because you are going to want an external hard drive any way I'd think (if only for back up and recovery) and the 1TB and 2TB ones are pretty cheap these days.


Good Luck

NB: you can get Mac see below...


For Laptop - Apple MacBook, ideally Pro but more ??. 15inch MacBook Pro ~?1500 (sorry just seen you don't want to spend more than 1K. Definitely recommend below - get a lot more for your money!


But more ideally the iMac. Bigger screen, cheaper and definitely better for your posture!


MacBook Pro


iMac


Sorry really not reading properly at all today - We have a Mac and parallel desktops. We can run different operating systems simultaneously and then swap between them. I don't understand exactly as my husband sorts it all out but it's easy to do.


Found these links:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallels_Desktop_for_Mac#Overview


http://www.parallels.com/uk/products/desktop/

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • We have had a few cat flaps over the years but none have been electronic. They just have a small clip that you turn to lock or open.  Some come with a magnet and a matching magnet that the cat wears on its collar  This prevents other cats entering.  I've not used these as I don't like the idea of a cat wearing a collar. Cats do like to be out at night and you need to encourage yours to return after a late evening sortie. Calling,rustling treat wrappers worked for ours but he seems to have now got into the habit of coming back about 9pm. without this.        
    • Having had several cats over the past 40 years - mainly rescue, we have a tried and tested routine, Initially confined to one room with litter tray/food/water - we take it in turns to stay for a few minutes several times a day so they become familiar with our scent. They are gradually introduced to the rest of the house. We have a wire cat basket and we place cat in basket and take them outside, over a few days we place basket in different areas of the garden - grass area/gravel area, patio area etc - different flowers/plants. Some of the more nervous cats we walk around the garden on a lead. They get use to the scent of the garden. We have a cat flap in the back door so they have full access - If we need to keep cat in - just block off the cat flap so they cannot escape! We are now down to one elderly cat - who during the summer just laid on the garden chairs and came in for food, but as weather getting colder prefers to sit on a worktop in the kitchen looking out into the garden. So we are back to the cat litter as she is reluctant to go out in the rain/cold.  
    • With fibre you are paying for the speed, which is the number, yours is 300 so if you did a lot of gaming, for example, you would want the fastest possible.  If it's just office work or maybe streaming on Netflix you likely won't need as fast, but, if there are a lot of people in your house all doing their own thing on different devices, then faster speeds are better.  I don't rely on my Wi-Fi much other than when I am using my mobile.  I use Ethernet cables to connect up everything, I Have one cable running from my router, along the skirtings and through a hole I drilled in the wall to another room.  I have attached the plusnet speed guide which gives you an idea of how it works.   
    • I'd reread what you posted and try to summarise.  It just comes across as a rant.
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...