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

    • What "stricter" consequences could there be for shoplifting (or any other crime) than being put into jail, do you think? Though our prisons are of course full enough already, without more people being shoehorned  into them.
    • Returning to the original question, I had my jabs at Tessa Jowell yesterday. I was early and I was  seen on time, and it was a lovely pharmacist who did them, but the admin beforehand (not by her) was a bit iffy. I was given forms to fill in but not told what to do with them afterwards, so I  presumed I had to take them into the consulting room, as the rest was supposed to be filled in by a clinician, but no! After some time had elapsed and I had found a seat (there was no information on where to sit either, so people were sitting in two separate areas, neither of which had many seats) my name was called and  the forms were taken behind the counter. Be aware if you don't have an appointment - even in the relatively short time I was there, three people turned up without appointments having been sent there by a GP (I presume) or having  previously been  asked by the pharmacy to come  back at a different time, and they were all sent away again because the pharmacy didn't have enough flu vaccine until the following day. I have no idea if this was due to a misunderstanding on the people's side, their GP's or the pharmacy's, but none of them were very happy, and one lady said she "couldn't keep coming back" 😭  At least one of them didn't seem to understand what he was being told, possibly due to a language issue. I felt quite sorry for the pharmacist, who was giving jabs all day on top of her usual workload but still managing to stay cheerful! Though she wasn't the one dealing with the unhappy people! I have a sore arm from the Covid jab (I chose to have the jabs in different arms), but no other ill effects so far, touch wood. 
    • Line speed and the strength of your Wi-Fi signal are two separate things.  The first is determined by the type of connection (fibre/copper etc) to the outside world and the second is the connection between the device (printer/TV/laptop/tablet etc) and the router. If you are connecting a device to the router using cables (as Alec1 is) then this is will give the best possible connection but isn't practical for many without a degree of upheaval and even then not all devices (tablets for example) will allow a wired connection. So you relying on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal from the router to the device and this will depend on the quality of the router, the type of Wi-Fi connection (the frequency), line of sight etc - many different things.  This is why some people opt for a "mesh" type setup which is supposed to give a solid quality of Wi-Fi signal around the house with little or no blackspots.  It's expensive though and still requires the devices that send and receive the signal (like the plug-ins you have) to be wired to the router.
    • 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.        
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

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