Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

richiek67

I got an i5 !

Faolchu

guys my old laptop died a horrible death. wont POST, now its 7 years old so i wont shed too many tears over it. so i'm looking at getting one of these

http://www.harveynorman.ie/catalog/product/view/id/19511/s/lenovo-g580/

http://powercity.ie/?par=10-30-259464&pages=1&prod=259464&brands=TOSHIBA&image=



what ya think?
it'll be used for basic day to day browsing, using Office and so on, downloading maybe some watching movies etc but no gaming. also will be used by teh other half for college work.

Kolido

Faolchu wrote: »

guys my old laptop died a horrible death. wont POST, now its 7 years old so i wont shed too many tears over it. so i'm looking at getting one of these

http://www.harveynorman.ie/catalog/product/view/id/19511/s/lenovo-g580/

http://powercity.ie/?par=10-30-259464&pages=1&prod=259464&brands=TOSHIBA&image=



what ya think?
it'll be used for basic day to day browsing, using Office and so on, downloading maybe some watching movies etc but no gaming. also will be used by teh other half for college work.

http://www.saveonlaptops.co.uk/ have some good deals at the moment. Postage is £10 to Ireland

Torqay

Faolchu wrote: »

http://www.harveynorman.ie/catalog/product/view/id/19511/s/lenovo-g580/

http://powercity.ie/?par=10-30-259464&pages=1&prod=259464&brands=TOSHIBA&image=

what ya think?

Dual core Pentium? NO!

AMD Fusion processor? NO! NO! NO!

If you want to spend up to 500 yoyos, here is a Fujitsu 15.6 laptop with a Core i5 processor for you, €471 at LD. If you're looking for something closer to 400 yoyos, a similar model but with a Core i3 sells for €388 at LD.

Faolchu

Torqay wrote: »

Faolchu wrote: »

http://www.harveynorman.ie/catalog/product/view/id/19511/s/lenovo-g580/

http://powercity.ie/?par=10-30-259464&pages=1&prod=259464&brands=TOSHIBA&image=

what ya think?

Dual core Pentium? NO!

AMD Fusion processor? NO! NO! NO!

If you want to spend up to 500 yoyos, here is a Fujitsu 15.6 laptop with a Core i5 processor for you, €471 at LD. If you're looking for something closer to 400 yoyos, a similar model but with a Core i3 sells for €388 at LD.

Grand thanks I'll look at both sites. Are Fujitsu a reliable brand? What about after sales support if there's an issue?

Torqay

You're looking for a budget laptop, don't worry about the brand... unless it's Acer/emachines or Advent.

If it makes you feel better, LD currently offers a 3 yrs warranty for 10% of the price.

Birdster

This seems quite reasonable for an ultrabook. I dont' know much outside of the type of processor to look for, so opinions on this model would be appreciated. I need something light, internet, movies, skype and ms office. Thanks!


http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/TOSHIBA-Satellite-U840111-14andquot-Ultrabookandtrade-Silver/311456/104.1

Torqay

Birdster wrote: »

This seems quite reasonable for an ultrabook. I dont' know much outside of the type of processor to look for, so opinions on this model would be appreciated. I need something light, internet, movies, skype and ms office. Thanks!


http://www.pcworld.ie/Product/TOSHIBA-Satellite-U840111-14andquot-Ultrabookandtrade-Silver/311456/104.1

Certainly not a bad offer for a B&M store.

PC Specialist's 14" UltraNote in a similar configuration may be an alternative. With a Core i3 3110M, 4 GB RAM and a "real" 128 GB solid state disk costs €613 (€637 w 8 GB RAM). All PC Specialist computers come with an OS installation disk and are covered by a 3 yr warranty.

I don't find anything re memory upgrade for the Tosh, the memory might be soldered.

Unlike the Tosh, the UltraNote does have a DVD writer (or Bluray if you want) and an Ivy Bridge processor (better performance and graphics).

