What the best Laptop to buy

[Scottie]

I am looking to replace my Laptop would like a wireless one also I currently have broadband through BT. I quite like the sony laptop but not sure.

My question is this :I at the moment I've got a cable that comes from the phone thing on the wall into a modem then into the usb port on the laptop for the broadband connection i want to make everything wireless including broadband is this possible and how would I go about it.

AS you see computer are not my thing really :Iand I would just like to be able to buy something like this set up but to be plug and play is this possible:) If not then what is the easiest option.

[The Dogfather]

SC - I'd go with a Toshiba rather than a Sony, make sure it's a Centrino if you need a good battery life.

All you need then is a Wifi Router/Modem/Firewall they cost about £80. I'll talk you through setting it up if you need any help.

[euan]

Most laptops these days come with wireless in them, but it's always worth checking that they have on board wifi. If not, you can get additional cards quite easily and not hugely expensive (30-40 quid I think).

Most people have a favourite laptop, I've always used IBM Thinkpads but they are a bit more expensive (but great keyboards!) I've got a Toshiba at the moment that is on loan from my customer and I hate it, the mouse and keyboard and not nearly as nice as my Thinkpad, but then I've a mate who swears by Toshiba. As with most things, comes down to what you want it for (web surfing, email, business), and how much you want to spend. If you don't want to put it on here, email me what your looking for I can have a nose about for you, see what I can find.

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by euan

Most laptops these days come with wireless in them, but it's always worth checking that they have on board wifi. If not, you can get additional cards quite easily and not hugely expensive (30-40 quid I think).

Most people have a favourite laptop, I've always used IBM Thinkpads but they are a bit more expensive (but great keyboards!) I've got a Toshiba at the moment that is on loan from my customer and I hate it, the mouse and keyboard and not nearly as nice as my Thinkpad, but then I've a mate who swears by Toshiba. As with most things, comes down to what you want it for (web surfing, email, business), and how much you want to spend. If you don't want to put it on here, email me what your looking for I can have a nose about for you, see what I can find.


ok what's a wifi :I

I have a IBM think pad @ work and got to say I'm not a fan of the red wee dot thing in the middle of the keys but it's mainly docked:I

I am looking for simple stuff really more than one usb port a 17" TFT screen but mostly wireless which has to include the broadband thingy but phoned them today and they said my basic broadband package dose not support wireless and have to upgrade but i think that's only to get their kit. must be a router out there that I could buy. Things just start to get to technical for me then I worry about uploading stuff cause if it disnae work I would not have a clue where to start. Like BT asked me what my password and username was I have no idea:eek: I just click on a icon and it dose the rest. this computer stuff is really hard to understand.:I

[minidriver#1]

ScottieCoop, IMO what you're looking for would be something that is both future proof and that meets your network/internet requirements. I'd reccomend the following companies based on their reliability, ease of use and customer service as well as personal experience.

One thing you need to remember is that you want to buy a laptop that is going to last you at least 5 years, thats the way i think when i buy a laptop.

At work we use Dell computer equipment for practically everything and their laptops are top notch and because you can order them to a spec that you want you get what you want and what you pay for. They have a variety of budget notebooks and highend mobile workstations. Dell are also the largest manufacturer of computer equipment, followed closely by Hewlett Packard.

Check these out...

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/inspn?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs


I have just purchases a laptop from specialised makers Alienware which set me back a fair bit due to the fact i use it for graphic design and web development. probably not what you need, however they do a lower performance laptop which may be ideal for you. Alienware is a company that specialises in performance and custom computers. Like Dell you cant buy these in the shops, but if you ask me thats a good thing because you're getting something special, unique and tailor made to suit your requirements.

Check these out... gorgeous
http://www.alienware.co.uk/product_detail_pages/Sentia/sentia_features.aspx?SysCode=PC-EU-LT-SENTIA&SubCode=SKU-PERFORMANCE

Also see here for definitions of 'wifi'
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2003-33,GGLD:en&oi=defmore&q=define:WiFi


So the laptops i've mentioned and link to, the majority have a wireless network card already installed. The next thing to do is to get a wireless router. What this is is basically a box that connects to your cable modem, its like an aerial, small and compact. This transmits the information through the air rather than cables, and the information is picked up by your wireless card on your PC. When you buy the router it will come with instructions on how to set it up and to connect your laptop to it. I have a network at home consisting of 3 laptops and a desktop, all wirelessly connected using 1 router and a 1mb net connection, and its bliss.

