Make sure the screen is TFT - I'm not sure if the (very) inferior DSTN screens still exist, but they may do on some very cheap laptops. Resolution should be 1024x768.

Apart from that, screen size is a matter of taste, really - 12.1" is a minimum IMHO, and the larger the better. However, larger screens cost more and aren't as light (if that matters). Think about how much time you are going to spend using it, but remember that you can always buy a 17"/19" CRT to plug the laptop into if you're working in one place a lot.

When I researched laptops about a year ago, there were basically two types of screen:-

i) TFT - more expensive, but with better brightness, definition and a wider 'angle of view'.

ii) HPA - more common (then) on cheaper laptops.

Unless light weight and small size are very critical to your needs for portability, look for a screen with the largest viewable area. Screen dimensions quoted by manufacturers can sometimes be deceptive. Laptop screens in general, although designed for the job, should be treated with care.


Pointing Devices (mentioned by StickyB):-

I also prefer the Toshiba type 'nipple', but don't forget that a conventional mouse can easily be plugged in to a laptop for home and office use. (Sorry if this is too obvious).


After care:-

Toshiba Support were very helpful on the two occassions I contacted them with minor problems.

The extended warranties vigorously promoted by retailers on laptops is another minefield.

Good Luck :)


Edit:- Written before I had read Evo7's post, so I apologise for any repetition.

[ 31 October 2001: Message edited by: spekesoftly ]

RE: screens, a lot of the "super-duper" claims of resolution refer to the output to a normal monitor, not the laptop screen. From what I've found, most laptop screens will only support up to 1024x768 with 16 bit colour. Anything over that, read the .pdf specs, as it will most likely refer to output [to a monitor]. E.g. XGA, SXGA, UXGA. In this vein, look at graphics hardware. ATI Rage Mobility and GeForce 2 GO are the newest, and are very highly rated. Try and avoid any "shared memory" graphics cards, as they use system RAM (and not terribly efficiently) instead of dedicated, onboard memory.

Size-wise, bear in mind that the screen is one of the largest battery drainers, so depending on how long you'll be away from mains supply, it's important to get the smallest acceptable for your needs. That said, power management utilities do compensate by dimming the screen when on battery power - yet another thing to check in the shop! You could go the way of "hot swappable" drive bays, which accommodate a second battery in place of the CD/DVD drive, but that adds to the cost.

On a different note, whilst browsing the other day a shop owner I've known for years warned me off buying a laptop in the near future, as there are some "big changes" coming out in terms of hardware and prices. Prices of existing models/stock will be cut, making "bargains" easily available.

In his words "I just know that if I bought a laptop and found something much better for the same money soon afterwards, I'd be really pi$$ed off" Whether or not this will turn out to be true is another matter, but the caution was given.

More than I planned to write, but it's not easy being sure you've got all the info you need :D

Cheers.

Prices of TFT screens in the supply route to manufacturers/assemblers have been in freefall for months now. Basic cause was 4 new flat screen production sites coming on line last year.

Massive oversupply has led to companies such as Samsung trying to initiate 'OPEC' type agreements to concentrate on larger desktop displays that still have some margin for them.

Collapse in growth of the desktop industry has meant other component suppliers having to hit the mobile computing sides of their buisnesses with a vengence.

Naturally the prime laptop companies will ride the cash cow as long as they can but there is a huge adjustment in pricing on the way.

Rob

Great, Rob, then with any luck I should soon be able to afford one! ;)

Whatever you buy dont get a Packard Bell; mine gave up the ghost after 6 weeks use. Neede new motherboard and PSU and well to cut a long story short I now have an Advent fm PC world. 1GHz 14.1 TFT 256 Mb RAM 20Gb Hard drive, 56KModem and ethernet for £1200.

Old laptop bought mail order from Pico stil going strong, used by she who must be obeyed for WP.

i have an acer laptop. its cool. done all my ppruneing on it :D
it did get a crack in the plastic outer shell. but they fixed it for free, not a problem :)

i like that it has a touchpad, one of my critera for buying a laptop. my friend has a toshiba with the G spot. i don't like them. i find them hard to control and sometimes the mouse went whizzing across the screen with a mind of its own! :eek:

Never could find the G spot let alone control it DD :D :D :

Ooops, excuse me - just off to ban myself for a week.

Rob

PPRuNe probation, Jetblast and demotion to Member #3 for you Rob... ;)

Looks like the Dell Inspiron 2500 c900ST offers me the most basic product for the least £'s.

I need to order this week so any last minute comments or recommendations most welcome.

With the price of Laptops likely to fall soon (see previous comments), it's a shame you're in a rush to buy!

....softly you are quite right, except that you need to buy and use sooner or later....

Lets face it, anything you buy will always be out of date next week.... :rolleyes: