Advice on a new laptop? (details inside)?

In September I'll be starting 6th form and I want a new laptop that I can carry round school and use both in class and during prep. I'd like a laptop that comes with Windows Vista - preferably Premium, but Basic would be ok. I want a reliable laptop that will last the two years of sixth form and hopefully for university as well. I would also use the laptop for stuff like iTunes and MSN.

I don't really know what to look for though, so could you please give me some information about the kind of memory, processor etc. I'll need and maybe suggest a suitable laptop? I was looking at a Dell Studio 15 which I think came to around £450, but I was hoping to spend a little less than that - preferably under £400.

If you need more information then I'll edit with details. Thanks for your help :)

2009-06-08T10:40:44Z

Yes I will be carrying my laptop around school. My current laptop is 13" so I guess I could manage with another 13" if it will make it a lot easier to carry.

MBA seeker - Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted! I'll go searching on the internet... unless anyone has a particular laptop in mind? I don't really have any preferences on the brand.

SadPanda - Sorry but what do you mean? Are you saying that Vista is unreliable? Because I've been using Vista Home Premium for a year now and I think it's great!

2009-06-08T11:10:34Z

Oops I forgot to add, I would want to watch TV/movies on the laptop so I need something that will be able to cope with fullscreen streaming (my current laptop can't).

Thanks for the help!

2009-06-09T03:25:20Z

No tv/movies isn't the main reason at all... it would just be an added bonus. I assumed that 15" would be more expensive than 13" though but if it's not then I think I could manage carrying round a bigger laptop if it means I could watch stuff on it. I mean I would have a bag so it shouldn't be too awkward.
I just want advice on getting the best and most suitable laptop for my money so any recommendations on a particular one?

At the moment I have a Packard Bell EasyNote but I'm not sure exactly which model it is.... but it looks like this one if that helps http://images03.olx.com.ph/ui/2/92/60/17789260_1.jpg I know it's not exactly the same because that one is bigger. Sorry I can't tell you precisely what it is!
It's fine for schoolwork and stuff but it can't cope AT ALL with streaming - even if I try to watch youtube on fullscreen the driver fails after about 20 secs which is kinda annoying.

sεαη2009-06-08T09:57:03Z

Favorite Answer

Your needs are pretty simple & the Studio 15 (even the lowest configuration) does your job pretty well

Now you need to look at another angle, portabilty
that you mention " ... new laptop that I can carry round school and ...", this is a bit heavy if you need to routinely lug it around
please confirm that part


add:
is tv/movies the primary reason for getting the new laptop
how well does your present laptop cope with your other tasks., make & model will be appreciated
getting a decent 13" will be pretty expensive, cause these small ones are costlier than the 15" ones
... so you will need to do some balancing / trade-off's

let me tell you about self: i am using a 14.1" & it's a pain lugging it. i dream of a nice 13.3" one, but then i'm making do ... finances are important to me, and sure it can wait for now

add-2
the Studio 15 seems to be well priced, & the Intel GMA 4500MHD will serve you well on graphics front
and best of luck on that !

MBA seeker2009-06-08T10:02:52Z

Just go with dell. It is better than other retail brands out there. for 400 pounds, i don't think you will find anything better than dell.

Most basic things to look for:
Processor - intel dual 2 core (2.0ghz)
RAM - 3gb+
Harddrive - The more the better (150gb+)
Screen size - depending on you really. 15" looks better but heavier, 13" lighter, but small
other stuff should be fairly standard, such as bluetooth, wifi, dvd rom. The above specifications listed are pretty basic. But still make sure whatever laptop you choose have them as the minimum.

If you want to save a few extra pounds, check out delloutlet.com and look for refurbished laptops. You get to save 20% off the retail prices, but the laptop are refurbished, so it turns some people off.

Anonymous2016-10-01T13:01:49Z

surely, neither of those has lots to do with the pictures card in any respect. For average velocity, you want a quickly processor. objective for Cor 2 Duo 2.2ghz or extra advantageous. For streaming video, it is fullyyt approximately your internet connection. call your ISP in case you experience such as you're having connection themes.

Anonymous2009-06-08T09:39:07Z

(hp) Hewlett Packard

Anonymous2009-06-08T10:16:18Z

You have to choose between vista and reliability.