I'm sure I remember someone else asking this recently but it must have been on Idle Chat as the search hasn't brought anything up.

Anyway ~ I've decided I need to get a laptop   It means I can take it into hospital with me & then when I get home, I can still be online from my bed or the sofa :D

Had a bit of a look in PC world just to get a feel of them, not to buy.  I've started looking at eBay & there seems to be some good deals on there.  I was wondering if any of you can recommend any particular brand?  The only ones that have really taken my eye so far are Dell & Acer.  Is there any to avoid?

I'm on a mega tight budget & am hoping to get a lot for my money

Any suggestions would be great

Oh yes also ~ just set up wireless network, my pc ok & online but although hubby's pc is picking up the signal, can't get it to talk with my pc for the broadband   Anyone any ideas?  My ISP say as my pc is online ok then they can't help :rolleyes:

Ta very muchly in advance :D

I'm about to either get a Dell or a fujitsu-siemans, Heard Acer are good.  Not so many people have good things to say about Dell.

Are you sure you can use it in hospital. They don't allow mobile phones generally because the signal can interfer with some monitoring equipment. Not sure but won't that apply to wireless as well?  Also our local hospital will not allow electrical equipment ie a charger to be used without having their electronics department checking it out for safety something that can take longer than an average hospital stay :rolleyes: 

haha In private hospitals you can!!! RFLAO!!!

Lyndsay, I have a Sony Vaio that I love more than life itself! Derek has just bought a Goodmans for around £500??

...........because they don't bother with monitoring equipment? ;)

I think it's because there are some who believe interference with equipment is a myth ...... it's really because the phones bleeping, bopping and ringing are a pain :D :D :D  - don't tell anyone I said it, will you ;)

Well, there was a recent report that showed there were areas in hospitals where they could be used and perhaps hospitals should not have a blanket ban but they certainly do interfer with radio controlled monitoring.  I rather thought like you but checked with hubby who is a chartered engineer in this area and he assures me that is just so.  Mobile phones use signals much more powerfull than a radio and easily mask the transmission.  Try holding your phone next to the radio next time it rings or even when you first switch it on and it sends a signal off to locate the nearest transmitter, if you leave the phone next to the radio you will see it send a signal every hour as long as it is switched on.
Anyhoo, it won't get you anywhere arguing with them if that is their policy and you turn up with your newly purchased equipment :)

Teri hit it on the head! LOL

Private hospital Isabel & I'm told it will be allowed although how much I'll feel upto using it after my op will be anyones guess   :)

I've had four so far including Sony & Dell.  My current and best to date performance etc is a Toshiba wide screen.
I'd advice getting the best you can afford with maximum memory and high res graphics.

Unfortunately no sooner is the latest all singing, all dancing model in your hot little hands until it's been superceded or completely out-dated :rolleyes: :P

Try to avoid getting an Intel, my OH knows a bit about comps and that, their not that good apparantly, dont run as good or as fast! Your best off with an AMD, bit more expensive, but worth it in the long run! :)

We both have a Compaq Presario V5000 Amd Lappy (with the liquid crystal widescreen) :)

Edited to add, which we bought from PC World!

Well I've got my laptop!!  Sat here playing now   I ended up getting the one I really liked on Sunday which is the Advent 7101 Intel Core Duo T2050 ~ so far it seems ok but lots to discover yet!!

Thanks everyone :D

i used to have a fujitsu-siemens, and now have a vaio. I wouldn't have anything else. Other half has a vaio and a dell (for work), and the dell is crap-really cheap looking, big and clunky. The vaio's are thin, light and sleek-and don't look or feel cheap. I love mine.

Sony Vaio get's my vote too - very sleek.

Mine is a Dell inspiron 6000, I have had no problems whatsoever with it. 

I'm on my New Packard Bell EasyNote with the wireless ability built in so sitting in the lounge with the router in my bedroom quite impressed so far ;)

To be honest you pays your money you take yours chances

Laptops should never be put in the same class as a desktop so I would never spend a lot on one

I work for a very large computer company and unless you are bothered about maintenance then I would always only spend <£500 on a laptop as they are more prone to damage and wear and tear and you will find it often cheaper to keep replacing it rather than trying to get it repaired out of warranty

Some of the big names are diabolical now on quality

We have three Dells in the family - just specced for their use - one basic, one medium, one high spec. Nothing flash, but they work well and haven't had a problem (son is on to his second - high spec). We expect to replace them every two/three years, so just isn't worth paying a fortune :)

Wireless routers are a different thing - cheap is usually terrible - worth spending a bit more to get a useable product :)

Daisy

Couldn't agree more - I've gone through four and OH a further three!  We like the convenience and size of them as opposed to PCs but regardless of make and quality they don't stand the test of time.