best sub $1200 Laptop (work use, not into gaming)

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nzpunter

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#60947 6-May-2010 12:32

Hi guys,

In your opinion whats the best sub $1200 laptop available.
would also love hints on best sites/shops pricing wise.

general work use, no gaming.

Thanks

farcus

1625 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 437

#327349 6-May-2010 12:43

lenovo always have very good laptops - particularly for this budget if you ar not interested in gaming.

Ragnor

8279 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 585

Trusted

#327367 6-May-2010 13:20

What size do you prefer 13", 15", 17"?

You can typically get a more powerful cpu/ram/hdd in 13" than 15" for the same price. The balance of performance vs screen size is going to be a subjective personal choice.

For example some people consider 17" to be too bulky/large, others prefer the larger screen. Some people think 13" is too small others are fine with 13" in exchange for more cpu/ram/disk.

timestyles

424 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#327391 6-May-2010 14:20

Have a look at http://pricespy.co.nz/ I'm looking at laptops at the moment, some have DDR2 memory, others have DDR3. If you upgrade later, there can be quite a difference in cost. However, most at that price will sell with 4GB, so it's probably not going to be an issue for you.

Something to consider: if the hard drive fails, can you get a windows partition back without having to buy Windows again? My last Toshiba (bought 2 years ago) has a windows partition, but also allows you to create a DVD which can convert a new drive back to as bought with laptop condition. This is a regular topic here, people who have lost their Windows partition and no way of getting it back.

I'd suggest that you don't buy a laptop without seeing it in a store, as sometimes you'll notice something you don't like. Finally, after a couple of years, a white keyboard shows off less grime than a black one.

nzpunter

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#327743 7-May-2010 15:17

thanks for the pricespy tip.. handy site!

Im looking at 13" notebooks.. so if you have some favourites I would love to hear.

Thanks
Craig

timestyles

424 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#327762 7-May-2010 15:56

Couple of little things: a wheel volume control is much easier to use than using the keys. Also, if the power socket is on the same side as the vent, you can easily put the laptop on its side while doing things around the house. If they aren't, it's more fiddly. (These wouldn't be high on the priority list).