Cheap Notebook computer advice needed.

Cullhaven

Cullhaven

Hernes Son
I want to buy a notebook comp which basically has to be able to word process, maybe show a picture or play a tune. I am not interested on playing games on it and budget wise am limited to 2-3 hundred quid. Anyone know of a bargain or could recommend me something? Its basically for writing and needs to be portable and fairly light. (Normal Laptops are too big for my needs).
 
Cadfiel

Cadfiel

Not grumpy
May be worth looking at a Google Chomebook for a portable laptop thats light yet good portable performance.

http://www.google.co.uk/intl/en_uk/chrome/devices/chromebooks.html

Its not running windows so no office but google doc but should do what you want. Else the second hand market may have more for you than retail if a current low end laptop is still too big.

Else its netbooks but they have died off so its second hand or a tablet.
 
Nymawae

Nymawae

Eternal Trial Member
Looks like the keyboard for Surface RT is about to get a price cut in the next week which could bring surfaceRT + Keyboard into your price range. It fits your other requirements, small, light and comes with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), 8 hours battery life and the keyboard/cover is detachable if you just want to use it as a tablet.

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-gb

There's a "proper" keyboard cover option as well as the touch based one.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6385/microsoft-surface-review/4

If you're using it at a desk you can just plug in a standard USB keyboard & mouse if that suits.

Spec below but keep in mind it's WinRT rather than x86 so it won't run traditional PC apps, shouldn't be a problem though for your scenario.


OS
Windows RT; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote). Works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.

Exterior
27.46 x 17.20 x 0.94 cm
680 grams
VaporMg casing
Dark Titanium colour
Volume and Power buttons

Storage
32GB*, 64GB
*System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. See Surface.com/storage for more details.

Display
10.6" ClearType HD Display
1366x768 pixels
16:9 (widescreen)
5-point multi-touch

CPU
Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3
2GB RAM

Wireless
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 4.0 technology

Battery
31.5 W-h

Cameras and A/V
Two 720p HD LifeCams, front- and rear-facing
Two microphones,
Stereo speakers


Ports
Full-size USB 2.0
microSDXC card slot
Headset jack
HD video out port
Cover port

Sensors
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Compass

Power Supply
24W power supply

Warranty
1-year limited hardware warranty

Apps (included)
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT1 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote); Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video and Games.
 
Cullhaven

Cullhaven

Hernes Son
Yeah was shown both of those options in Currys. I have a Nexus 7 not sure I want another tablet. Chromebook looks like it might be a goer. Going to check out Gumtree this weekend for cheap net/notebook options. I decided that what I really want is an apple netbook but bugger the 1000 quid pricetag :)
 
Chick

Chick

Cartwheel RIGHT
Agreed. If you are going for a Surface you want to Pro not RT. RT is crippled.

I'd think your best bet, if you don't need loads of power is either a Chromebook or some kind of "old 13" laptop from Ebay".
 
Cullhaven

Cullhaven

Hernes Son
Yep, looking that way, but even 13 inches is bigger than I'd idealy want. Something about ten inches that is hinged like a laptop - no detachable keyboard is the sort of thing I'd be looking at. I am assuming that modern versions of Office can get by on/dont need fancy graphics and lots of processor?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top