Laptop advice + cases that fit....

[Stu DemonD]

Ok, I may be back on the hunt for a decent laptop.

A few criteria though, I love big screens [you get spoilt with a dual screen setup, one of which is a 20.1" iiyama], so have come across this:

http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_9813WKMi_LX.AF60X.046/version-1.asp

which doesn't seem too bad for £787.21

The main reason for getting one is for business, obviously , BUT I also want to use it around the house - stream movies upstairs to it [hence the large screen is ideal], plus do all the usual gaming stuff, so I want some grunt behind it. Ideally I want to go with Dual Core. Memory can obviously be upgraded cheaply enough, and any storage space can be shared with my other 7 HDDs here. The built in wifi/webcam is handy as well.

Also not majorly fussed over battery time - will never use it much away from a powerpoint, even if out visiting clients.

ONE major niggle though - how do you carry these things around? Most laptop cases seem to cater for 17" screens only

So any more advice? I have really lost touch with all this now

 

[Big Black Stilo]

Not as much as me!

Im currently trying to source a nice deal on a cheap laptop in the USA and runnign the risk of bringing it over here. (so it breaks im stuffed)

Looking to spend up to $500 which at current climates is about £250 give or take £2

Problem is I have no idea what im looking at

 

[Stu DemonD]

A laptop from abroad? Mmm :chin: Personally, I wouldn't take the risk.

BUT whilst you are over there, check out large laptop bags for me I need a supersize one

 

[Turbodiesel]

20 inches is bloody enormous for a laptop, but I think one of these might do the trick

 

[Stu DemonD]

Hmmm, good thinking :chin: like a flight bag.

Now, I could go for a smaller 17" laptop, but it would be a compromise, plus i will get really wound up with it. Let me check the dimensions of that 20"er again

 

[MiG]

Hmmm, good thinking :chin: like a flight bag.

Now, I could go for a smaller 17" laptop, but it would be a compromise, plus i will get really wound up with it. Let me check the dimensions of that 20"er again

you can get 17" laptops that run a native res of 1080p. whats up with that ?

 

[Stu DemonD]

I hate small screens, thats why.

 

[The Negotiator]

That's not a laptop! 17" laptops look silly, let alone 20"! My bedroom TV is 20"! LOL

 

[Stu DemonD]

I don't have a TV in the bedroom, but that is the idea - I can stream everything to upstairs then

Maybe the term 'laptop' is misleading :chin:

 

[The Negotiator]

I admit to never seeing a 20" laptop in the flesh, I would treat one as a desktop replacement solely with the intention of never moving it, personally. I.e in a room where a full size PC would be difficult.

 

[Stu DemonD]

Nor have I BUT I am sitting in front of a 20.1" monitor, so can use that as a size guide.

The specs of the above are:

Dimensions (WxH) 47.5 cm x 35.2 cm x 6.2 cm
Weight 7.8 kg

*gets out tape measure*

It probably will be upstairs quite a bit, but I do need something to carry it about in. A flight bag may be the only option

EDIT - found a review here http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/index.cfm?reviewid=700

 

[Stu DemonD]

Ok, maybe a change of plan, and get 2 laptops :chin: - cheers Custard

The one above, as a proper desktop replacement - running a SOHO business, I think that would be ideal, plus can be used upstairs as well. It would basically duplicate all the software I have on here, plus client data.

AND THEN looking into getting a cheaper laptop, this one for example:

http://www.acernotebooks.co.uk/Acer_Aspire_5612_WLMi_Laptop_LX.AXZ0J.012/version-1.asp - £379 NET with case and 3 year warranty - which I can use for client visits - smaller, more compact, but ok enough for data entry say.

All I need to do now is earn the money

 

[The Negotiator]

Flight bag? I Have been staring at my TV for the last 30 seconds trying to understand taking it with me somewhere

Would suggest a IBM T42 for client visits personally, industry standard really. 14.1" is more suited for use and portability. I'd suggest avoiding two laptops though, I've been there and done that