Deal or not?

[whiskeysheri]

Hi everyone. Okay, I need a laptop, but I haven't the faintest idea about what it needs to have.....

I really only need it for basic surfing of the web (wireless), emails, CDs, DVDs, etc. I have up to about �700 to spend but not sure if I really do need to spend that much?

I was wondering if anyone thought this is a good deal, it also comes with this free? I'd appreciate any advice as I really am clueless...

Lots of thanks in advance if you can help me, WS xxx

[WoWo]

First off ignore the �199 free gift. You would have to pay alot of money in call charges to use the thing and you can get them for free (depending on contract terms) from any vodaphone shop.

Second it's OK but doesn't seem that good a deal, yes it's cheap but with PC's you generally get what you pay for. Doesn't say how much it weights which is what I'd be interested in with regard to a laptop.

[fo3nix]

Maybe something like this:
http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/confi g.aspx?b=&c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en& oc=N05137&rbc=N05137&s=dhs&sbc=ukd hsrsinspn_1300_1

You could take off almost �100 just be having a basic 90 day collect and return service. And change from 2x256mb RAM to 1x512mb RAM. �10 more, but it'll be more useful if you want to upgrade it. I'd also recommend spending another �10 and upgrading to the 6 cell battery.

[Sweet G]

Hi Sheri, Im after a similar thing and I am taking the research very seriously. I have an IT bod who works in my office and he said if you wanna go wireless make sure you get a machine which has the Intel Mobile Centrino chip. He recommends Dell and HP. Have a look at Dell's website, it would appear you should get a good machine with your budget: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/notebooks?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

[whiskeysheri]

Thanks WoWo, fo3nix and Sweet G. I told you I was clueless....lol

So, probably not a good deal then? I was thinking about a Dell as we've got one at home, but all the features baffle me. Would your IT bod know what I would need a laptop to have, Sweet (in terms of jargon)? All I know is that it needs to be able to do all the usual stuff with CDs and DVDs, wireless internet... and that's all I can think of really.

I really appreciate all your help, thanks again! xxx

[tomd]

Centrino are deisgned for mobile technology, they run better off batteries. It's nothing to do with wireless internet, a common misconception to Intel's advantage.

[Ralph]

Au contraire tomd, Centrino is about wireless since for it to be called a Centrino notebook it must have a Pentium M chip (there's newer ones now), an Intel chipset from a specific family and an Intel Pro/Wireless network adaptor.

But you are right, all these components are specifically designed to prolong battery life in portable computers. I too would recommend a Centrino laptop.

[whiskeysheri]

Thanks for all your help and advice xxx

[Sweet G]

Sheri, IT bod reckons in addition to centrino a decent laptop should have: Memory of 512mb RAM, an Intel/Pro Wireless 3945 (802.11a/b/g) network connection, 60 GB Hard Drive or 80GB if you plan to store films, and a widescreen display - 15.4 inch and above.

Furthermore if you plump for the Intel/Pro Wireless 3945 (802.11a/b/g) network connection, he advises you use a 108mb per second router and for this he recommends Netgear WGT624.

Hope that helps, I dont even have a phone line in my flat yet so I am on a steep learning curve! I am buying machine first worry about the internet later.

Any other opinions would be most welcome.