Advice choosing a laptop?

SpartanSpurs

Honorable
Dec 24, 2012
3
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10,510
Well I don't actually know what they're properly called...? Ultrabook? Netbook? Slimbook?

Anyway, the reason I'm asking for some advice is I've been well away from laptops from quite a while now. However things change and I'm now thinking it would be quite useful to have a 'laptop' whilst I'm out and about. Since I already have a very decent desktop that I use for everything, including intensive gaming and will be using it more often than this other device I don't want to go too fancy. Yet at the same time I want something that's fast and able to run some low end games without any hassle. Finally as I won't be using it as my main device, storage space is not a concern so I would like the extra speed of an SSD.

So basically my requirements are and for as low a budget as possible £300-£400 preferable, £500 at a push.


  • 120GB SSD - More of course would be welcome but I don't think my budget will allow
    4GB ram - Again more would be welcome but would most likely be overkill anyway
    No bigger than 14"
    Processor that will handle light gaming and programming
    Slim so preferably no optical drive
    Long battery life
    Decent graphics - Preferably not an APU or integrated
    Oh and I don't mind sorting out my own OS

This is what I've found so far and whilst it checks all the boxes (apart from price), the supposedly flimsy keyboard is a bit of a put off.

The main reason I'm asking though is because like I said, I am very new to the laptop seen and I'd prefer some solid advice from the good folks on here before I rush into buying anything.

Thanks
 
Solution


Personally I've never used them but check out their reviews and you should get a general idea of how good they are. I'd also look at the screen size in person to see if 11.6" suites you.

ddpruitt

Honorable
Jun 4, 2012
226
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10,860
Given your budget you're not going to be able to everything you want. My suggestion is look for a low-cost laptop with an APU, long battery life, and an HDD, then buy an SSD to stick in there. If you want a warranty go with a name brand retailer. If your comfortable with it get one off of eBay. If bought a few that have never been opened for a much lower cost than from a store, albeit without a warranty.
 

SpartanSpurs

Honorable
Dec 24, 2012
3
0
10,510


Thanks for the advice, however I just went on PC specialist and was surprised at how low their prices were. I mean really surprised, anything you can tell me about them?

EDIT

A bit more info

120GB SSD
Dual core i3 at 2.5 GHz
4GB ram
11.6" LED matte screen
2.0GB Geforce GT 650M
 

ddpruitt

Honorable
Jun 4, 2012
226
0
10,860


Personally I've never used them but check out their reviews and you should get a general idea of how good they are. I'd also look at the screen size in person to see if 11.6" suites you.
 
Solution

SpartanSpurs

Honorable
Dec 24, 2012
3
0
10,510


Yeah, I ended up going for it. £452 for it is a bargain compared to the competition, everything I wanted and the reviews are unbelievably good. Really happy and thanks for the advice.