You can't get an ULV processor (17W max TDP) for the Ultranote. ULV Pro: better battery life. Con: less processing power





Of course, you can upgrade the Ultranote to a quad Core i7 3632QM, w 8 GB RAM and SSD it will be still less than 800 yoyos.



Edit: you mentioned Skype, the Tosh has a 1.3 MP webcam, the UltraNote a 2.0 MP webcam.

Birdster

Torqay wrote: »

Certainly not a bad offer for a B&M store.

PC Specialist's 14" UltraNote in a similar configuration may be an alternative. With a Core i3 3110M, 4 GB RAM and a "real" 128 GB solid state disk costs €613 (€637 w 8 GB RAM). All PC Specialist computers come with an OS installation disk and are covered by a 3 yr warranty.

I don't find anything re memory upgrade for the Tosh, the memory might be soldered.

Unlike the Tosh, the UltraNote does have a DVD writer (or Bluray if you want) and an Ivy Bridge processor (better performance and graphics).

You can't get an ULV processor (17W max TDP) for the Ultranote. ULV Pro: better battery life. Con: less processing power

Of course, you can upgrade the Ultranote to a quad Core i7 3632QM, w 8 GB RAM and SSD it will be still less than 800 yoyos.

Edit: you mentioned Skype, the Tosh has a 1.3 MP webcam, the UltraNote a 2.0 MP webcam.

Crikey!! :eek: Thanks for that Torqay. Good call on the DVD drive, didn't realise that with the Toshiba. I've never heard of PC Specialists before, how reliable are they, what are they like regards problems etc.?

Torqay

I haven't bought from them, but those who have around here seem to be quite happy.

As for the DVD drive, according to Intel's definition, ultrabooks have ULV processors and don't have optical drives, so technically, the UltraNote is not an ultrabook. However, it is pretty slim and not too heavy.

Birdster

Torqay wrote: »

As for the DVD drive, according to Intel's definition, ultrabooks have ULV processors and don't have optical drives, so technically, the UltraNote is not an ultrabook. However, it is pretty slim and not too heavy.

You've lost me now.....aren't processors and optical drives two completely different things? I notice the weight of the ultra note is still just over 2kgs though. My current lumptop is 2.65kg and the tosh ultrabook is 1.65kg. Decisions!

Torqay

Birdster wrote: »

You've lost me now.....aren't processors and optical drives two completely different things? I notice the weight of the ultra note is still just over 2kgs though. My current lumptop is 2.65kg and the tosh ultrabook is 1.65kg. Decisions!

As I said, according to Intel it's only an utrabook if it has an Ultra Low Voltage processor. But that is Intel's definition of an Ultrabook, not mine.

The UltraNote is probably a bit lighter when ordered with a solid state disk (which is much better than a platter or hybrid HDD), and of course, the optical drive adds to the weight. If you'll need to carry an external DVD drive instead, that would be pretty much the same.

Birdster

Torqay wrote: »

As I said, according to Intel it's only an utrabook if it has an Ultra Low Voltage processor. But that is Intel's definition of an Ultrabook, not mine.

The UltraNote is probably a bit lighter when ordered with a solid state disk (which is much better than a platter or hybrid HDD), and of course, the optical drive adds to the weight. If you'll need to carry an external DVD drive instead, that would be pretty much the same.

Ah yeah I have ya now

Thanks for the info!

cruhoortwunk

Looking for a a few ideas on a new laptop.
Budget is about 900.
Screen would be 13.3"
Compact size, but doesn't have to be an ultrabook
I would like one with a premium feel body (aluminium or similar), and not plastic-y.
I like the Asus UX32, but it has no LAN port, and I don't think the RAM can be upgraded.
Storage isn't important as I have a NAS. I would like one that I can slide an SSD drive into though. (Doesn't have to have SSD, just an SSD compatible slot.)
Any laptops that may fit the bill?