Hope this helps.

[euan]

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of the red dot for a mouse on the Thinkpads (it's called a nipple, btw) but then I use a proper all the time anyway and only use it when I have to. Mind you, I much prefer it to touchpads! My current one has both and I've disabled the touchpad I hate it so much.

Dell do make some very good kit, my home PC is a dell, but you have to watch the offers as some of the laptops are not all that fast (but they are very cheap) - or they have hardly any memory! I wouldn't look below 512MB for memory, if you start using office, iTunes, web surfing etc the laptop will keel over with less. They are doing 70 quid off that ends today, however they are always doing deals and the best way to get a cheap one is work out what you want and then check the site over a couple of weeks.

Computings easy :) Well, it's either that or I need to get a proper job...

[Craig]

We use Dell workstations and laptops at work and they get a hard time 24/7 and we have less than 1% failure on the equipment which I think is very good. Again this is only my opinion. I have a Dell (and have had for several years) in the house and all of my friends and family have them. They seem to be able to produce the numbers and in the vast majority of cases, keep the quality at a very high standard. As KJ states any wireless router comes with instructions and if you just think of it as the bit that gets rid of the cable between your laptop and the modem and then it's not really confusing. Setting up routers is fairly straight forward. We have used Belkin 54g routers at work and they have been very reliable and easy to config.

Hope this helps and good luck;)
Craig

[minidriver#1]

quote:Originally posted by euan

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of the red dot for a mouse on the Thinkpads (it's called a nipple, btw) but then I use a proper all the time anyway and only use it when I have to. Mind you, I much prefer it to touchpads! My current one has both and I've disabled the touchpad I hate it so much.

Dell do make some very good kit, my home PC is a dell, but you have to watch the offers as some of the laptops are not all that fast (but they are very cheap) - or they have hardly any memory! I wouldn't look below 512MB for memory, if you start using office, iTunes, web surfing etc the laptop will keel over with less. They are doing 70 quid off that ends today, however they are always doing deals and the best way to get a cheap one is work out what you want and then check the site over a couple of weeks.

Computings easy :) Well, it's either that or I need to get a proper job...




Thats not computing, thats tech support :p:blackeye:

[Scottie]

thanks for your advice guess my compaq laptop done not to bad @ 6 years old but keeps locking up and looks old hat.

I have chosen this one and should pick it up tomorrow the guys @ work are going to set it up.:D so i just need to go home and bobs your uncle:D

http://www.qosmio.co.uk/

hopefully it will last 6 years.

I'm getting a new laptop @ work which will be dell:D

[GAJ]

quote:Originally posted by euan

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of the red dot for a mouse on the Thinkpads (it's called a nipple, btw) . . .

I was reliably informed that it is actually called a Centrally Located Integrated Tracking device, or C.L.I.T. for short. ;):I

[Scottie]

(Handy that both our birthdays fall in next three weeks);) Allan thinks I'm getting them for him but I'm not really:evil:

I am also looking @ the Sony DCR-DVD7E DVD Camcorder. This goes straight onto dvd which i can just put into the computer but what do I need to search google for looking for a site that will host my camcorder moving images (not sure of the correct terminology)

[The Dogfather]

Smart Choice!!! Its a very nice laptop, I'm very jealous.

Like I said if you need a hand with the BBand set up give me a shout.... :D

[Jeff]

one word a DELL

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by bad dog mini

Nice laptop, I'm very jealous.

Like I said if you need a hand with the BBand set up give me a shout.... :D


I'm hoping it will be good as it has to last a few years



no worries paul i've still got your mobile no;):p:D

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by Jeff

one word a DELL


H'mmmm Dell as I said I'm getting a new dell laptop from my work but so far most of the guys have said there crap and quite a few have had no end of problems but no doubt that will be down to EDS support:(

[The Dogfather]

I've heard bad things about Dell as well, SC my mobile's numbers changed, drop me an IM and I'll send you the new number....

