[Pritesh.Mistry]

I've been looking for a fairly fast laptop for when I start Uni next year. Something that isn't too pricey, looks decent and that can handle a lot for a fast browsing experience etc.
I've found two deals:

http://www.tesco.com/direct/acer-asp...k/215-0604.prd This is core i5, 8gb RAM, 1TB hard drive.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/acer-574...=#BVRRWidgetID Same model, only slightly downgrades with still a core i5, but 6gb RAm and 750 gb hard drive. (not in stock at moment, but its about £100 cheaper than the first one)

So, my main question is should I be spending another £100 on an extra 2GB of RAM? Or is 6GB enough? I may play a few games here to there, but I don't see myself buying the latest COD game for it. However, who knows what I'll be like in a few years... I like to keep my options open.

From searching I've found Acer to offer good deals for decently spec'ed laptops. Would appreciate feedback on which good (or other deal?) to take.

Thanks!

[AmyJ]

You definitely don't need 8GB RAM (or even 6, unless you're doing some very intensive video editing or image rendering) and Acer isn't the best brand in terms of build quality. As long as you're not a heavy gamer, I'd go with this:

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/lenovo-...84781-pdt.html

and then if you really want a performance boost, spend £65 and swap the hard drive for an SSD:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpar...8661DDA5CA7304

and you'll still have £60+ left to buy an external hard drive if you need more storage, assuming £520 is your max budget.

[xander93]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
that can handle a lot for a fast browsing experience

Your secret's safe with me

In all seriousness, it looks a pretty fine laptop, but perhaps a little overkill unless you're planning on hardcore gaming. AmyJ's advice is spot on, SSDs are pretty cool but unnecessary for 90% of people I'd say, the speed boost isn't that much better, but certainly noticeable.

[Pritesh.Mistry]

Thanks for the advice Amy, I'll keep an open mind for a few more months on the laptop you suggested.

This laptop was also in my bookmarks...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-Pentium...6339177&sr=8-2

The only thing I'm confused about is the Intel Pentium B950 2.10GHz. Is this processor on the same level as an i3 or an i5?

Your secret's safe with me

Actually.. I was thinking along the lines of streaming HD movies online. But hey... whatever floats your boat :P And thanks for the advice, if prices fall to other laptops I'm looking at I think I will definitely buy it, even if it is over powered.

[Sgt.Incontro]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
Thanks for the advice Amy, I'll keep an open mind for a few more months on the laptop you suggested.

This laptop was also in my bookmarks...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asus-Pentium...6339177&sr=8-2

The only thing I'm confused about is the Intel Pentium B950 2.10GHz. Is this processor on the same level as an i3 or an i5?



Actually.. I was thinking along the lines of streaming HD movies online. But hey... whatever floats your boat :P And thanks for the advice, if prices fall to other laptops I'm looking at I think I will definitely buy it, even if it is over powered.

Pentium dual core is much much more slower than even i3. However for web browsing and word processing it should just about suffice, although I would never personally touch one.


This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my HTC Sensation Z710e

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
I've been looking for a fairly fast laptop for when I start Uni next year. Something that isn't too pricey, looks decent and that can handle a lot for a fast browsing experience etc.
I've found two deals:

http://www.tesco.com/direct/acer-asp...k/215-0604.prd This is core i5, 8gb RAM, 1TB hard drive.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/acer-574...=#BVRRWidgetID Same model, only slightly downgrades with still a core i5, but 6gb RAm and 750 gb hard drive. (not in stock at moment, but its about £100 cheaper than the first one)

So, my main question is should I be spending another £100 on an extra 2GB of RAM? Or is 6GB enough? I may play a few games here to there, but I don't see myself buying the latest COD game for it. However, who knows what I'll be like in a few years... I like to keep my options open.

From searching I've found Acer to offer good deals for decently spec'ed laptops. Would appreciate feedback on which good (or other deal?) to take.

Thanks!

Sony Vaio EH Laptop
- Intel Core i5 2450M 2.5GHz
- 500GB HDD + 4GB RAM
- 15.5" HD LED
http://www.ebuyer.com/349201-sony-va...pceh3n1e-w-cek£503.55

Lenovo IdeaPad G570 Laptop
- Intel Core i5-2450M 2.5GHz
- 6GB RAM + 750GB HDD
- 15.6" HD LED
http://www.ebuyer.com/349746-lenovo-...laptop-m51bjuk £504

Be careful of Acer, they got a recent history of heating issues with their laptops. Especially with the 5750 I think, also the 2nd link gives you a first gen i5.

Also what kind of gaming? Because these laptops come with integrated graphics.

Otherwise I suggest this http://www.novatech.co.uk/laptop/ran...repro2450.html
Novatech nSpire Pro 2450 - 15.6" Intel i5 2450 Mobile Processor - 4GB DDR3 Memory - 500GB SATA Hard Drive - DVD Writer - Intel HM65 Chipset - NVIDIA GT540M Graphics for £510 if you have your own windows cd

[AmyJ]

(Original post by xander93)
AmyJ's advice is spot on, SSDs are pretty cool but unnecessary for 90% of people I'd say, the speed boost isn't that much better, but certainly noticeable.

That's true, but I bought my first SSD recently and I've become an absolute convert so I'm recommending them to everybody . I installed mine into a tired, 4-year old Core 2 Duo laptop (1.8ghz) and now it flies despite the crappy processor. Should extend my laptop's life by another year or two, easily.

[Pritesh.Mistry]

(Original post by Iqbal007)
Sony Vaio EH Laptop
- Intel Core i5 2450M 2.5GHz
- 500GB HDD + 4GB RAM
- 15.5" HD LED
http://www.ebuyer.com/349201-sony-va...pceh3n1e-w-cek£503.55

Lenovo IdeaPad G570 Laptop
- Intel Core i5-2450M 2.5GHz
- 6GB RAM + 750GB HDD
- 15.6" HD LED
http://www.ebuyer.com/349746-lenovo-...laptop-m51bjuk £504

Be careful of Acer, they got a recent history of heating issues with their laptops. Especially with the 5750 I think, also the 2nd link gives you a first gen i5.

Also what kind of gaming? Because these laptops come with integrated graphics.

Otherwise I suggest this http://www.novatech.co.uk/laptop/ran...repro2450.html
Novatech nSpire Pro 2450 - 15.6" Intel i5 2450 Mobile Processor - 4GB DDR3 Memory - 500GB SATA Hard Drive - DVD Writer - Intel HM65 Chipset - NVIDIA GT540M Graphics for £510 if you have your own windows cd

Thanks for the suggestions, I previously saw the Vaio E series but didn't want to spend £520 for an i5 when I can get one for cheaper.

Gaming would most likely be Football Manager, or games along that sort of line.

Also - I'll need this laptop for 3 years minimum. So, will these sorts of laptops still be on their legs in a few years? I don't expect them to be just as fast as when I buy it, but I don't really want it to be slow etc.

Thanks to Incontro for clearing up my confusion too!

[Final Fantasy]

6-8GB RAM for internet browsing?! Are you planning on playing RuneScape and C&C Tiberium Alliances and streaming HD content simultaneously? Even then you'll never touch even half that figure...

Save some money and stick to 4GB, i3 (i5 if you're really that dead-set on it) and larger HDD/screen.

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
Thanks for the suggestions, I previously saw the Vaio E series but didn't want to spend £520 for an i5 when I can get one for cheaper.

Gaming would most likely be Football Manager, or games along that sort of line.

Also - I'll need this laptop for 3 years minimum. So, will these sorts of laptops still be on their legs in a few years? I don't expect them to be just as fast as when I buy it, but I don't really want it to be slow etc.

Thanks to Incontro for clearing up my confusion too!

Well that Vaio is more value for money than the Tesco links............especially with Sony's reliability and quality in comparison to the Acer issues.

Did you look at the Novatech one, because if you've ot a windows cd than its really good value for money.

Laptops tend to go out of date within 2 years or so, but upgrading over time would be good, maybe holdout till the ivy-bridge laptops come out

[Pritesh.Mistry]

(Original post by Final Fantasy)
6-8GB RAM for internet browsing?! Are you planning on playing RuneScape and C&C Tiberium Alliances and streaming HD content simultaneously? Even then you'll never touch even half that figure...

Save some money and stick to 4GB, i3 (i5 if you're really that dead-set on it) and larger HDD/screen.

Okay thanks for the advice - I didn't really know how needlessly powerful that much more RAM was so I will keep that in mind! Although it'd be nice to have it, like I said... never know what I'll be doing in a year or so.

Iqbal - unfortunately I don't have a windows CD (and have no idea why it's better than your other options) so I didn't consider your final links. Again though, thanks for the advice Edit - just had another look and realised a windows CD saves you an extra £100! I'll scrounge around my home to see if I have one. Although I'm guessing I'll need the latest Windows 7 CD...?

[Inquisitive Mind]

Bad deal imo.

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
Okay thanks for the advice - I didn't really know how needlessly powerful that much more RAM was so I will keep that in mind! Although it'd be nice to have it, like I said... never know what I'll be doing in a year or so.

Iqbal - unfortunately I don't have a windows CD (and have no idea why it's better than your other options) so I didn't consider your final links. Again though, thanks for the advice Edit - just had another look and realised a windows CD saves you an extra £100! I'll scrounge around my home to see if I have one. Although I'm guessing I'll need the latest Windows 7 CD...?

It's better than my other options because it has the graphics card to meet your gaming demands.

[Pritesh.Mistry]

I've decided Acer may not be the best laptop to go for - a lot of people have talked about the poor build quality/over heating.

