Which basic but decent laptop computer to buy

I am looking to get my brother a computer for his B-day. Somehow he has made it to 30 sans computer. But now his desire to have an Ipod has sparked the interest in joining the 21st Century.

I am looking for a laptop that is pretty basic, but not a piece of shit. He really will only be using it for email, Ipod, basic wordprocessing, and...I hope...an occassional resume

Would a P.C. or Apple be better?

Looking to spend between 500 - 600.

I would wecome suggestions from those more knowledgable than I ... which is just about everyone.

Thanks

Asus "eeeepc"

about €300, solid state, small and robust. can be loaded with XP and will be joined by a larger screen version this year.

doowit.

The 'larger version' is a whopping 9 inches. And im sure he doesnt want to lug around an external hard drive for all his music..

lugging around music is what the ipod is for, no?

You need a hard drive to store the files so you can synch it, 8 gigs aint going to cut it unless you have a fairly small collection.. Let alone once you start pirati... i mean legally acquiring video files.

I would imagine for a neophyte a mac would be easier (although I am loathe to reccommend an apple computer to anyone), but I think macbooks start at a grand, not sure what you can get for 5-600...

I have heard about all these "mini" laptops. If they are not much harder to use and have the same basic features that may be an option. Though If you can't see the whole page in the screen without moving the picture around, that would drive me batty.

LP-why are you loathe to recommend apple?

No question, buy a secondhand MacBook.

Used isn't really an option for me, as I don't feel comfortable buying a used computer...and it is a gift.

I just can't stand MacOS and prefer non proprietary hardware, but I guess they are getting better lately.. Its not bad for non basic users though.. Does it have to be a laptop? More bang for your buck if you get desktop..

As my brother hasn't finished...settling...and is a bit transitory, a laptop may be easier if he gets evicted.

You can get dells low end Inspiron laptops in the 400 range, it'll work music, word processors and web browsing just fine..

thanks I will look into that

Also do a google.co.uk search for Dell coupons or just coupons in general, here is one for £40 off a dell laptop: Coupon mountain and other sites have 10% off.

I will be doing a U.S. purchase, but thanks for the suggestion LEKY

For the states? http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList...%24500+-+%24750

I'd go with the lenovo models...

I love newegg, wish I could find a site as useful in Germany.

I found this Dell Inspirion 1525 for $499...anyone have one or can comment if the specs are o.k..

Intel® Celeron® 540 (1MB cache/1.86GHz/533Mhz FSB)
Genuine Windows Vista ® Home Basic Edition
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD Writer / DVD player (Combo Drive)
Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g Mini-Card
No Webcam Option
28 Whr Lithium Ion Battery (4 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0
My Software & Accessories
No Subscription (30-day trial)
Microsoft Works
My Service
1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In Service
Included 3 GB DataSafe Online Backup for 1Yr
6 Months Risk-Free Trial AOL Advantage Internet Access
Also Includes
Integrated 10/100 Network Card
Integrated Modem
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
Windows Vista™ Basic
Intel#174; CELERON#174; ProcessorCompatibility Alert
Recalculating Price

See if you can get it with xp instead of vista, 1 gig of ram is not going to be enough for that system hog.. with xp its fine for your bro's needs (although if its not pricey I would throw another gig of ram in there)...

Have a look in Amazon.de... Some great reductions off the standard price for good laptops...

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.de/b/ref=amb_link_433541...;pf_rd_i=700962

Gemini, Just replace the co.uk with .com, this is also a good site Notebook review for coupons and opinions. And if you work for the Government you can try the Dell member purchase area too.

Thanks to everyone who has offered their tips and links, it is proving very helpful.

What are your thoughts on extended warranties?

If they cover you doing something stupid like dropping your laptop or spilling beer on it, then they are a good idea.. I always build my own comps (god I miss newegg) so I dont have much experience with manufacturer warranties.

Check your credit card first, many credit cards give extended warranties if you use the card to purchase.

you can get a really nice Dell Inspiron 1525 in a choice of colours for about €600-€650. With the OS, all software and documentation in English. Delivered to your home! you can check out all the specs online but for English OS, you must order by phone. I am speaking from recent personal experience of buying one.

Well Dell complete care does cover that, but it's pretty dear.

Regarding the Asus "eeeepc" or similar mini laptops - has anyone got one/used one... Was considering getting something similar just for web surfing and photos ... maybe to take travelling...

Appreciate any thoughts especially about viewing www pages

There's a bit of info on the thread Akoya Mini E1210 notebook computer, Aldi sale, worth €399 or just an expensive toy? You'll find links to various reviews which might help. We decided to wait a bit for the new models that are coming out next month, like perhaps the MSI Wind U100 which also has bluetooth.

My only advice is don't go for Dell. At all. Ever. Seen two Dell laptops go completely tits up in a relatively short amount of time because the quality of them are, well, total and utter wank.

Both of them had major hard drive issues - i.e. they broke - amongst other things and they are really just the biggest piles of shite I have ever experienced. It takes hours to boot them up even though there is nothing in the Auto Start, and they are just extraordinarily sluggish in general.
Avoid Dell

Ditto about Dell*, utter shite, shite after sales service, shite customer service and a wonderful legal department that even persues websites that contain critical comments about Dell and has them taken down

Litec have some decent laptops, go talk to them...

* Edit: Based on a fried mainboard that took six weeks to repair. Nice service if you don't need a computer but own one anyway.