Im going to University next year and Im getting fed up with the PC that I have now. I think I could get around £150 for my current system. Originally I just wanted to get a new system, but Im not sure whether to get a laptop. I dont want anything special like a Sony VAIO but I would like something which can run quite fast. Im not looking to it to play games on, but hey I cant rule that out. At the moment I just want to establish what sort of price range I would be looking at for a decent, not outstanding (second hand if necessary) laptop. And where would be the best place to look if I decided to get one, fairs, web-auctions etc.

Cheers in advance

R11

Please try using the correct forum, moving to the comsumers forum ...
Thanks

Laptops are too expensive, even used ones. Very limited in upgradability and very difficult to fix when you have problems.

I suggest you go with desktop. For the same amount of money, you would get a faster machine with more features.

yes laptops are expensive but you can't take desktop pc to your lectures and to other places such as the libary. I don't have one myself but if I had the money I would definately get one.

I think that your best way to get one for your needs is to look on ebay or something like that.

Cheers guys, and sorry duffy90210, it wont knowingly happen again. So you really dont think its worth it??? If its not what would be your opinion of trying to get a basic laptop which does basic functions, like word process and take that to lectures and then spend on a better desktop. Or is that just getting too much hassle and gonna cost loads? I appreciate your help and opinion cos I admit I havnt a clue of what the best option is here.

Cheers again

second hand laptops usually sell for around £1 per mhz
i got mine from ebay

Yup, except for good reasons like "taking to the library" or to the "lectures". :D

I've bought a very good laptop a year ago (the same one that ElaineM has) because I travel a lot and often do demos at customers' sites.

You'll need to tell your budget limit and need to get the best for the money because you do not have much upgrade options with laptops.

Agree..if limited on the cashola and games are a possibility..desktop is the way to go...see whether you can get it salary sacrificed through work or something..little cheaper as your employer can get back the VAT (if new) and pass the saving on to you!

Yes, what Van and I purchased,which seems to be the 4520c currently available at Sager is much cheaper now. However for the money, it's heavy and hard to haul around. It is also doesn't cool very easily if you plan to use it on a regular basis. For the same money, you could get a great desktop. Take it from someone who's been around, mobility isn't everything. :)

Cheers for all the help ppl, it is appreciated. Iv been looking at ebay and have found some chap laptops like the one below with about 4hours left and priced at £127 would this be an option for word processing and simple tasks, and then transfer documents to a desktop??? The spec is below:

Toshiba Satallite Pro notebook featuring:

Intel Pentium Pro 120 Processor
32mb Ram
2.1gb HDD
11.3 TFT Screen
Internal CDROM
Modem
2 x pcmcia ports
Infrared
Built in Sound and speakers
Battery
A/C Adapter
No operating system
No mains lead
US Keypad
All usual ports (serial,parallel,ps2 etc.)

Appreciate what you think, R11

Yup, that laptop will let you run Win98 & Word but will be slow. If you can have at least 64MB RAM, it will run much faster.