cheap new laptop

[Baron von Richthofen]

I will be getting a new laptop in a few weeks so before I buy I checked out what is available and found this
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/New-10-Laptop-Notebook-Intel-1-6GHz-160G-HD-WebCam-WiFi_W0QQitemZ320412791893QQcmdZVie wItemQQptZAU_comp_laptop?hash=item4 a9a173455&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

The cheapest one I can find including postage is $400, no bad, I think I will get the yellow one :cool3:

[PCH]

Hi Vars,

just in case you didn't realise it, this laptop is one of the new 'netbooks'. In other words, it's very small physically (great for travel), and doesn't have a cd or dvd reader/burner installed. There's just not enough room. $439 is an ok price, but I've never heard of AGL as a brand. You can get an Acer D250 for not much more, which is a bit more speccy (still doesn't have the cd/dvd tho), but at least it's a known brand.

These netbooks all use the Intel Atom N270 processor (I think), so in terms of speed, they'll all be pretty much the same I would think.

Hope his helps :thumbsup:

[Baron von Richthofen]

I know it is only 10" and no CD drive, generally brand X work better than the known brands

[Ian Robinson]

I wouldn't spend that much on a secondhand lappy from Ebay, why not just buy a new lappy direct from Dell for not much more for a 15" unit.
see http://www.computer-sale.com.au/laptops/dell-inspiron-notebook.php .

I don't think 10" netbooks (mini-lappys) are worth the price , they aren't much cheaper than a 15" notebook.

I've a 5 year old Dell Inspirion 5100 P4 3GHz 15" (ultrahigh resolution) screen that been a great unit and does everything I want to do .... including engineering stuff such running engineering modeling apps.

When one day I buy another lappy , it'll be another Dell , maybe dual or quad core 17" when the price on these falls a bit more (not any time soon as I'm happy with my existing lappy).

[toryglen-boy]

Be aware Vars, that some software, including the software that comes with ALL Canon camera's wont install on anything less than a screen res of 1024*768, netbooks tend to be 1024*600, and although they are great little things, the Intel Aton might run out of legs if your guiding, and RDPin' onto it.

I bought a used Hp 6220 Laptop, Pentium M 2.0Ghz, 1Gb DDR, 14" TFT for $300 and it does all my astro needs just fine.

Ebay is your friend, especially locally.

;)

[Ian Robinson]

Never thought I'd say this ..:sadeyes:.. try Harvey Norman's shop seconds outlets, you might pick up nice ex-lease lappy , or one that's perfect except for a few dead pixcels or some cosmetic blemish (and at least it'll come with a warantee).

Ordinarily ... I'm not a fan of Harvey Norman (pretend) Discounts when it comes to buying computers or other major electrical products.

[supernova1965]

you may need to ask what operating system it has as it isnt specified in the add you linked to it could be linux which is ok if you know how to use it I personally like linux but if you have only used windows it can be daunting

[wasyoungonce]

Hi Vars, Try MSY (http://www.msy.com.au/) for a mini (Atom) lappy.

Their cheapest is $369 win WIN XP home & 80GB HDD. They have a range of Lappys & options.

[toryglen-boy]

what do you intend to run on it mate?

:question:

[Baron von Richthofen]

No much, internet, photoshop, some game emulators

[toryglen-boy]

ok, MAME chugs along on a netbook, and i wouldnt want to process images on a 9" screen.

get a used laptop mate, at least 14" screen

;)

[snowyskiesau]

If you know what you're looking for, then check out Gray's auctions (http://www.graysonline.com/Computers-and-Electronics/Computers-and-IT-Equipment).

Dell and HP often have auctions there for new and refurbished laptops.
You'll also find ex-lease units.

Beware of the 'buyer premium' of up to 15% on the actual sale price!

[wasyoungonce]

Photoshop & games are CPU & GPU intensive respectively. Photoshop also needs lots of HDD storage and Games need good GPUs...none of which are on the little Atoms PCs.

Don't get me wrong. They are quite good but not for photoshop & games.

Best you look for a full screen Lappy with a better CPU like an Intel Core 2 Duo.

[AdrianF]

Hi Vars have a look at
http://www.recompute.com.au/c/laptops/115.html#1966
a much better lappy than the netbook, bigger screen better specs al round.

Adrian

[dpastern]

Wholly agreed. They are a fad, nothing more and nothing less.

Dave

[Octane]

Calling them a fad is a little harsh, in my opinion. They perform wonderfully for image capturing as far as astrophotography goes.

I recently purchased an Asus eeePC. It has 9.5 hours battery life. That's nothing to be scoffed at, especially if you're without mains power. I had it with me at BSG and it ran Starry Night Pro Plus 6, PHD Guiding, and the Canon EOS Utility without a problem.

I know Vars has other things planned for his purchase, and, yes, I agree, he'll be sorely disappointed if he purchased one thinking it would handle graphics or games.

Regards,
Humayun

[Jen]

:screwy::screwy: there is way too many out there to choose from :shrug:

[dpastern]

Oh well Humayun - I just don't see the value in netbooks. They aren't much smaller or lighter than full size laptops and they are over priced for what they offer imho. I'd rather go the fully monty anyday.

Dave

[Octane]

What about battery life in the field?

You pays for practicality. I certainly don't regret purchasing one. It does exactly as advertised.

My 17" notebook from 4 years ago would last just a couple of hours without a mains supply.

Regards,
Humayun

[dpastern]

That's a good point, a very good point. No real easy way of dealing with it though, laptops have always had poor battery life. There are ways of connecting the laptop to your battery though, that should make life a bit easier. Generators also come to mind. Plenty of options I suspect to fix that issue.

Dave