get 2gb min for vista at least and remember get a dedicated graphics card if you build one yourself, you will regret later if you get integrated. and also if you want to add 2gb of ram or something buy yourself a stick of 1gb ram can be as low as $10 right now and if you want to customize to 4gb, 2 sticks of 2gb ram could be as low as $70 so ram is very cheap if you put it in yourself, it's usually very easy. and oh yea i don't think you should be asking your friend for advice on lappy's lol, 128mb of ram won't even be able to run notepad that fast with like windows 98 or something i think. 128mb of ram was generations ago.... Here's my recommended specs that would probably cost you around $1000 if you build it online and less if you add your own ram... Processor: 1.66-2.0ghz intel core 2 duo ( get the centrino ones, the one with the magenta highlighted text on the bottom, don't get the one that just says dual core cause their old also don't get amd turion x2 since it's inferior and not too energy efficient Screen: i think get glossy because they are pretty much bright enough now and has enough light repellent, if you don't like the shine, get the matte version. A 1280X800 resolution on a 14.1" should be good enough (unless you want the icons to be smaller) Memory: 2gb ram OS: XP or Vista Harddrive: 120 gb+ 5400rpm HD Graphics: just go with integrated if you buy it at stores but try to get an nvidia or ati dedicated graphics card if you build online. Wireless: get the a/b/g or N (newest one, i think all-in-one too), or just a/g and your good. Other Accessories: Microphone+webcam (1.3mp+), Bluettooth (usually add $20), fingerprint reader/face scanner (if you want it to look cool) Battery: If you want extended life, look for the 9-cell, 12-cell batteries for the 13.3"-15.4" laptops. will probably double it. Dell sticks out on the front, add like half a pound, hp sticks up from the bottom, giving you like a nice stand. but could be inconvenient. Warranty: don't get it if the warranty is like 2 years or less cause probably nothing will happen to your laptop in that time. Or just don't get them at all if your laptop is below $1k i guess. Some options (13.3" or 14.1" screens, don't like the 15.4" ones unless you talking about the xps m1530) HP DV2500t http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-pavilion-dv2500t-core/4505-3121_7-32451975.html?tag=pdtl-list I have something similar to this myself, only thing not too good is the touchpad other than that, solid laptop, nice design but also fingerprint magnet, nice speakers and touch controls though. Some cool designs out at bestbuy now too. Dell Inspiron 1420 http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/dell-inspiron-1420/4505-3121_7-32486109.html?tag=prod.txt.1 I know somebody with this, nice feel to this design not as good as hp imo but the screen is better i think (mine is older version of 2500t though) the speakers are also average. but a good laptop nonetheless, and it has no preloaded junkware which is +++... Sony Vaio CR120 http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/sony-vaio-cr120-core/4505-3121_7-32743693.html?tag=pdtl-list ok most people don't recommend the sony cause of the junk in there. but damn this is a sexy ass laptop. have to see it in person to see how good it looks. I think it's pretty solid and the price ain't too bad on it... Toshiba Satellite U305-S7467 http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/tos...7467/4505-3121_7-32658642.html?tag=prod.txt.1 I think this one looks nice and cheap. had a toshiba for a while but exchange for smaller screen hp. Toshiba laptops are really solid. I think the 13.3 inch looks quite nice. anyways don't know anything about lenovos, but the thinkpads i heard are pretty sturdy and now they have that face scanning technology if you want to show off lol....also they are usually under $1000 and are pretty packed at that point. also once you done shopping with the lappy, get something like this neoprene laptop sleeve to protect it: EX: and then a laptop mouse, get the wireless ones: EX: and then your set.....hopefully that helps
HEHE....THX FOR YOU ADVICE....YEH ME AND MY FRIEND ARE LIKE....-huh? WHEN IT COMES TO COMPS AND STUFF....-doh
well hopefully you'll get what you wanted. and oh yea i think this site has some good uk deals for dell online: http://www.dmxdimension.com/ there might be others deals elsewhere too, just google "dell coupons uk" or something, might be like $300 off coupons out there.
NAZ made some really good suggestions BB for you but the one thing i would say you look at from dell is the vostro 1400 or the latitude series laptops. They are good because you can spec them with windows xp and not have to deal with windows vista at all. The intel's are good but the amd ones are just as good and energy efficient like the core 2 duo's. Though the core 2 duo's may offer more performance however if you are not gaming or doing anything intensive you won't use a core 2 duo to its full potential i have been buying dell latitude laptops with decent specs: Latitude D531 AMD Turion 64 X2 1.8Ghz 1GB Ram 80GB HDD 15.4" Widescreen Integrated video 3yr warranty with complete care Windows XP for 978US including shipping and tax there are latitude d630 that are about that price with similar specs and use the Intel processor. However i think it depends on how big of a screen you want and what you will be using it for. very little crap on it and with the complete care on the laptop you can drop it and get it replaced from dell. you just gotta tell them how banged up it is and get a new one. Also the latitude's are built to be sturdy as they take a beating in the working environment
