View Full Version : Need a laptop for £400
Computer Robot
04-09-10, 23:16
Whats the best laptop I can get for £400 please? 15" or less please is prefered and must have windows 64bit version.
"Best" depends on function. What will it be used for?
Computer Robot
05-09-10, 10:28
Probably mostly web browsing. Needs to be quick and responsive though.
Kinda begs the question of why you specifically want a 64-bit OS then. Can't see any need for 4GB+ RAM for web browsing.
If it's responsiveness, something with an SSD might be a good thing to look for. Not looked at any specific models so not sure you'll get anything in the price range.
Otherwise, anything at £400 would be good for web browsing and general use. In fact, you could think about reducing that budget a bit and treating yourself to a load of wham bars on the side.
Computer Robot
05-09-10, 11:04
Personally I dont think less than 3gb is enough for windows 7 especially when anti virus and other programs are installed. Web browsers can use a lot of memory nowadays especially when several tabs windows open. 32bit limit of 3gb includes that of graphics memory so will probably end up with less than 3gb for system. Needs to be fairly future proof as well. Nobody wants to have spend that much on a pc only to have to replace in a couple years time.
Personally I dont think less than 3gb is enough for windows 7 especially when anti virus and other programs are installed. Web browsers can use a lot of memory nowadays especially when several tabs windows open. 32bit limit of 3gb includes that of graphics memory so will probably end up with less than 3gb for system. Needs to be fairly future proof as well. Nobody wants to have spend that much on a pc only to have to replace in a couple years time.
So why not use 64bit? I have 3Gb RAM with Windows 7 x64 on my laptop.
Computer Robot
05-09-10, 12:28
So why not use 64bit? I have 3Gb RAM with Windows 7 x64 on my laptop.
Yes I do want win7 x64. I said this in 1st post. :P
3Gb is fine to run win 7 with...
But not alot of point have 64bit unless you have 4gb+ of ram
3Gb is fine to run win 7 with...
But not alot of point have 64bit unless you have 4gb+ of ram
There is, its much faster.
Computer Robot
05-09-10, 14:20
So anyone got any recommendations then?
Computer Robot
05-09-10, 14:21
sry to post twice but do any of the manufacturers give more than just 1 year warranty?
Yes, people are digressing.
Back to the OP: I think you're going to struggle to find a £400 laptop with a 64-bit OS. Simple reason being that such an OS is not really needed for less than 4GB RAM and 4GB+ models would be a bit more expensive.
That said, something in the Asus X5EAE range is almost on-spec, although the screen is too big for you! There is a much-berated but often loved online retailer who sells a 4GB version for £400.
From Aria, how about this (again, 15.6" and doesn't say if 64-bit OS):
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Laptops/Laptops/Acer+Aspire+5542+15.6%22+Laptop+%28LX.PHA02.006%29 +?productId=41388
Computer Robot
05-09-10, 15:00
Yes, people are digressing.
Back to the OP: I think you're going to struggle to find a £400 laptop with a 64-bit OS. Simple reason being that such an OS is not really needed for less than 4GB RAM and 4GB+ models would be a bit more expensive.
That said, something in the Asus X5EAE range is almost on-spec, although the screen is too big for you! There is a much-berated but often loved online retailer who sells a 4GB version for £400.
From Aria, how about this (again, 15.6" and doesn't say if 64-bit OS):
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Laptops/Laptops/Acer+Aspire+5542+15.6%22+Laptop+%28LX.PHA02.006%29 +?productId=41388
Thanks ill add the asus to the hat, anymore anybody?
Interesting shout from another thread. The processor would probably make up for the lower amount of RAM.
Check the advent sienna 500 from currys, it has a i5 processor which is even better than an i3 and its only 429 :)
dont be put off by the brand, its just the name of the casing really.. all the inside parts are OEM parts like samsung etc..
just ordered one myself
The post above is pure $&$$, advent is one of the worse brands on the planet, its NOT just the casing... :rolleyes:
therealmrhead
06-09-10, 17:50
Interesting shout from another thread. The processor would probably make up for the lower amount of RAM.
Missis ordered one and is returning it due to it shutting down before windows even boots when you don't have the power cable in.
Battery lasts about 2 hours so unless you like to keep it plugged in it isn't a lot of use if say you wanted to use it on the train. Other than that it's really good
Missis ordered one and is returning it due to it shutting down before windows even boots when you don't have the power cable in.
Battery lasts about 2 hours so unless you like to keep it plugged in it isn't a lot of use if say you wanted to use it on the train. Other than that it's really good
Advents true quality! :thumb:
Computer Robot
06-09-10, 18:31
Already bought the ASUS. THanks to those who helped. Got to say it again its a shame Aria dont state wheter 32 or 64bit os on most laptops as it makes it 100 times harder to decide which one to get. Had to go with rival etailer in the end
therealmrhead
06-09-10, 18:34
Already bought the ASUS. THanks to those who helped. Got to say it again its a shame Aria dont state wheter 32 or 64bit os on most laptops as it makes it 100 times harder to decide which one to get. Had to go with rival etailer in the end
I would assume that unless stated it will be 32bit
Interesting to know about the advent one. I'll cover my tracks by saying I was just quoting someone else!
I would assume that unless stated it will be 32bit
It comes with 4GB RAM though - might suggest a 64-bit OS is installed. Definitely a point for Aria to take on though: don't leave things open to assumption.
Post an update on how you find the Asus. Few threads here about laptops in that price bracket.
