Buying my first Laptop

[Foyscaulf]

HI, just after some friendly advice. Planning on buying my first laptop soon, willing to spend between 2000 and 4000. I am by no means an expert on computers or laptops but would require a fast operating system. As a first time Laptop user I'm also not completely sure about the different Internet connections and ISP providers available.
Basically I'm looking for the fastest possible internet speed available, the system won't be used for games or any overly complicated software programs. It is needed for Uni work and watching WA racing trial and race replays, at the moment my Internet on the home PC takes about 10 minutes to load a two minute video, so I'm hoping for something as close to instantaneous as possible.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MisterB]

Mac or Windows?

Do you have ADSL2+ available at your house or do you want wireless broadband?

You can check which ISP have ADSL2+ avaailable for your address. See http://www.adsl2exchanges.com.au

Compare ISPs at http://www.comparebroadband.com.au

 

[swan14]

$2000 willl get you a pretty nice system.

I'd start by deciding whether you want Windows or Mac. Then I'd decide on what type of screen size you want, personally for portability reasons I targeted the 13" range. You may want bigger for watching movies etc.. and not care as much about portability.

Laptops preloaded with windows 7 should be coming out soon so I'd hold out to then if you want a windows based systems. Win 7 will run very niice on laptops, unlike vista unless its got nice specs.

Dell XPS are a solid system with a range of sizes. Sony Vaio's are very nice looking (the Mac of the windows world) but a little more $$.

I have a HP and it has some serious heat issues. I'd steer clear, it was a spontaneous buy which I regret.

So yeah I'd decide on what OS and screen size and work form there.

Hope that helps.

 

[Equus]

You would want to upgrade your internet connection because it seems that your internet connection is really slow if it takes 10 minute to load a 2 min clip.

If all you're doing is just uni work and video watching of races, then I suggest that you go for an entry level laptop or one that is not too expensive, afterall you're not that much of an expert and you may get confused with all the bell and whistles that comes with an expensive laptop.

Dell has some pretty decent priced laptop.

Good luck

 

[MisterB]

For what I understand you ned it for, $2000 will get you a Windows laptop (Windows 7) with most mod cons

 

[mighty mick]

For what I understand you ned it for, $2000 will get you a Windows laptop (Windows 7) with most mod cons

decent unit too at 2000.00

brands to look at asus, toshiba, with good warranties already on the product.

as for sony yeah its the mac of windows but you pay for the brand name not the unit quality.

 

[Foyscaulf]

Hi Guys, sorry for the extremely late reply. It appears that Dell may be the way to go, but I'm still open to suggestions.
Basically for now I won't need the laptop for watching videos as IQ has that covered, it will be for typing up race notes and video comments as well as Uni Work. Just a couple of quick and rather basic questions..

Do most/all Laptop's come with the ability to use your Home Internet connection?

Would Microsoft 2007 or similar be included?

As stated above I would be looking for an 'entry level' laptop with just the basics, I don't want to be paying for extras that I won't use. Also something that I can travel with, without compromising too much on screen size.
Any extra help will be greatly appreciated, as you can see I don't have much idea..

Cheers

 

[Equus]

Most laptop has the ability to use the home internet connection as long as you have a wireless modem connected to your normal modem.

I don't believe Microsoft 2007 is included. You can always go to www.itsnotcheating.com.au to buy a copy of Microsoft Office 2007 but I'd wait till Microsoft office 2010 is out.

I hope that helps.