Laptop Pc

[ERICS MUM]

I am planning to buy a laptop in Orlando, probably in Walmart, CircuitCity and Best Buy.

Could someone tell me what sort of spec I should look for please??? I will need it mainly for internet, e mails, transferring photos from my camera etc. No games or video.

Also if anyone has suggestions for makes/models and anywhere else i could look in Orlando?

Finally, would there be any problems in buying in the US?

many thanks

Linda

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Quite frankly, you will get as good a deal in the UK on laptops as buying in the States.
there are some fantastic deals out there, including Sony Vaio's at yes, PC World! (£499)
Last time I looked, the prices were on a par with the UK.
Added to that you will get a UK keyboard instead of a US one, so will have the £ sign and the euro sign as keys instead of having to put in the letters manually.
You also have to check the voltage, you need a multi voltage adaptor.

 

[PoppyAnna]

I agree with Obi.
DH is an IT consultant and we were in the market for a couple of laptops so we had a browse when we were in Orlando in May.
DH came to the conclusion that the downsides (as Obi mentions) far out weigh the ever so small price difference (even with the weak Dollar).
The other thing to consider is warranty, what if you get it home and it breaks? You'll get more service if you purchase in the UK.

I never checked it out but it occured to me that the US uses NTSC as it's video standard and in the UK we use PAL - I wondered if it impacts on things like DVD burners? DH didn't know. I suspect it doesn't but it could be one of those things you discover too late!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

I agree with Obi.
DH is an IT consultant and we were in the market for a couple of laptops so we had a browse when we were in Orlando in May.
DH came to the conclusion that the downsides (as Obi mentions) far out weigh the ever so small price difference (even with the weak Dollar).
The other thing to consider is warranty, what if you get it home and it breaks? You'll get more service if you purchase in the UK.

I never checked it out but it occured to me that the US uses NTSC as it's video standard and in the UK we use PAL - I wondered if it impacts on things like DVD burners? DH didn't know. I suspect it doesn't but it could be one of those things you discover too late!

Some of the major laptop producers are fitting DVD ROM units and these are unhackable to make them multi standard (Sony being one)
so yes, it can be a problem if you have one of those fitted

 

[paulfoel]

Quite frankly, you will get as good a deal in the UK on laptops as buying in the States.
there are some fantastic deals out there, including Sony Vaio's at yes, PC World! (£499)
Last time I looked, the prices were on a par with the UK.
Added to that you will get a UK keyboard instead of a US one, so will have the £ sign and the euro sign as keys instead of having to put in the letters manually.
You also have to check the voltage, you need a multi voltage adaptor.

Nearly all laptop power supplies are multi-voltage. All you'll need to change is the physical plug.

Keyboard though - correct. Thats a right pain!!!!

 

[paulfoel]

I am planning to buy a laptop in Orlando, probably in Walmart, CircuitCity and Best Buy.

Could someone tell me what sort of spec I should look for please??? I will need it mainly for internet, e mails, transferring photos from my camera etc. No games or video.

Also if anyone has suggestions for makes/models and anywhere else i could look in Orlando?

Finally, would there be any problems in buying in the US?

many thanks

Linda

Sorry for being dull. But wheres Circuit City in Orlando/Kissimee?

 

[Jakey Rowling]

Sorry for being dull. But wheres Circuit City in Orlando/Kissimee?

The wonder of Google

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=Circuit+City+in+Orlando/Kissimmee&meta=

 

[london75]

Gosh Eric's Mum, your really going for technology at the moment!!

I was in Tesco tonight and they have a perfectly good 14" screen laptop perfect for surfing t'interweb and writing letters/doing accounts etc for £299

I can honestly say another IT bod and complete technology addict, you will not get a better deal in the US than that!!!

By all means buy your extras in the US such as mice, wireless kit, keyboards etc though.

One last thing, the only brand I'd consider buying in the US is Apple as their computers are a decent amount cheaper over there. And they're soooo shiny.

 

[ERICS MUM]

Gosh Eric's Mum, your really going for technology at the moment!!

I was in Tesco tonight and they have a perfectly good 14" screen laptop perfect for surfing t'interweb and writing letters/doing accounts etc for £299

I can honestly say another IT bod and complete technology addict, you will not get a better deal in the US than that!!!

By all means buy your extras in the US such as mice, wireless kit, keyboards etc though.

One last thing, the only brand I'd consider buying in the US is Apple as their computers are a decent amount cheaper over there. And they're soooo shiny.

Tesco's it is - tomorrow! I am planning on at least 1024 mb, will that be enough for internet, email and low no, of digital photos, minimal word docs etc?

Thanks for help

Linda

 

[wayneg]

Tesco's it is - tomorrow! I am planning on at least 1024 mb, will that be enough for internet, email and low no, of digital photos, minimal word docs etc?

Thanks for help

Linda

Yes 1024mb is fine for general use.
I have been over here in Florida for almost 3 weeks now keep looking in newspaper at prices of laptops, they are no cheaper than home wHen you add the tax on. Some have slightly cheaper deals but are cashback deals so no good as they send you a cheque back in Dollars, probaby only US addresses also.
If you take time and look the deals are there in UK for most electical items.

 

[ERICS MUM]

thanks WayneG, i will cross it off my Florida shopping list (more spends for other things!)

Linda