Advice needed on computers/laptops (37)
Do yourself a favour and steer well clear of PCWorld! You seem to have a pretty good idea of what you want but it's probably useful to clarify two areas:
- When you say cheap, can you give a rough idea of what you mean? Are you looking; <=500, <=750, ~1000?
- You mention that you want a good graphics card, could you give us an idea of what you intend to use the laptop for? Gaming, photo editing, browsing, etc.
It's probably worth mentioning that I'm a Mac user primarily and only use Windows at work, so my experience of laptops is more on the business side (documentation, coding, etc.) but I'm wondering with Dell if you have looked at the Vostro or Latitude laptops or if you just looked at the Inspirons? Other than Dell, I guess you could be looking at Lenovo (don't know what the availability is in Ireland), Acer usually have good value-feature ratios, HP tend to do plain, functional but solid enough laptops and Sony will be pricey :)
- When you say cheap, can you give a rough idea of what you mean? Are you looking; <=500, <=750, ~1000?
- You mention that you want a good graphics card, could you give us an idea of what you intend to use the laptop for? Gaming, photo editing, browsing, etc.
It's probably worth mentioning that I'm a Mac user primarily and only use Windows at work, so my experience of laptops is more on the business side (documentation, coding, etc.) but I'm wondering with Dell if you have looked at the Vostro or Latitude laptops or if you just looked at the Inspirons? Other than Dell, I guess you could be looking at Lenovo (don't know what the availability is in Ireland), Acer usually have good value-feature ratios, HP tend to do plain, functional but solid enough laptops and Sony will be pricey :)
LoopyLinks: Hi all,
My computer decided to give up and die a few months ago. I had only just went back online after a year (no internet). Then got internet, and had no comp! I have been borrowing my dads laptop, and was told about this site, and really loving it here. Anyway, finally got to leave my comp into repair shop yesterday. Got call today to say that motherboard has blown and not really worth replacing.
So question is: What comp does anyone suggest I get!
I got my desktop made up for me around 5 years ago! Was completely done. Spent 1200 euro on crap. Shop has since closed down. Wonder why..... Using my dads laptop makes me want to get laptop but its sooooo slooooowwww.... (celeron processor - wont be going for that) I know I could get desktop cheaper, but would like to get laptop.
What I want: Quick processor
Decent size memory
Good graphics card (last one was crap)
Cheap price (but willing to save and wait for decent 1)
Also, any suggestions where best place to buy comp? Looked up Dell, but only really cheap if you go for very basics. Tried to look up pcworld but site doesnt seem to be ready!
I would really appreciate some help here, as I dont intend to get taken for a mug this time.
Will probably have to give laptop back to my dad tomorrow, but hope to get it back again sometime over weekend!
Please help me!
My computer decided to give up and die a few months ago. I had only just went back online after a year (no internet). Then got internet, and had no comp! I have been borrowing my dads laptop, and was told about this site, and really loving it here. Anyway, finally got to leave my comp into repair shop yesterday. Got call today to say that motherboard has blown and not really worth replacing.
So question is: What comp does anyone suggest I get!
I got my desktop made up for me around 5 years ago! Was completely done. Spent 1200 euro on crap. Shop has since closed down. Wonder why..... Using my dads laptop makes me want to get laptop but its sooooo slooooowwww.... (celeron processor - wont be going for that) I know I could get desktop cheaper, but would like to get laptop.
What I want: Quick processor
Decent size memory
Good graphics card (last one was crap)
Cheap price (but willing to save and wait for decent 1)
Also, any suggestions where best place to buy comp? Looked up Dell, but only really cheap if you go for very basics. Tried to look up pcworld but site doesnt seem to be ready!
I would really appreciate some help here, as I dont intend to get taken for a mug this time.
Will probably have to give laptop back to my dad tomorrow, but hope to get it back again sometime over weekend!
Please help me!
A dell, always online help and phone help they let you pay it out and you get exactly what you want, damn don't you wish you could just order a man like that? snap!
Hey Loopy! 
First things first, you have to decide how much can you spend. All important, as it sets what you get and to an extent, how long it will last for. Personally, if you need it now, get it now. Computers evolve so quick that if you wait for the next big thing, you will wait forever.
Secondly, what do you want the computer to do? Is it just to surf the net, send some mail and to type a few letters, or will you need serious grunt for making videos and burning lots of DVD's or playing games? A powerful graphics card isn't essential unless you are into making films and doing hyper video editing; in any case for the heavy work you would need more powerful processors and RAM, which means more expensive models. If it's just to get you on line, then less specs will do you nicely.
The main thing coming in nowadays is Dual Core processors; try go for one of these if you can. Big tip; get as much RAM installed as possible. This will give more life to a computer than you think and lets it do more work at once, and often quicker as well.
Laptop or desktop? If the latter, do you need a monitor, mouse and keyboard? If space is a premium or if you like portability, then look at a laptop or maybe an iMac. Lappy's will be less powerful than desktops, but nice and dinky!
Lastly, operating systems. Many of the new machines out now run Windows Vista, which runs well on newer machines but hasn't sold well. Some companies have gone back to selling XP so be careful here at to what it runs. You may also choose to run Mac which are slicker to use than Windows and virus free to boot.
Hope this helps.
First things first, you have to decide how much can you spend. All important, as it sets what you get and to an extent, how long it will last for. Personally, if you need it now, get it now. Computers evolve so quick that if you wait for the next big thing, you will wait forever.
Secondly, what do you want the computer to do? Is it just to surf the net, send some mail and to type a few letters, or will you need serious grunt for making videos and burning lots of DVD's or playing games? A powerful graphics card isn't essential unless you are into making films and doing hyper video editing; in any case for the heavy work you would need more powerful processors and RAM, which means more expensive models. If it's just to get you on line, then less specs will do you nicely.
The main thing coming in nowadays is Dual Core processors; try go for one of these if you can. Big tip; get as much RAM installed as possible. This will give more life to a computer than you think and lets it do more work at once, and often quicker as well.
Laptop or desktop? If the latter, do you need a monitor, mouse and keyboard? If space is a premium or if you like portability, then look at a laptop or maybe an iMac. Lappy's will be less powerful than desktops, but nice and dinky!
Lastly, operating systems. Many of the new machines out now run Windows Vista, which runs well on newer machines but hasn't sold well. Some companies have gone back to selling XP so be careful here at to what it runs. You may also choose to run Mac which are slicker to use than Windows and virus free to boot.
Hope this helps.
ciotog: Do yourself a favour and steer well clear of PCWorld! You seem to have a pretty good idea of what you want but it's probably useful to clarify two areas:
- When you say cheap, can you give a rough idea of what you mean? Are you looking; <=500, <=750, ~1000?
- You mention that you want a good graphics card, could you give us an idea of what you intend to use the laptop for? Gaming, photo editing, browsing, etc.
It's probably worth mentioning that I'm a Mac user primarily and only use Windows at work, so my experience of laptops is more on the business side (documentation, coding, etc.) but I'm wondering with Dell if you have looked at the Vostro or Latitude laptops or if you just looked at the Inspirons? Other than Dell, I guess you could be looking at Lenovo (don't know what the availability is in Ireland), Acer usually have good value-feature ratios, HP tend to do plain, functional but solid enough laptops and Sony will be pricey :)
- When you say cheap, can you give a rough idea of what you mean? Are you looking; <=500, <=750, ~1000?
- You mention that you want a good graphics card, could you give us an idea of what you intend to use the laptop for? Gaming, photo editing, browsing, etc.
It's probably worth mentioning that I'm a Mac user primarily and only use Windows at work, so my experience of laptops is more on the business side (documentation, coding, etc.) but I'm wondering with Dell if you have looked at the Vostro or Latitude laptops or if you just looked at the Inspirons? Other than Dell, I guess you could be looking at Lenovo (don't know what the availability is in Ireland), Acer usually have good value-feature ratios, HP tend to do plain, functional but solid enough laptops and Sony will be pricey :)
Thanks for the reply ciotog. To answer your questions: Would love to get something for <= 500 but know thats not practical, so could probably go to around 700 to 800 euro. The previous graphics card was an internal one (think thats how to describe it - was part of comp and used comps memory etc) Would be using it for some gaming - PC games and online games. But the speed would be my main concern.
