Buying a new computer.

[vivandorron]

My 5yr old 'Notebook' computer (Ei System) has fully crashed. and cannot be restored for operation on Windows XP. The problem appears to be a failure of the 'motherboard' or HD.according to the Techguys of PC World.

Consequently, rather than have a bill of �200 plus.for repairs, I have decided to cut my losses and buy a new 'laptop'.

This communication is via my older 'desktop'comp. which I use for minor graphics ( e.g.Birthday cards.) scanning and printing. The set-up being situated in an upstairs room and operates on Windows 98. 2nd edition.

What I now require is a 'laptop'which I can use downstairs and has basic functions, but with the facillity to transfer photos onto disc from a digital camera. I'm not looking for an audio set-up or a high memory for games.

Accordingly, I am wondering if something such as the Fujistsu Amilo Li 1718 at a cost of a few pounds over �400.would be the answer.

Any suggestions would be welcomed......Ron.

[alfgbt]

Hi, I am using a Dell inspiron 1501 which is around that price if not cheaper. It would happily do what you are asking as would most modern laptops , but this is a really good machine for this end of the laptop market.

[vehelpfulguy]

�400 seems to be the entry point at the moment for a basic laptop (there are cheaper but �400 starts to get you a decent laptop).

I am not sure if the Fujitsu you mention only comes with one spec (often companies use the same model number for many machines but with different CPUs, different memory, disk size etc).

There is a review of the model here, but not sure if it matches your spec.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/120473/fujitsu- siemens-amilo-li-1718.html

They are not glowing with their praise but indicate it is a good laptop for the money.

Can you tell us what the spec is (CPU, memory, disk size, operating system etc) and also where you plan to buy it from (the review says it is a tesco model only).

[vehelpfulguy]

Just found the same model (Li 1718) at Staples, here:

http://www.staples.co.uk/eng/Catalog/cat_sku.a sp?Description=UK_CL_Laptops&CatIds=21797,3575 0,21850&webid=391058&affixedcode=WW

That means it is not a tesco only model, but maybe the particular spec in the review is tesco only.

So we need to know the spec of your machine to say if it is worth �400.

The one on the Staples site is �323 which seems good for a model with a Core Duo CPU, 1Gb of memory, 120Gb hard drive, and Windows Home Premium.

IF you are using the laptop mostly at home and not carrying it about then maybe try to stretch to a 17" screen as this will be much easier on the eyes than a 15.4" (will cost a little more though).

[vehelpfulguy]

Model here with a 17" screen from Tesco's for �399.

It is the Acer Aspire 7520

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-5525.aspx

[vivandorron]

I think it's a matter of my looking around before deciding where to buy and what to get.

It has been my intention to visit P.C.World which is about 10/12 miles away, and, if there was a suitable laptop on display, to shop around for the best deal. I do like to see things before buying, if possible. Although having said that, I did purchase my Desktop Comp from 'Mesh' via a catalogue and telephone order. Consequently, I shall think about 'Dell' but I am a little apprehensive because of such firms building Comps to customers requirements. I was sold by 'Mesh' more than I needed and have on my Desktop Comp an audio panel with full Midi etc and I've never had ocassion to use it.

I came across the Amilo Li 1718 fom the Fujitsu on-line shop, where it is listed at �407.73. The specs are the same as those advertised by Staples, which then makes it a good deal. However, having digested the 'P.C.Pro' product review, I am now somewhat off the model.

A 17" screen would be ideal and the 'Acer' seems impressive for the price, but I've never heard of the firm and a reduction in price of �200 makes me wonder if the machine is questionable.

I would think that for �5/600 it should be possible to get something really worthwhile. Nevertheless, the question remains..What? bearing in mind that I am an OAP who doesn't know what is meant by Wireless Lan, Dual Core Processers etc. etc.

Incidentally, what does one do with a scrap comp? Is it worth anything or suitable for re-cycling?............Ron.

[LeMarchand]

Firstly: "the motherboard OR the HDD". Sounds like the Tech Guys are being a bit shifty, as it's easy enough to remove a laptop's HDD and test it by connecting it externally to another machine. That said, unless you know someone who can do this for you, you may well be better off with a new lappy.

To answer a few of your recent questions: Acer are a fairly well-known brand, but they're not one of those brands that are universally admired. Generally OK for the price, though. WLAN is wireless LAN - you can use your laptop wirelessly if you have (or get) a home setup that will broadcast wirelessly. Dual Core means that there are 2 processors sharing the work rather than one. In theory this means things are faster, but not many programs are currently designed to take advantage of this - though it DOES make a difference in "normal" work. I would personally suggest the biggest screen (pref glass fronted - it seems to make the screen much clearer), 512MB to 1GB of RAM, preferably dedicated graphics, at least 80GB hard disk, WLAN (probably standard anyway) and XP home, XP Pro, Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. You may have to drop a couple of those specs at that sort of price.

As for recycling, you're supposed to take them to the dump. Another option is to join your local Freecycle group and give it away. ('ll have it if you're in the Fareham area). I doubt it's worth the bother of trying to eBay it, but people do buy some odd things on there.

[vivandorron]

Hi LeMarchand.. Before hearing from you, I had been on-line and today and purchased from Tesco Direct an Acer Aspire 7520. (Delivery Friday) However, I do wish to thank you for having answered all the points I raised.

I can't imagine that the Acer has a glass screen but, as the laptop appears to have more than basics, I am hoping that it will prove to be a useful subsidiary to my desktop comp. which has an 18" Mitsubihi 'Diamond Pro 710' monitor.

Nevertheless, as vehelpfulguy put me in the direction of the Acer 7520 ( which could be a Gemstone model with a specific number as a sale item for Tesco) I would wish him to know that he is certainly "Indemnified" by me against any disappointment which I could incur.

Best wishes all.......Ron

P.S. Please programme your computers if you wish to receive future up-dates from this site.!!

[vivandorron]

I have taken delivery of the Acer Aspire 7520 and 'up to a point' I am quite pleased with it. 17" screen is far better than the 15" which I had on the Ei System, and a full sized keyboard is great for two finger typing. Although I did have to correct a keyboard error. The layout had been programmed for the U.S.A. and as a result the �. sign was missing and the @ had changed places with inverted commas (")

However, having corrected the keyboard into U.K. English,there is another issue on which I have posted a further question in AB..."Is it me or Vista"?.....Ron.