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Original poster

New a new laptop....big dilemma

62 replies

KatyMac · 27/02/2008 21:32

Should I buy an 'all singing all dancing' laptop - this one cost £700 about 2 yrs ago

Or should I buy as cheap as possible as it is only going to last 2 yrs so why pay more

Or should I buy a Mac

Tell me what to do I have computer indecision - I have been chuntering about this for about 6 months now

OP posts:
BoysAreLikeDogs · 27/02/2008 21:35

I know nothing about computers per se Katy, I have an ADVENT laptop model 7105, and it's ok.

The motherboard failed last year, and was replaced free as within 1 year of purchase.

That's it really.

No help at all, was I ?

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 21:36

No - but you talk to me

I need my laptop......I live on it

I have all my data backed up - but I can't do without it

OP posts:
littlelapin · 27/02/2008 21:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 27/02/2008 21:41

Yay, here's the cavalry to talk sense.

Thanks, LL

WiiMii · 27/02/2008 21:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 21:42

I don't think I need a lot

I use word/excel/internet/email very occasionally powerpoint

Oh I get so stressed by the whole thing

I have an external hard drive

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 21:44

this one has been recommended

But I agonise (or is it z?)about the whole thing

OP posts:
peanutbear · 27/02/2008 21:46

By a mac much more powerful can contain data better

word for Mac is great much more user friendly in my opinion

most virus's and no known fatal virus arund for macs
we have an imac and a mac book now having recently got rid of all pc's (and I have a dislike for vista)
software is generally cheaper too

only draw back they are more expensive initially

p.s we got given office for mac free so shop around and its licenced for 3 macs instead of 1

littlelapin · 27/02/2008 21:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 21:54

What about these?

Very cheap

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 22:02

Can't make a bloody decision to save my life

I hate buying computers grrr

OP posts:
littlelapin · 27/02/2008 22:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

peanutbear · 27/02/2008 22:12

I think they look ok for a home laptop but I think they might get outdated very quickly I think I ma right in saying that MS have stopped writing service packs for xp now as they want every body to go on to vista

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 22:14

But they have such a short life

I should buy a desktop for minding - but DH wants to use it when they aren't

I also need a new one for me

If I can get this one (Acer Aspire 5100)fixed then I will use this one for minding & DH & buy me something (god knows what)

But if I can't I have to buy 2

Then I think the nursery will be on Mac's (maybe?)

3 sodding computer in 3 months (crap)

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 22:31

Or I could get this Key=11105,4294953123 ?

OP posts:
Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 22:33

Well that worked...not

this?

OP posts:
nannynick · 27/02/2008 22:38

KM, I use a relatively low cost laptop (about £300, 3 years ago) and it's great for what I use it for. It's been used by children over the years, and has survived several 3 year olds! It's a Parkard Bell (from Currys) but actually it's an NEC... so I feel better than Advent.

Why MACs for nursery? Surely PC's are more common, so a child learning to use a PC is more likely to be able to transfer those skills. Also, I'd look into software cost and availability... lots of stuff for PC, not sure there is so much for MAC.

As ever with computers, I feel it's down to what it will be used for. MACs for example are good for Music, Movie Editing, Desktop Publishing, that kind of thing.
These days, I use a computer for: E-mail, Surfing the Web. Don't really use it for much else. Consider what you would use a computer for... then cost up how much it will cost you for any needed software (which you can't get for free).

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 22:39

Oh nick - now I'm all confused again

OP posts:
nannynick · 27/02/2008 22:42

Sorry

What will you use the computer for? Is there specific software you need (eg. Nursery Manager software)?

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 22:44

I don't think so - I will use LittleLapin's fabulous timetabling & an accounts excell thingie I am designing

I guess PC is more normal - but Macs are safer

OP posts:
nannynick · 27/02/2008 22:52

So you need Excel - MS Office 2008 is available for the MAC, £329 at DABS. Not sure Excel is available as a separate these days, anyone know if it is, for MAC?

Another option perhaps... will LittleLapins spreadsheet thingy work with OpenOffice?

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 22:52

this looks good? or not?

OP posts:
nannynick · 27/02/2008 22:56

For a PC these days, if running XP, I'd say go with 1GB RAM. If running Vista, aim for 2GB RAM. RAM upgrade on systems at point of purchase can sometimes be got at a good price. With Laptops, RAM upgrades may be quite limited, as often only one (possibly 2 if you are very lucky) slot for an upgrade chip.

Original poster
KatyMac · 27/02/2008 23:01

Oh I don't know
I just want someone to say
"Buy this" then when it all goes wrong I can blame them

I like that last one tho' it looks good

OP posts:
ara · 27/02/2008 23:03

we just got a new macbook - it's terrific and not to expensive for the basic model (which is not basic at all really!)