Affordable laptop recommendations: budget £350-£450
- Thread starter psycherelic
- Start date
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
I take it will be your main machine?
I'd say look for an I3 minimum with 4gb of RAM or more. HDMI port for TV, USB for the other stuff.
Luckily the 15 inch size is the easiest to find a cheap well speced machine.
I'd say look for an I3 minimum with 4gb of RAM or more. HDMI port for TV, USB for the other stuff.
Luckily the 15 inch size is the easiest to find a cheap well speced machine.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
That's not much use for most....
editor
hiraethified
The requirement is for a laptop that can run MS Excel, Outlook, Word, Skype etc. Faffing about installing OSs is probably not something they're looking for.
Something like this would fit the bill more readily, I fancy:
- Windows 10
- The latest Intel® Core™ i5 processor
- RAM: 8 GB / Storage: 1 TB HDD
HP Pavilion 15.6" Laptop with the latest 7th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 Processor - Gold
Wolveryeti
Detty Pig
I would get a 2nd hand thinkpad t420/x220 for around £150 (depending on what is more important to you - cd drive or form factor) and put in a new 240gb SSD for ~£70.
They have good keyboards, build quality and connectivity plus they are so popular parts and driver support for them will likely be around for ages. They are also not bad in terms of power (will cope with light gaming).
They have good keyboards, build quality and connectivity plus they are so popular parts and driver support for them will likely be around for ages. They are also not bad in terms of power (will cope with light gaming).
Chz
Stark Raving Sane
I'd say it depends on whether you're happy to get something like a refurb Thinkpad, or would prefer something new.
For new, just get any old thing so long as you've heard of the brand. That HP is roughly the specs I'd go for, except it's now possible to find 15.6" laptops under £400 that have a Full HD screen. It's worth hunting about for one, though they are rare. I'd rather forgo the Intel processor and have the screen like in this one: LENOVO IdeaPad 310 15.6" Laptop - White
The CPU speed isn't noticeably different, though AMD does grant less battery life.
For new, just get any old thing so long as you've heard of the brand. That HP is roughly the specs I'd go for, except it's now possible to find 15.6" laptops under £400 that have a Full HD screen. It's worth hunting about for one, though they are rare. I'd rather forgo the Intel processor and have the screen like in this one: LENOVO IdeaPad 310 15.6" Laptop - White
The CPU speed isn't noticeably different, though AMD does grant less battery life.
gorski
customised free radical
Look, there is something for everybody here: PCSPECIALIST - Laptops, Custom Laptops, Gaming Laptops, Buy Laptop
If one can install an operating system - it's cheaper. If not, then the price you see includes (usually) W10. The price usually jumps if one wants better graphics (a special graphics card that is not already built-in or "onboard"). For those who plays games, they need a special graphics card. If not - cheaper. And for any piece of HW you are choosing - all the help you need is online, just scratch the surface.
It's brand new, from PC specialist, all is easily accessible, if you decide to upgrade it later on - you can do it.
It is simple!
P.S. "How to install Winblows guide" and everything else is waiting for you online, in detail, with screenshots. Drivers will come with the HW.
If one can install an operating system - it's cheaper. If not, then the price you see includes (usually) W10. The price usually jumps if one wants better graphics (a special graphics card that is not already built-in or "onboard"). For those who plays games, they need a special graphics card. If not - cheaper. And for any piece of HW you are choosing - all the help you need is online, just scratch the surface.
It's brand new, from PC specialist, all is easily accessible, if you decide to upgrade it later on - you can do it.
It is simple!
P.S. "How to install Winblows guide" and everything else is waiting for you online, in detail, with screenshots. Drivers will come with the HW.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Except you then need to pay for a Windows license. Or not. But that way is likely ball ache.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
Hello. I know nothing about laptops.
I'm looking for something that is fast enough to run video editing software, after effects, and logic audio at a decent price. Any ideas?
I'm looking for something that is fast enough to run video editing software, after effects, and logic audio at a decent price. Any ideas?
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Not specific models, but I've been doing some research recently and it seems at the sub £500 you compromise something. So it may have lots of CPU power and RAM, but maybe be less portable or have an average screen. It's worth identifying what's a priority and what you can compromise on.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
Portability is not a huge issue. Ram would be helpful for after effects and making logic run without a delay. I'm not going to be gaming. I don't know how much difference a screen would really make.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
You still not actually shown its significantly cheaper enough to make it worth the faf. Installing Windows isn't that hard, but by choosing a machine without an OS you massively limit your choice. I totally see the appeal if your planning on running Linux or similar, but that's not most people.
The laptop manufacturers will be getting the Windows license at a fraction of the cost of what a retail copy will sell for.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
I don't know the software personally, but know that the more resources you can throw at it the better.
I think the screen makes a machine nicer to use. One thought may be though is that if your editing 1080p video you want a screen that supports that?
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
Yes you are probably right. I thought they all did nowadays though.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Sadly a lot of cheaper laptops still have resolutions below the average phone. Which is frankly nuts in 2017.
Anyway I'd be looking for a machine with an I5, 8gb of RAM and a 1920x1080 display, which should be possible, but worth reading specs carefully.
keybored
Well done. You remember cat good.
Eh? You don't buy Windows, you .torrent it.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
I 5 is Intel 5 right?
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
Oh my, they all seem to be pushing a grand.
clicker
nanook rubs it....
Following this thread...would like to get my first lap top
. Ideally from Argos as teenager gets 10% discount.
Just need it to browse web, email, homework and watch you tube. Portability isn't an issue. Really technically challenged so idiot proof is a big plus. Would like it to be under £400...any recommendations gratefully recieved. Looking at them on line just confuses me more...I don't need bells and whistles.