Computer Robot
07-09-10, 14:41
It comes with 4GB RAM though - might suggest a 64-bit OS is installed. Definitely a point for Aria to take on though: don't leave things open to assumption.
Post an update on how you find the Asus. Few threads here about laptops in that price bracket.
I had a customer the other day who bought an acer laptop from pc world 1 1/2 years ago, it had 4gb memory installed and stated on a sticker but only 32bit os. It also had 512mb gfx card so windows only utilised 2.5gb i think. How can they justify selling him this? Thats criminal if you ask me!
therealmrhead
07-09-10, 15:02
I had a customer the other day who bought an acer laptop from pc world 1 1/2 years ago, it had 4gb memory installed and stated on a sticker but only 32bit os. It also had 512mb gfx card so windows only utilised 2.5gb i think. How can they justify selling him this? Thats criminal if you ask me!
Answer - PC World - they sell USB cables for a :censored: tenner!
Computer Robot
07-09-10, 15:56
Answer - PC World - they sell USB cables for a :censored: tenner!
I think saw an hdmi lead in there for about £80 once. On the packaging it was claiming higher transfer rates or something, total bull crap. Currys were selling it as well.
therealmrhead
07-09-10, 16:52
yeah i had a row with one of the shop assistants in there about that. there is no difference. the only thing that can make a difference in the long run is the connection which after a while could rust i guess if they aren't copper or gold but it isn't like the socket is made of gold anyway. i also had a row when they were trying to sell someone norton with a pc. i told them not to buy it because it does more harm than good lol. im sure they are on commission for selling norton.
yeah i had a row with one of the shop assistants in there about that. there is no difference. the only thing that can make a difference in the long run is the connection which after a while could rust i guess if they aren't copper or gold but it isn't like the socket is made of gold anyway. i also had a row when they were trying to sell someone norton with a pc. i told them not to buy it because it does more harm than good lol. im sure they are on commission for selling norton.
Yep, its digital, so as long as the 1 or 0 gets to the other end there is no difference, thats the whole point.
Yep, its digital, so as long as the 1 or 0 gets to the other end there is no difference, thats the whole point.
That's not quite true. A wire is not just a wire. And a wire is also an analogue device - you don't send a "0" down a wire, it's an electric signal that's transmitted. So it is possible to get better leads that do a better job. Plus signal will degrate at the connection. Either way, PC world are a :censored: rip-off for leads. I once had to pay about £7 for a 2m CAT5 cable cos I had no other choice.
And my earlier comment about 4GB and 64-bit was in relation to the Aria laptop I linked in an earlier post, not a PC World one. Not that it matters.
Computer Robot
07-09-10, 17:27
Originally Posted by therealmrhead http://forums.aria.co.uk/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://forums.aria.co.uk/showthread.php?p=478765#post478765)
yeah i had a row with one of the shop assistants in there about that. there is no difference. the only thing that can make a difference in the long run is the connection which after a while could rust i guess if they aren't copper or gold but it isn't like the socket is made of gold anyway. i also had a row when they were trying to sell someone norton with a pc. i told them not to buy it because it does more harm than good lol. im sure they are on commission for selling norton.
.
I started my computer repair business just over a year ago and ive had loads of customers who say they paid for antivirus. I just can believe people push customers into buying this when you can get equally as good free antivurus on internet. Some people have paid over £50 for just a measly 1 or 2 year subscription.
That's not quite true. A wire is not just a wire. And a wire is also an analogue device - you don't send a "0" down a wire, it's an electric signal that's transmitted. So it is possible to get better leads that do a better job. Plus signal will degrate at the connection. Either way, PC world are a :censored: rip-off for leads. I once had to pay about £7 for a 2m CAT5 cable cos I had no other choice.
And my earlier comment about 4GB and 64-bit was in relation to the Aria laptop I linked in an earlier post, not a PC World one. Not that it matters.
Not if your sending digital signals through it, and with HDMI leads, you are
Computer Robot
07-09-10, 17:30
That's not quite true. A wire is not just a wire. And a wire is also an analogue device - you don't send a "0" down a wire, it's an electric signal that's transmitted. So it is possible to get better leads that do a better job. Plus signal will degrate at the connection. Either way, PC world are a :censored: rip-off for leads. I once had to pay about £7 for a 2m CAT5 cable cos I had no other choice.
And my earlier comment about 4GB and 64-bit was in relation to the Aria laptop I linked in an earlier post, not a PC World one. Not that it matters.
Aria sel gold coated hdmi leads for less than a fiver though and the other guy who posted before you made a good point - not a lot of difference if socket is not gold coated. I think even if copper is slighlty oxidised, as long as fitting is nice and tight it shouldnt make much difference.
Not if your sending digital signals through it, and with HDMI leads, you are
Strictly speaking, there's no such thing as a digital signal :P. All signals are inherently analogue, until processed by a DSP.
Computer Robot
07-09-10, 17:33
Strictly speaking, there's no such thing as a digital signal :P. All signals are inherently analogue, until processed by a DSP.
The digital method is so different though. As long as the signal is detected the quality doesnt matter that much.
wonderlust
08-09-10, 16:33
Aria sel gold coated hdmi leads for less than a fiver though and the other guy who posted before you made a good point - not a lot of difference if socket is not gold coated. I think even if copper is slighlty oxidised, as long as fitting is nice and tight it shouldnt make much difference.
All well and good having gold connectors, but there will still be tin solder connecting the socket to the circuit board....
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