On the Dell side, I looked at the Inspiron and the XPS. Judging by the reviews the XPS seem to be better. But the reviews were coming from site itself, so how much to believe, I dont know. I have heard of Acer before, and will look into them further.
Either ways, will probably be another month or two before I can get funds together, so guess I better get used to getting online less frequently.
Unless I just get something really cheap that I can upgrade in the future.
Internal graphic cards are just part of the computers innards, external cards are an extra card that concentrates on graphics alone. Unless you are doing a lot of video/picture editing, it's not a major thing to worry about.
Thanks for replies Irishlass and Losty,
Losty - The graphics card wont be too much of an issue as I dont burn DVD's or anything like that. I have read about the dual core processors on the Dell site, and they look like the way to go. My cousin has Vista, but he bought a cheapish comp and finds it really bad, but says its cause of the memory he has. He said you need a lot of memory for vista to run properly! I dont mind sticking with XP. Looked at that part of the Dell site, and looks like XP is dearer than vista. Cant understand that.
Irishlass - I looked at Dells payment options, but dont think I would go the loan route. My credit rating probably wouldnt be good enough as only working a year, and only at my present address since Xmas. But agree with you about the Men.... Lol
Losty - The graphics card wont be too much of an issue as I dont burn DVD's or anything like that. I have read about the dual core processors on the Dell site, and they look like the way to go. My cousin has Vista, but he bought a cheapish comp and finds it really bad, but says its cause of the memory he has. He said you need a lot of memory for vista to run properly! I dont mind sticking with XP. Looked at that part of the Dell site, and looks like XP is dearer than vista. Cant understand that.
Irishlass - I looked at Dells payment options, but dont think I would go the loan route. My credit rating probably wouldnt be good enough as only working a year, and only at my present address since Xmas. But agree with you about the Men.... Lol
LoopyLinks: Thanks for replies Irishlass and Losty,
Losty - The graphics card wont be too much of an issue as I dont burn DVD's or anything like that. I have read about the dual core processors on the Dell site, and they look like the way to go. My cousin has Vista, but he bought a cheapish comp and finds it really bad, but says its cause of the memory he has. He said you need a lot of memory for vista to run properly! I dont mind sticking with XP. Looked at that part of the Dell site, and looks like XP is dearer than vista. Cant understand that.
Irishlass - I looked at Dells payment options, but dont think I would go the loan route. My credit rating probably wouldnt be good enough as only working a year, and only at my present address since Xmas. But agree with you about the Men.... Lol
Losty - The graphics card wont be too much of an issue as I dont burn DVD's or anything like that. I have read about the dual core processors on the Dell site, and they look like the way to go. My cousin has Vista, but he bought a cheapish comp and finds it really bad, but says its cause of the memory he has. He said you need a lot of memory for vista to run properly! I dont mind sticking with XP. Looked at that part of the Dell site, and looks like XP is dearer than vista. Cant understand that.
Irishlass - I looked at Dells payment options, but dont think I would go the loan route. My credit rating probably wouldnt be good enough as only working a year, and only at my present address since Xmas. But agree with you about the Men.... Lol
If you are not opposed to buying a twoer and what we call a mutt of a computer then you might want to check out www.fry'selectronics.com,they have cheap motherboards and cheap computers, AMD's are good motherbords,now you will probably spend 300 american dollars on it but it is cool in the fact that you can take a mutt computer and put about anything in there if it goes out or you want to upgrade meaning that with dell/hp/mac you have to buy there products which are of course at their price,if you are more interested let me know and I will check it out for you.I can't see where it would cost a lot to ship.theRanger
Irish lass, considering Loopy don't know too much about this nd that, building a computer isn't an option.
.
