Laptop/netbook advise

[scottish mum]

I have been looking on the net at laptops and netbooks for oldest ds's xmas. DH says I woild be better buyinh him a laptop as the netbooks don't have much space on them. He will use it for schoolwork, internet and to play his pc games on. Anyone got any ideas on a decent one that won't break the bank. If he gets a laptop, he won't be getting anything else. Then I thought middle ds could get a netbook as his nose will be put out if older brother has one but he is younger and still writes to santa and I'm not sure he would be happy with just the one pressie and his stocking.

 

[Cosmo.Kramer]

My netbook has a 120GB of memory on it, which does me.

 

[scottish mum]

My netbook has a 120GB of memory on it, which does me.

that sounds ok, what type is it and where did you get it ( sorry being nosy)

 

[natalielongstaff]

For your youngest i can reccomend the acer aspire brand, my 11 and 8 yr olds have one each

 

[Cosmo.Kramer]

that sounds ok, what type is it and where did you get it ( sorry being nosy)

Mine is an Acer Aspire One. My model is now discontinued, but you gan get one with 160GB for about £200

 

[scottish mum]

thanks my laptop is an acer aspire so I will go and search. Do you think they would both be fine with a netbook rather than laptop

 

[Cosmo.Kramer]

Don't see why not. Unless they really need a CD drive. I used to have a laptop but downsized as the netbook had everything that I wanted. I've got all my albums on it, I can watch tv shows and movies, browse the net and check my e-mails which suits me fine.

 

[scottish mum]

Don't see why not. Unless they really need a CD drive. I used to have a laptop but downsized as the netbook had everything that I wanted. I've got all my albums on it, I can watch tv shows and movies, browse the net and check my e-mails which suits me fine.

Thanks will try and find a good deal now.

 

[Goofyish]

Netbooks are ideal for basic web surfing and basic computing like Word, Excel etc.
If you want to play the latest games or do video/photo editing then a more powerful laptop would be better. There is not much difference in the price between a high spec netbook and a decent basic laptop.

If you choose a Netbook look for at least 1gb of RAM and Windows XP. Disc drive size isn't that important on a netbook. 120Gb harddrive is more than enough. You can always get an external USB drive to store work/photos/music aetc.

If you lean towards a laptop get at least 2Gb of RAM for Windows Visto Home Premium - more if possible (Vista likes memory!). You may also get either a free or discounted upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released.
Go for at least 2Ghz dual core processor as well.

 

[scottish mum]

Thanks, most of it is double dutch to me. I'll need to get dh involved in the searching

 

[wicket2005]

I would say get a laptop instead of a netbook if your son is in secondary school as you may want to buy programs or games that require a cd/dvd drive in your computer and I don't think netbooks have this drive. It is important for your son to have a computer capable of using Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc as these are all programs generally used in schools/colleges, it will also allow him to become accustomed to using these mainstream programs. Buying a good specification laptop will allow him to get the most from the computer both from the school front and the gaming, photo editing, etc side.

Netbooks are fantastic pieces of kit, I have one myself, but for me are not a substitute for a good specification computer capable of running the programs I want. They are more for browsing the net, picking up emails and a more portable holiday computer.

The last thing you want is to buy a netbook then your son turns round and says he needs the computer to be able to do, or run that, and it just cannot.

 

[scottishgirl87]

I would also say get a laptop instead! Although I have considered getting a netbook myself (already got both a laptop and PC) I just feel for very little extra you could get a laptop which obviously will do alot more than a netbook!

There's some good laptop deals out there, just depends on what you're looking for! I recently got my BF's mum a laptop - 2GB RAM, 160GB Hard Drive Toshiba for £299. Not everyone's cup of tea but it's perfect for what she wants to do on it - surf the net, do some basic word processing etc.

Depending on what you're wanting to spend, for between £300-£400 you could get quite a good quality spec laptop!

 

[Beep]

I recently bought a refurb Advent 4211 Netbook and for what I wanted it for it is a great machine. We also have a PC for photo editing, games etc so I really wanted something for surfing and doing basic documents like wedding planning spreadsheets.

I got it from PC World for £189.99 and it comes with 12 months warranty.