Best Laptop for £500

[_Dave_]

I'm after a laptop for my mother with dvd/rw, wi-fi and a decent software package.

I know nothing about them really so I thought I'd put it to you lot.

Cheers

[ding dong]

Did much the same for my mum some time ago.

You can't go wrong with a Dell - their £400 1300 does the job if all you need is the basic stuff ie office, internet, DVD burner and Wireless.

[petrol_noggin]

You'll find it hard to find a "future proof" (3 year life) laptop for that price, however I wholeheartedly recommend Acer as a brand, very good build quality and components, and a few good'uns in your price range.

[dogwatch]

petrol_noggin said:

You'll find it hard to find a "future proof" (3 year life) laptop for that price, however I wholeheartedly recommend Acer as a brand, very good build quality and components, and a few good'uns in your price range.

Yes, I'm using an Acer to send this. Had it almost 18 months and no complaints. eBuyer has some good prices plus customer feedback which is useful for highlighting the shortcomings of lower spec models even if you don't buy from them.
www.ebuyer.com/

[basil brush]

I just bought a new Dell Inspiron 6000 from ebay for £500. Decent spec for the price and normal dell warranty etc.

[tinman0]

Toshiba Satellite Pro A100 (i think) = £360 from dabs.com. 15.1" widscreeen with 1280 resolution. Saw one today (cousin bought it off dabs at the weekend) and its a *very* nice machine.


edit to add:

this particular machine just shot up to £550. It looks like Dabs mistakenly sold them too cheap!

Edited by tinman0 on Wednesday 14th June 20:20

[Al Up North]

mac powerbook
g3 pismo (the one with firewire)
Style!

[adrian75]

Go for a Mac powerpook, if she is not used to the nonsense of XP.