Laptops

[LaneyB]

I would like some advice please. Could someone recommend a reasonably priced laptop. Also would you recommend Vista or XP. Dell will build one with XP but is it worth getting this as, presumably, Vista is the thing of the future. I know Apple Macs are more expensive but would it be worth the extra money?

[rojash]

You haven't mentioned what it will be used for, but if you are used to Windows 98 or XP, then either stick with XP (no learning curve), or on the other hand, as their is a learning curve to both a Mac and Vista, why not go for the one that everyone knows "just works" - i.e. a Mac.

[LaneyB]

Thanks rojash am used to XP

[papagerald]

Dell was forced to continue xp sp2 because many people do not like vista (me included)Dell D600 latitude has been serving me well for well over a year. No to pricey either. Good luck.

[LaneyB]

Thanks papagerald, Dell have a good offer, Vostro 1000, on which you can have XP or Vista, you can choose your own spec and at a reasonable price, so may go with that. Thanks once again to you both.

[fo3nix]

If you just use standard programs (word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, email, chatting, etc.), then get a Mac.

Them being more expensive is a myth, if you compare like for like. Apple make computers that are capable of anything the user wants. Other manufacturers make cheaper laptops that can't do the more high-end functions, like video editing (and then people come here and ask why they can't use certain programs reliably...).

The macbook is a great little computer. You can pick one up (and recently updated too!) for about �700, or �600 if you're a student. You'll get a great machine that works more reliably and simply than anything else using Windows, and it'll also be well designed, without the bloat of annoying programs, like other laptops come with.

[LaneyB]

Many thanks fo3nix, I saw an Apple Macbook for �699 in Currys and PC world. I am going to Switzerland to live for 2 months and want to be able to do the things I do on my home PC - accounts, emailing, chatting, browsing, the usual things. I assume the AM would be OK.

[fo3nix]

Some programs are Windows-only, and so you can't get it for Macbook. Most programs (Office, Firefox, Email clients, etc.) either have a Mac version. With everything, even if no Mac version is available, there is some Mac program that does the same thing, as good as or better than the Windows version.

It works differently, so will take you a few weeks to get out of your Windows habits, and another few weeks to begin to see the Mac way of doing things. But it's worth it.

Suggestion: find your nearest Apple store (official one, not reseller), and buy from Apple themselves.

Finally, if you do decide to go the Windows way (for example, if you're into the latest games, then Windows is the only way), then you should get XP and not Vista. Avoid Vista like the plague.

[fo3nix]

Finally, as I said above, the Macbook has very recently been updated. Apple will be selling the new ones. PC World etc. will still be selling the old ones, to get rid of their stock.

They're the same price, so make sure you get the new ones. The new ones have an Intel X3100 graphics card in them.

Apple's online store is also good to buy from, with fast reliable delivery.

http://www.apple.com/ukstore

[Whickerman]

Vostro in XP is a great little computer. I have one for 2 months now. Go for it!

[LaneyB]

Thank you both for your help, all remains now is for me to decide!!