I found a similar laptop below which could be used for some gaming as well... although I still don't really know what, but it definitely won't be hardcore games such as COD etc.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-Z570-...8832582&sr=1-3

What do you guys think?

[Final Fantasy]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
I've decided Acer may not be the best laptop to go for - a lot of people have talked about the poor build quality/over heating.

I found a similar laptop below which could be used for some gaming as well... although I still don't really know what, but it definitely won't be hardcore games such as COD etc.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-Z570-...8832582&sr=1-3

What do you guys think?

Not worth it due to lack of dedicated graphics card.

Check out this baby: http://www.ebuyer.com/271939-acer-as...p-lx-rnz02-049

New model/range, with AMD including kickass CPU and graphics card.

Although it's Acer, but you get warrantee with any new laptop these days if something goes wrong (covers 1st year usually).

Another, slightly more expensive but even better specs from HP: http://www.ebuyer.com/338257-hp-pavi...op-a7t53ea-abu

Another from ASUS: http://www.ebuyer.com/337140-asus-x5...op-x53z-sx052v

Each of these has a dedicated graphics card if you need to game occasionally. There's plenty more deals, just keep looking on Amazon and Ebuyer.

You're looking for, at least an i3 or AMD equivalent, at least 4GB DDR3 RAM, and a graphics card (not integrated).

If you're hooking up to an LCD or something then they all have HDMI and VGA ports. Some have Bluetooth too if you use that.

[Iqbal007]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
I've decided Acer may not be the best laptop to go for - a lot of people have talked about the poor build quality/over heating.

I found a similar laptop below which could be used for some gaming as well... although I still don't really know what, but it definitely won't be hardcore games such as COD etc.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-Z570-...8832582&sr=1-3

What do you guys think?

The laptop you suggested has great specs except for the graphics which is the integrated Intel hd 3000.

I have seen some people being able to push there's, however that's by overclocking on a desktop......even then on low settings on games like COD you could get low fps, BF3 is like 10 fps, but it's very noticeable.

At the current moment Intel cores are far better and I suggested waiting till August as prices for Sandbridge CPU's will drop with the introduction of Ivybridge in the laptops in a week or so.
Difference between the 2 processors are minimal in terms of performance and is more about energy efficiency.

[Pritesh.Mistry]

(Original post by Final Fantasy)
Not worth it due to lack of dedicated graphics card.

Check out this baby: http://www.ebuyer.com/271939-acer-as...p-lx-rnz02-049

New model/range, with AMD including kickass CPU and graphics card.

Although it's Acer, but you get warrantee with any new laptop these days if something goes wrong (covers 1st year usually).

Another, slightly more expensive but even better specs from HP: http://www.ebuyer.com/338257-hp-pavi...op-a7t53ea-abu

Another from ASUS: http://www.ebuyer.com/337140-asus-x5...op-x53z-sx052v

Each of these has a dedicated graphics card if you need to game occasionally. There's plenty more deals, just keep looking on Amazon and Ebuyer.

You're looking for, at least an i3 or AMD equivalent, at least 4GB DDR3 RAM, and a graphics card (not integrated).

If you're hooking up to an LCD or something then they all have HDMI and VGA ports. Some have Bluetooth too if you use that.

The only problem I have with those laptops is the processor itself... after looking at some of those reviews the actual performance and multi-tasking of the laptop is not as good as similar i3/i5 models. If you find a laptop that is i5 with a good graphics card and enough RAM at around £450 then please let me know because that would be something I'm looking for.

It's so much harder to find a good laptop than it is to find a good phone - so many makes and models it's extremely difficult to find one that can do everything you want for the right price and performance.

[Oh my Ms. Coffey]

You can get a Dell XPS 15 with 6gb ram, i7 and a 2gb graphics card when they go on offer for around £500-550.

[Pritesh.Mistry]

(Original post by Oh my Ms. Coffey)
You can get a Dell XPS 15 with 6gb ram, i7 and a 2gb graphics card when they go on offer for around £500-550.

I wouldn't mind that... but when would they go on offer? Basic i7 models are in excess of £650 on the Dell website

What do you guys make of these:

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/hp-pavi...76815-pdt.html

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/samsung...12978-pdt.html

Not too fussed if it's refurbished.. to me it's still the same thing at a slightly cheaper price. Main thing I want to know is if the graphics card is any good for decent gaming, or is it at the lower end of graphics cards?

Thanks

[Oh my Ms. Coffey]

(Original post by Pritesh.Mistry)
I wouldn't mind that... but when would they go on offer? Basic i7 models are in excess of £650 on the Dell website

What do you guys make of these:

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/hp-pavi...76815-pdt.html

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/samsung...12978-pdt.html

Not too fussed if it's refurbished.. to me it's still the same thing at a slightly cheaper price. Main thing I want to know is if the graphics card is any good for decent gaming, or is it at the lower end of graphics cards?

Thanks

If you check on hotukdeals they get posted on there, often with discount codes.

I got mine reduced from £1100.