Computer advice - is this laptop any good?

[rob_f]

Hi all,

Off to uni late september, am considering getting a PC to take up with me. I was originally going to get a desktop as it's less nickable, more spec for the money etc. However some of the rooms have small desks making it impossible to get a CRT on with a keyboard infront so i'd have to get a TFT (a shame as i have a lovely trinitron CRT). Anyway, on my travels around i saw this laptop www.dabs.com/uk/productView.htm?quicklinx=3530 and it seems excellent value for money. Apart from playing the latest games it should be able to do pretty much anything i would have thought. I know the screen is a little small and clarity/brightness are more important but unfortunatly i can't test the latter. I have seen similar models in PC world with the 15inch screen and they seem perfectly respectable.

What do people think? I reckon it should be able to do office and business type applications with ease and maybe cope with Grand Prix Legends aswell?

Cheers,
Rob.

[Jay-Aim]

Ok

without going too far, you need XP Pro. That's what uni's recommend

also 512MB ram because once you're there you'll be doing more than playing games. We know what you students are like hence some booster speakers would be nice

also most uni now are hot spots especially in librarys so get a wi-fi card

hope this helps

[rob_f]

Okay, will look into the XP Pro thing, but as most PCs come with home installed it doesn't make an awfull lot of difference right now i guess.
Speakers will be a must, will get a 2.1 set or get a new hifi with aux input!
WiFi is interesting too, already looked into getting a wifi card. Those machines with it built in seem more expensive than getting an equivalent machine + card sometimes though.
Memory is a concern, especially as the onboard graphics will eat into that. Don't really think i'll be doing that much gaming though to be honest, will be too busy with girls/drink/illegal substances for that.

Cheers!
Rob.

[Munter]

And dont forget student discount!

If your buying MS Office you can get the student edition (assuming it has what you need), not sure if theres a cheaper Windows XP Pro licence for students, but keep your eyes open.

[plotloss]

Munter is on the money.

XP Pro and Office XP are both available under educational licenses.

£90 the pair so its a very significant saving.

Oh and for anyone else reading this thinking jammy bugger, if you have kids in full time education who are over the age of 5 you can get it too...

[rob_f]

Cheers for advice chaps. Turns out there arn't any WiFi spots at exeter uni yet, which is a shame. I think i'm gonna leave the computer bit for now, probably better to wait till i get there to decide what i really need. They have 24hour computer labs and it's one less thing to worry about for the first week or so anyway.

Cheers,
Rob.