.
irishlass45: If you are not opposed to buying a twoer and what we call a mutt of a computer then you might want to check out www.fry'selectronics.com,they have cheap motherboards and cheap computers, AMD's are good motherbords,now you will probably spend 300 american dollars on it but it is cool in the fact that you can take a mutt computer and put about anything in there if it goes out or you want to upgrade meaning that with dell/hp/mac you have to buy there products which are of course at their price,if you are more interested let me know and I will check it out for you.I can't see where it would cost a lot to ship.theRanger
irishlass45: If you are not opposed to buying a twoer and what we call a mutt of a computer then you might want to check out www.fry'selectronics.com,they have cheap motherboards and cheap computers, AMD's are good motherbords,now you will probably spend 300 american dollars on it but it is cool in the fact that you can take a mutt computer and put about anything in there if it goes out or you want to upgrade meaning that with dell/hp/mac you have to buy there products which are of course at their price,if you are more interested let me know and I will check it out for you.I can't see where it would cost a lot to ship.theRanger
The bloke who looked at my comp said a new upgraded motherboard (mine was outdated) would be about 200 euro. I might look into getting that. I can then look into getting an external graphics card down the line. In the long run, I suppose that would probably be the best thing to do, as the prices of laptops are going down all the time. I can look into that at a later date. Will call into the shop on saturday and discuss options with them. Might see if I can fit the motherboard myself, save on labour costs.
Anyways, gonna hit the hay now. Work 2moro. I mean today.....
Gotta come up with excuse to hold onto my Dads laptop over the weekend! If not, I will be back soon.... I hope.....
Thanks again everyone for advice.
LoopyLinks: The bloke who looked at my comp said a new upgraded motherboard (mine was outdated) would be about 200 euro. I might look into getting that. I can then look into getting an external graphics card down the line. In the long run, I suppose that would probably be the best thing to do, as the prices of laptops are going down all the time. I can look into that at a later date. Will call into the shop on saturday and discuss options with them. Might see if I can fit the motherboard myself, save on labour costs.
Anyways, gonna hit the hay now. Work 2moro. I mean today..... Gotta come up with excuse to hold onto my Dads laptop over the weekend! If not, I will be back soon.... I hope.....
Thanks again everyone for advice.
Anyways, gonna hit the hay now. Work 2moro. I mean today..... Gotta come up with excuse to hold onto my Dads laptop over the weekend! If not, I will be back soon.... I hope.....
Thanks again everyone for advice.
you are welcome goodnight, hell if you can fit a motherboard then you can build your own,bye a while,R
Losty: Irish lass, considering Loopy don't know too much about this nd that, building a computer isn't an option.
.
.
it looks like she may know a little more than thought I can build a computer and upload,upgrade but cannot fit a motherboard, too scary, one thing I do know is this, most times if a computer shuts off and does not come on for a long period of time it is normally the battery a lot of folks think it is something more major when all they have to do is test the battery or change it for like five american dollars, I have gotten a lot of computers from people chunking them in the trash because they thought they were gone but all they needed were batteries
irishlass45: it looks like she may know a little more than thought I can build a computer and upload,upgrade but cannot fit a motherboard, too scary, one thing I do know is this, most times if a computer shuts off and does not come on for a long period of time it is normally the battery a lot of folks think it is something more major when all they have to do is test the battery or change it for like five american dollars, I have gotten a lot of computers from people chunking them in the trash because they thought they were gone but all they needed were batteries
Dont know too much about the computers. Mainly get confused with all the processors they have out there now. But when I got my desktop put together the first time - by professionals - they gave me the book that goes with the motherboard which gives step-by-step instructions on fitting it. Can look up the net for any other advice I might need. When comp first went down, checked out the windows help forums. Got a bit of advice there about motherboards but was hoping problem would be simpler than that! Will see how much it will cost to get shop to fit it first!
Def going to bed now!