Torqay

The cheapest UX32 I can find costs 999 yoyos at computeruniverse (German keyboard), €1005 at Laptopsdirect. Don't see anything with an aluminum body within your budget (except the 15 inch Inspiron 15R Special Edition). If you're not in a hurry, wait for the T430u to become available here. 14" and and plastic but a genuine ThinkPad T. The price should meet your budget as well.

Should you prefer value over looks, then go for PC Specialists Inferno. 13.3" display, quad Core i7 3632QM, Nvidia GT 650M (2 GB), 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD for £725 or €899 (including OS installation disk and 3 yrs warranty). Hard to beat this deal...

Alanstrainor

cruhoortwunk wrote: »

Looking for a a few ideas on a new laptop.
Budget is about 900.
Screen would be 13.3"
Compact size, but doesn't have to be an ultrabook
I would like one with a premium feel body (aluminium or similar), and not plastic-y.
I like the Asus UX32, but it has no LAN port, and I don't think the RAM can be upgraded.
Storage isn't important as I have a NAS. I would like one that I can slide an SSD drive into though. (Doesn't have to have SSD, just an SSD compatible slot.)
Any laptops that may fit the bill?

I have the UX32a which i've upgraded to 10GB of RAM as of yesterday, from reading online I thought I would be stuck at 4GB, but it's not true.

The UX32 also has space for an SSD, i've been thinking about popping it in...I'm still undecided though, as it's only a 120GB drive, where as I'd probably need more storage than that.

As far as the UX32 goes, I'd say it's a pretty good all rounder. It's got a lovely feel to it, and it's reasonably snappy(RAM upgrade was a must for me, but only cost 35 quid or so). I've been happy with mine.

cruhoortwunk

Cool, the fact that the RAM can be upgraded is a big plus. I have a 128GB SSD here, so I could slot that in too, and use my NAS for storage.
Did you get the NIC/LAN adapter for it?
Currys have the UX32A for 850 now.

Alanstrainor

cruhoortwunk wrote: »

Cool, the fact that the RAM can be upgraded is a big plus. I have a 128GB SSD here, so I could slot that in too, and use my NAS for storage.
Did you get the NIC/LAN adapter for it?
Currys have the UX32A for 850 now.

That's a good price. Worth it at that money.

No NIC/LAN adapter, which was a pain in the ass being honest, couldn't believe it wasn't included in the box. But, they're cheap on ebay.

The thing is, that there is also a 24GB partition on the motherboard, so you'll have your 128 + 24 for storage. In it's current configuration there is a 500GB standard disk, and a 24GB partition used as a cache drive.

Battery life is around 5 hours, with screen brightness low, and browsing/typing up and doing general basic work on it. It's not as good as I was expecting, but its pretty standard really.

Mat the trasher

So, after some deliberation, will I, don't I, had decided to order this from PC Specialist, but, always one isn't there, I would like to have it before the end of the month and there (PC Specialist) won't have the chassis to build it until 29th same with the inferno model. So what I'm after is a similar spec or better and in 13.3-14".
Had considered the New XPS 14 but its way behind the spec below for €1000 more in the top spec model.
Any other pc builders I could check, German perhaps?

cheers,
Mat.



Chassis & Display
UltraNote: 14" Glossy HD LED Backlit Widescreen (1366x768) Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™i7 Dual Core Mobile Processor i7-3520M (2.90GHz) 4MB Memory (RAM)
16GB SAMSUNG 1600MHz SODIMM DDR3 MEMORY (2 x 8GB) Graphics Card
Intel® HD Graphics 4000 Video Memory Technology up to 1.7GB Memory - Hard Disk
480GB INTEL® 520 SERIES SSD, SATA 6 Gb/s (upto 550MB/sR | 520MB/sW) DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
Ultra Slim 8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW) Memory Card Reader
Internal 9 in 1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD: Mini, XC & HC/MS: Pro & Duo) Sound Card
Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi™ Surround 5.1 PRO External (£69) Bluetooth & Wireless
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® N-2230 (300Mbps) + BLUETOOTH USB Options
2 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD Battery
UltraNote Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (48.84WH) Power Lead & Adaptor
1 x European Power Lead & 65W AC Adaptor Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED Office Software
NO OFFICE SOFTWARE Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE Keyboard Language
INTEGRATED UK KEYBOARD Notebook Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM Warranty
3 Year Gold Warranty (2 Year Collect & Return, 2 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour) (£69) Insurance
1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI) Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 8 to 10 working days Quantity1

