Laptops, modems and internet

[shopaholic84]

Im looking to buy a new laptop for uni. I really dont have a clue when it comes to specifications so I really need some help. I want one that I can use for the internet, but not internet connection through a phone line. I just need it for internet access and uni coursework etc. The one I am interested in is the Toshiba L40 10x which is in pc world for 399. Is this likely to be what i am looking for and will I be able to have broadband on that laptop? If anyone doesn't mind looking at it and who obviously has a good idea when it comes to computers can you please help me!

[vehelpfulguy]

That seems a fairly good laptop for the money.

Toshiba is a good make.

The CPU is the T2080 which is OK, not the fastest but not the slowest.

It has Vista Home Premium which is OK (and better than Home basic)

It has 1GB of memory which is fine (512Mb is too little, 2Gb is probably overkill so 1Gb is about right)

It has 120Gb hard drive which is pretty good.

The screen is 15.4" which is a little small (a 17" would be better but will be more expensive)

It is Wireless enabled so it means you can connect to the internet via wireless which is good.

So overall I would say go for it.

[vehelpfulguy]

Note there is a Technology section here on AB, and in that there is a Computer section.

In future may be best posting there.

[Ethel]

15.4" screen is absolutely fine for what you want. Standard pcs 15 years ago had 12" screens and we all coped.

Anything bigger and it would be too big to be carted around comfortably.

That laptop looks ideal for your needs.

[shopaholic84]

Thank you all for your help, especially vehelpfulguy, you obviously know a lot more than I do when it comes to computers!! lol! :-) Thanks, you were a great help!

[scoobydooby]

I would just like to add that if you are thinking of going to Uni, you probably have a UCAS card? PC World will give you 10% discount with one of these, so if you haven't already got one - sweet talk a friend who has into coming with you when you buy!

[fo3nix]

I'd agree with the above. My only advise would be to try and get a laptop with windows XP on it, and not windows Vista.

It may be older, but it's better in many important ways. Perhaps just as importantly, your uni will still only officially support XP most likely on their networks (other systems will work fine though), and their IT staff will certainly be more familiar with XP.

[scoobydooby]

Would it be possible to have XP loaded onto it though? I'm thinking of buying one (for daughter) for same reasons as shopaholic........

[fo3nix]

Many laptops on dell's website and elsewhere (I guess; I know for sure with Dell) allow you to get XP instead.

I've just been looking round, and there's a great little Lenovo C200 on ebuyer.com and dell.com. XP Pro preinstalled, and everything the average person would need.