[sleepyrascal]

Scottie. As you may know, i'm in Alabama at the moment and the big craze here is HD laptops. Thats laptops with High definition screens. They really are fantastic. My friend bought the HP 14" HD laptop with in built wireless ($1750). However it will cost about that in £ back home so I guess this is only an option if your visiting the states any time soon. One flick of a switch and the laptop automatically detects any wireless networks. This is really handy especially if you travel a lot.

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by sleepyrascal

Scottie. As you may know, i'm in Alabama at the moment and the big craze here is HD laptops. Thats laptops with High definition screens. They really are fantastic. My friend bought the HP 14" HD laptop with in built wireless ($1750). However it will cost about that in £ back home so I guess this is only an option if your visiting the states any time soon. One flick of a switch and the laptop automatically detects any wireless networks. This is really handy especially if you travel a lot.


Sleepy, Alabama what's that like then are you getting that southern drawl.:) I have just started watching Southern Chopper on Sky it's really good.:)

[sleepyrascal]

quote:Originally posted by ScottieCoop

[quote]Originally posted by sleepyrascal

Scottie. As you may know, i'm in Alabama at the moment and the big craze here is HD laptops. Thats laptops with High definition screens. They really are fantastic. My friend bought the HP 14" HD laptop with in built wireless ($1750). However it will cost about that in £ back home so I guess this is only an option if your visiting the states any time soon. One flick of a switch and the laptop automatically detects any wireless networks. This is really handy especially if you travel a lot.



Sleepy, Alabama what's that like then are you getting that southern drawl.:) I have just started watching Southern Chopper on Sky it's really good.:)



haha, yeh its pretty good. You should watch a series called the perfect catch. Its awsome. I guess you should get it in the UK too. Its Hurricane season here mixed with day temps of 105-109 where we work. MELT! Makes for an interesting environment!

Im fighting off the southern accent. I work with Louisiana guys all day and its easy to pick up annoying bits and pieces from their accents. For example, "Y'all". :mad::D

[Heather]

Fraid for me it had to be an apple iBook. I had never owned and apple prior to buying this one and it is far more straight forward than a windows based machine. WiFi capability is built in and if you bought and Airport extreme base station then it sets it all up automatically. You dont need to worry about cross compatability with windows as I have never had any problems. 3GGG would be able to source these for you and help with any set up problems. Let us know what you go for.

[Scottie]

quote:Originally posted by Heather

Fraid for me it had to be an apple iBook. I had never owned and apple prior to buying this one and it is far more straight forward than a windows based machine. WiFi capability is built in and if you bought and Airport extreme base station then it sets it all up automatically. You dont need to worry about cross compatability with windows as I have never had any problems. 3GGG would be able to source these for you and help with any set up problems. Let us know what you go for.


used apple when I was in new york for a while but could never really get the hang of it.

Guess I'm just a windows microsoft tart;):D

[I Want A Works]

try ebuyer (www.ebuyer.com)

My dad got a dog's dangely's of a laptop from them not long ago that had built in wireless and a DVD burner, and wide screen display. If i can find the exact specs i'll post them here

[Sheilz]

I've got a Toshiba and a Sony with wireless etc. I prefer the Sony apart from the fact its newer I prefer the layout though the Toshiba which is just two and a half years is fine too. Both have been used for personal and professional purposes without complaint.

[Cooper_si]

Thought id chime in about my Dell Inspirion 5150....paid around £1600 pound for it..and was fine up until a day after my warranty run out...likes to turn its self off every now and then when i put pressure near the mouse pad. NO ONE wants to touch dells for repairs !! they all say i have to go through dell...which is an inconvenience for myself being self employed and requiring my laptop 24/7...so i wouldnt recommend dell im afraid. My friend got a great Sony VAIO though off ebay and mite consider getting one for being mobile....all for 200 quid..nowt sepcial but it does the job he says...hmmmm