Torqay

Why did you pick the 3520M? The quad i3632QM is a lot cheaper (also 35W max TDP) and much faster.

If the UltraNote is not available in time, did you check the Inferno?

Torqay wrote: »

13.3" display, quad Core i7 3632QM, Nvidia GT 650M (2 GB), 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD for £725 or €899 (including OS installation disk and 3 yrs warranty).

Much better graphics than the Ultranote...

Mat the trasher

Torqay wrote: »

Why did you pick the 3520M? The quad i3632QM is a lot cheaper (also 35W max TDP) and much faster.

If the UltraNote is not available in time, did you check the Inferno?



Much better graphics than the Ultranote...

I had a look at it, but its the same on the delivery time at the moment. On the processer just picked the last on the list for posting, which of the processers would be have the best preformace?

cheers,

Mat

Mat the trasher

This maybe?

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Toshiba_Portege_Z930-108_13.3_Core_i7_Windows_7_Pro_3G_Ultrabook_in_Steel__PT235E-00E037EN/version.asp

Torqay

Mat the trasher wrote: »

I had a look at it, but its the same on the delivery time at the moment. On the processer just picked the last on the list for posting, which of the processers would be have the best preformace?

cheers,

Mat

The 3840QM of course, but it's a 45W max TDP processor, I'd say the 3632QM is the better choice. Much easier on the battery.

Torqay

Mat the trasher wrote: »

This maybe?

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Toshiba_Portege_Z930-108_13.3_Core_i7_Windows_7_Pro_3G_Ultrabook_in_Steel__PT235E-00E037EN/version.asp

The price is insane.

Only two cores in the Core i7 3667U (Passmark score 3560). A regular Core i5 3210M beats the performance hands down (3913).

agimcgale

Girlfriends laptop has packed in and I have to buy a new one today (can't wait to order online as she needs it tonight for college)

Is there anything better around the 350-400 mark that I could pick up at lunchtime today in Dublin city centre?
http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/5087585/c_1/1|category_root|Office%2C+PCs+and+phones|14418968/c_2/3|cat_19780850|Laptops+and+netbooks|14419039.htm

Any recommendations would really be appreciated!!!

Torqay

agimcgale wrote: »

Any recommendations would really be appreciated!!!

Go ahead, 5 left at Liffey Valley.

Good deal for B&M store. Although the CPU is only a 1st gen. Core i3 it should be fine for the usual college stuff.

agimcgale

Torqay wrote: »

Go ahead, 5 left at Liffey Valley.

Good deal for B&M store. Although the CPU is only a 1st gen. Core i3 it should be fine for the usual college stuff.

Cheers!

matrim

Anyone else who ordered an Optimus IV from Pc Specialist recently hear back about their order. Seems they had a stock shortage for a fortnight at the end of September / start October, which delayed orders.

From looking at their forums it looks like they're up to orders around the 29th September now.

geecee

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I have the UX32a which i've upgraded to 10GB of RAM as of yesterday, from reading online I thought I would be stuck at 4GB, but it's not true.

Hi Alanstrainor
Have you a link to the memory that you bought for your UX32A?
Thanks!

geecee

geecee wrote: »

Hi Alanstrainor
Have you a link to the memory that you bought for your UX32A?
Thanks!

By the way, I just bought one of these UX32As (down to 800 in PCW now)and i am annoyed at how loud the hard disk is... is yours the same?

Any recommendations for a suitable SSD drive?