Help me choose a laptop!

[Richard M]

In June I'm planning to go to the states for a bit and I'll need a laptop to watch DVDs, browse and email with.
It will also act as storage for all the photos I'll be taking.
I've searched a few places but can't find one with the exact features that I need for connectivity etc.. I'll be getting online via ethernet or wireless and will need USB 2.0 or firewire (preferably both) to use with the digital camera.
A modem would be a bonus too.

It must have the following specs:

AMD Athlon CPU (mobile or XP version), it must be an Athlon because I need the higher FPU performance.
256MB RAM
30-60GB HD
ATI Radeon 9x00 graphics
Firewire, USB 2.0, Ethernet and wireless.

I want to pay up to £800 for one - is this a realistic price?
Thanks in advance.

[Neil]

Using your search criteria, all I could come up with was the following: http://uk.pricerunner.com/computing/...a_656=&a_663=1

And even that doesn't fit the bill 100%.....

[Richard M]

I've already tried Pricerunner, the closest I could find was this:
http://www.simply.co.uk/pricerunner/...ters/index.htm

It's perfect, except that there is no wireless.

[Neil]

Cant you just stuff a wireless card in it?

[Richard M]

I'm not sure.
I've never owned a laptop before, only huge ATX cases.

[lemarsh]

Wireless PCMIA Cards are a doddle - just pot it in, run the software, and away you go.


I have 2 laptops, both with wireless cards in. Never get any problems, and are about £50 I think.

[Richard M]

PCMCIA - never though of that!
Thanks.

[handyman]

I had a packard bell with a simililar spec to what u require and i think it was £1200 Although my guess is £800 should get you something very clode nowadays. I Put a wireless card in it for £30.

[altis]

Just spotted this - may be useful.
http://www.reed-electronics.com/elec...rid=1641918559

[andygrif]

The Vaio PCGK115M is a little over your budget, and has a 2.8 Pentium rather than the Athlon - so don't know if this is any use. I suggested this one becuase if you have a Sony digital cam, then it has the memory stick gubbins built in - so you just slot in the card and dump it all to your laptop - which is what I do when I go away.

You'll need to lump in a wireless PC card, which is about another 50 quid.

[Chris W]

Originally Posted by andygrif

The Vaio PCGK115M is a little over your budget, and has a 2.8 Pentium rather than the Athlon - so don't know if this is any use. I suggested this one becuase if you have a Sony digital cam, then it has the memory stick gubbins built in - so you just slot in the card and dump it all to your laptop - which is what I do when I go away.

You'll need to lump in a wireless PC card, which is about another 50 quid.

I would recommend a viao as well. Although they are a little expensive, i have had a PCG-FX209K for a couple of years and i love it!

Spec: p3 1ghz
256mb ram (upgraded from 128mb)
2 x usb
firewire
1400x1050 screen res
30 gb hd
dvd /cdrw
wireless pcmcia card (added later)

It cost me just under £1000 originally.

[paulyoung666]

why dont you wait and buy it in america , money to be saved there i reckon

[andygrif]

Cos they have keys in funny places...lol

[paulyoung666]

Originally Posted by andygrif

Cos they have keys in funny places...lol

do they

[Richard M]

Yep, they do.