. Ideally from Argos as teenager gets 10% discount.Just need it to browse web, email, homework and watch you tube. Portability isn't an issue. Really technically challenged so idiot proof is a big plus. Would like it to be under £400...any recommendations gratefully recieved. Looking at them on line just confuses me more...I don't need bells and whistles.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
They can be had cheaper then that. What is your budget? First Google is at 750 and thats got dedicated graphics as well both SSD and HDD.
GL552VX-CN239T| Asus Laptop | ao.com Standing&WT.z_PC=GL552VX-CN239T&WT.srch=1&wt.z_cn=CE - Laptops - ASUS&wt.z_ag=brand type&wt.z_kw=gl552vx-cn239t&gclid=CIeC0-Cj8NECFccp0wodob8MjA
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Following this thread...would like to get my first lap top
Just need it to browse web, email, homework and watch you tube. Portability isn't an issue. Really technically challenged so idiot proof is a big plus. Would like it to be under £400...any recommendations gratefully recieved. Looking at them on line just confuses me more...I don't need bells and whistles.
Many people recommend Chromebooks for this sort of thing as they are very simple and they often run better then equivalent priced Windows machines m
gorski
customised free radical
Ech, it's about the quality of components (including the drivers) and price, that is the point with pcspecialist PC.
PCSPECIALIST - CosmosXT 15, Gaming CosmosXT 15, Build Your Own CosmosXT 15, Buy CosmosXT 15
Chassis & Display
Cosmos Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD IPS LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i5 Quad Core Processor 6300HQ (2.3GHz, 3.2GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
16GB Kingston SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 950M - 2.0GB DDR5 Video RAM - DirectX® 12
Memory - Hard Disk
500GB SERIAL ATA II 2.5" HARD DRIVE WITH 8MB CACHE (5,400rpm)
M.2 SSD Drive
128GB M.2 2280, SATA 6Gb/s (534MB/R, 150MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated 6 in 1 Card Reader (SD /Mini SD/ SDHC / SDXC / MMC / RSMMC)
AC Adaptor
1 x 90W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
Intel 2 Channel High Def. Audio + SoundBlaster™ Cinema 2
Bluetooth & Wireless
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® AC-8265 M.2 (867Mbps, 802.11AC) +BT 4.0
USB Options
3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery
Cosmos Series 3 Cell Prismatic Battery Pack (48WH)
Keyboard Language
COSMOS SERIES BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Office Software
NO OFFICE SOFTWARE
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Firefox™
Notebook Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MP FULL HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Insurance
1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
QTY
1
£609.17
ex VAT
£731.00
inc VAT and Delivery
Current estimated lead times: 5 to 7 working days
PCSPECIALIST - CosmosXT 15, Gaming CosmosXT 15, Build Your Own CosmosXT 15, Buy CosmosXT 15
Chassis & Display
Cosmos Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD IPS LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™ i5 Quad Core Processor 6300HQ (2.3GHz, 3.2GHz Turbo)
Memory (RAM)
16GB Kingston SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (2 x 8GB)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 950M - 2.0GB DDR5 Video RAM - DirectX® 12
Memory - Hard Disk
500GB SERIAL ATA II 2.5" HARD DRIVE WITH 8MB CACHE (5,400rpm)
M.2 SSD Drive
128GB M.2 2280, SATA 6Gb/s (534MB/R, 150MB/W)
Memory Card Reader
Integrated 6 in 1 Card Reader (SD /Mini SD/ SDHC / SDXC / MMC / RSMMC)
AC Adaptor
1 x 90W AC Adaptor
Power Cable
1 x 1 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
Thermal Paste
STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card
Intel 2 Channel High Def. Audio + SoundBlaster™ Cinema 2
Bluetooth & Wireless
GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® AC-8265 M.2 (867Mbps, 802.11AC) +BT 4.0
USB Options
3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery
Cosmos Series 3 Cell Prismatic Battery Pack (48WH)
Keyboard Language
COSMOS SERIES BACKLIT UK KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD
Operating System
NO OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIRED
Operating System Language
United Kingdom - English Language
Office Software
NO OFFICE SOFTWARE
Anti-Virus
NO ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Browser
Firefox™
Notebook Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MP FULL HD WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Silver Warranty (1 Year Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Insurance
1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 5 to 7 working days
QTY
1
£609.17
ex VAT
£731.00
inc VAT and Delivery
Current estimated lead times: 5 to 7 working days
Last edited:
maomao
普費斯
That's a very nice laptop and PCSpecialist are great (IME) but it's twice the given budget of the thread.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
I was kind of hoping for it all to be nicely below the £500 mark.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
I found one though, but despite the screen resolution being high, it has poor viewing angles and shit speakers.
Acer Aspire E 15, Intel® Core™ i5 Processor, 8Gb DDR4 RAM, 1Tb Hard Drive, 15.6 inch Full HD Laptop with Intel® Iris™ Graphics and Optional Microsft Office 365 - White | littlewoods.com - KVI&utm_term=na&utm_content=163612683052&profileid=415&keywordid=na&productgroupid=pg475729&device=m&gclid=CMiZ_uGY8dECFYW87QodcTMCng
This HP seems a better option if you can go over and also has an SSD which makes many small tasks seem faster.
HP 250 G5 Laptop W4Q06EA - Laptops at ebuyer
You may also want to look at getting a machine with an I3 which is still quicker then other many other budget options.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
Interesting. Thanks a lot.
I don't really need good speakers as I would be using external ones mostly.
I don't know how important viewing angles would be. I assume I would be sitting right in front of it.
ATOMIC SUPLEX
Member Since: 1985 Post Count: 3
Is there anywhere I can get windows for free so that I can boot it up and see if it's all working fine? I only have a mac to download it on though. If I get a new hard drive for £50, it would still be a decent laptop for my daughter to do homework and stuff on.
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