Need a laptop sharpish

[boyse7en]

Missus has bought a Sage accounts program to do some book-keeping work, and it won't install on my PC (throws up a couple of errors that relate to .NET and stuff)

She needs this fairly quick as it is for a VAT return or something like that.

So, anyone recommend a Laptop?
Min spec 2Ghz processor, 2MB RAM, 2GB HD.
Needs to be available in a couple of days...

Dell is the obvious choice, but are other brands (Asus, Acer, Toshiba...) a better bet? Never had a laptop so not sure of the hierachy of brands

[boyse7en]

strudel said:

Seems a little overkill to buy a new pc when it's a software issue that can probably be resolved through a little patience.

What exactly is the error it's throwing up?

I agree with you 100%, but I spent about 3 hours last night trying to sort it out to no avail. I can't spend hours trying to fix it and not get a result as she needs to get the work done.

Haven't got exact details of the faults, as I'm at work, but after a Google search one recommended repairing the Net 4 Client, which wouldn't re-install. And installing an updates MSXML.msi, which made no difference.

As an aside... despite her account being set as admin, we can't read the CD the program is on. Have to log-in to my account to be able to read the CD contents. Anyone know whether there is a security setting to turn off CD access on some account in Windows XP SP3?

[boyse7en]

Loads of the cheaper laptops seem to be 1.8 or 1.9GHz, so don't come up to spec

How about this one?
http://www.ebuyer.com/629704-hp-250-g2-laptop-f7x9...

HP 250 G2 Laptop

Intel Celeron Dual core N2810
4GB RAM + 750GB HDD
15.6" LED Display
Webcam + Bluetooth
Windows 8.1 64bit
£219


Lenovo's cheapest over-2GHz one is quite a bit more pricey

Lenovo IdeaPad G500 Laptop

Intel Corei3 3110M
4GB RAM + 1TB HDD
15.6" LED
DVD Writer
Windows 8.1 64bit

£329

[boyse7en]

Du1point8 said:

Im assuming you went through the help?

https://support.na.sage.com/selfservice/viewConten...

or

resetting the updates?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058/en-us

Seems a bit cheaper, though maybe not as easy as paying for a new laptop that might not (read won't have) .Net on it as standard anyway, so will still have to install the framework to get sage running.

The Sage software never installed, so the Sage help page there isn't applicable. It brings up the errors
The second link is for Win 7, 8 and 8.1 so won't work for me on my XP machine.

I'm not doubting the possiblity that I can get it working on my PC (I've had plenty of worse situations to get through over the years on a PC!) it is more a timing problem. HMRC will issue a fine if the figures aren't in on time, so I have got to be able to guarantee that I can get the software working in time for her to do the figures.

For information, one error is:
Component Error Returned the Following Data Transfer error:

Media Name: DATA

Component:

File Comp:

File:

Error: -1603"

---

Searching that error came up with the Microsoft advice of running a repair on the .Net 4 module, which I did (no effect), or to uninstall and re-install the .Net 4 Client (Completed the verification process, then hung on re-installation, had to re-boot machine). Every time I try something, I have to re-try the Sage installation process, which takes about 15 minutes, to see if it has made any difference, so it is a bit of a long drawn-out process.

[boyse7en]

nyt said:

As time is critical you should be aware that it can take a few days for a PC to arrive from DELL.

Perhaps something available for collection like this: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/laptops-netbooks/lap...

Edited by nyt on Monday 28th July 12:01

That looks a good bet (purple is her favourite colour too) except that it is only a 1.8Ghz processor, not the 2GHz min stipulated in teh Sage software spec list

[boyse7en]

Randomthoughts said:

Latter is still a 1.8GHz processor to all intents and purposes, and if you want support you have to toe the line, as irrelevant as 0.2GHz seems they may have a genuine reason for that. We all know they probably don't, but it tends to be easier to say 'yes, it meets all of the specifications' than argue the case with Sage if you have an issue.

This...

You know, and I know, that it makes little difference in the real world, but it's tough enough talking to IT support depts at the best of times (sorry to any IT support guys on here) without having to explain that although your machine doesn't reach the specs, it should still work.

[boyse7en]

Going to buy this one

http://www.ebuyer.com/624110-lenovo-ideapad-g500-l...


Intel Core i3-3110M 2.4GHz
6GB RAM + 1TB HDD
15.6" LED Display
Webcam + Bluetooth
Windows 8.1 64bit


Unless anyone knows a good reason why not.
Comes up to spec, is £30 off and can get delivery next-day