Girlfriend!!! listen to this,my brother in law rusty told me that you can go google EEEPC they have laptops for $300.00 american dollars, you can get whatever processor you want to go in there at what prices they offer but he says you can get a very decent laptop for little to nothing the only drawback is this is is only like a foot and a half to two feet demensional to me that is not a problem since it will fit in your purse, he is a computer administrator so it is worth the look, good luck and let me know what you come up with.R
irishlass45: Girlfriend!!! listen to this,my brother in law rusty told me that you can go google EEEPC they have laptops for $300.00 american dollars, you can get whatever processor you want to go in there at what prices they offer but he says you can get a very decent laptop for little to nothing the only drawback is this is is only like a foot and a half to two feet demensional to me that is not a problem since it will fit in your purse, he is a computer administrator so it is worth the look, good luck and let me know what you come up with.R
oh and the manufaturers name is ASUS
irishlass45: Girlfriend!!! listen to this,my brother in law rusty told me that you can go google EEEPC they have laptops for $300.00 american dollars, you can get whatever processor you want to go in there at what prices they offer but he says you can get a very decent laptop for little to nothing the only drawback is this is is only like a foot and a half to two feet demensional to me that is not a problem since it will fit in your purse, he is a computer administrator so it is worth the look, good luck and let me know what you come up with.R
Importing computers from outside the EU would be liable for excise duties and VAT; this would be charged on the sale price and the P+P price.
Googled EEEPC and all their computers are Linux ran; one would need to buy XP or Vista if you want Windows. That said, they are cheap and nifty for their size.
Losty: Importing computers from outside the EU would be liable for excise duties and VAT; this would be charged on the sale price and the P+P price.
Googled EEEPC and all their computers are Linux ran; one would need to buy XP or Vista if you want Windows. That said, they are cheap and nifty for their size.
Googled EEEPC and all their computers are Linux ran; one would need to buy XP or Vista if you want Windows. That said, they are cheap and nifty for their size.
if she is running xp or vista on her old one then she sure has a disk and since the old one is out of commission there is not reason why she can't use that disk to download on any new computer, didn't think about the charges, there is not a company of theirs based in the uk? surprised,maybe it is not as expensive as you might think, it is small and lightweight.I have used one that rusty has and it is awesome.
If you are looking for a laptop then I have 2 suggestions. You can go for a Toshiba probably one of the best in the business and well within your price range. If you can afford a bit more Apples are very good and you can even install XP on them. The Apples can dual boot with the Mac OS and also Vista or XP.
The choice is yours.
The choice is yours.
irishlass45: if she is running xp or vista on her old one then she sure has a disk and since the old one is out of commission there is not reason why she can't use that disk to download on any new computer, didn't think about the charges, there is not a company of theirs based in the uk? surprised,maybe it is not as expensive as you might think, it is small and lightweight.I have used one that rusty has and it is awesome.
Cost of taxes on a computer that costs, for arguments sake, €400, is 12.5% of it's cost and shipping. VAT is then added from there, computers are levied at 21%. If it cost 100€ to ship it, you are looking at a total of 680.63. Because of the taxes and shipping, the price almost doubles, making it logical to get it at home to begin with.
On installing XP again, there is a reason why she can't us it, it is illegal; one license one machine unless it's a family pack license.
hIYA! I got my laptop in Kilkenny, Where u from, Side road off the High Street, My laptop was 700 Euros plus free printer, that worth 100 Euros, and laptop case! I got Samsung R20. my ex work for Samsung in LOndon and Dublin, told me best Computer. Include Windows Vista! Intel ect 17" screem! so neat! so good! had it for 8 months now! had PC Bell b4,
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My computer decided to give up and die a few months ago. I had only just went back online after a year (no internet). Then got internet, and had no comp! I have been borrowing my dads laptop, and was told about this site, and really loving it here. Anyway, finally got to leave my comp into repair shop yesterday. Got call today to say that motherboard has blown and not really worth replacing.
So question is: What comp does anyone suggest I get!
I got my desktop made up for me around 5 years ago! Was completely done. Spent 1200 euro on crap. Shop has since closed down. Wonder why..... Using my dads laptop makes me want to get laptop but its sooooo slooooowwww.... (celeron processor - wont be going for that) I know I could get desktop cheaper, but would like to get laptop.
What I want: Quick processor
Decent size memory
Good graphics card (last one was crap)
Cheap price (but willing to save and wait for decent 1)
Also, any suggestions where best place to buy comp? Looked up Dell, but only really cheap if you go for very basics. Tried to look up pcworld but site doesnt seem to be ready!
I would really appreciate some help here, as I dont intend to get taken for a mug this time.
Will probably have to give laptop back to my dad tomorrow, but hope to get it back again sometime over weekend!
Please help me!