Hello Malke
Thanks for the reply and the Mobo info. - I thought they must have them,
but....
Apart from that explanation, I had already set my criteria for the main
parts, as per below.
Thanks for confirming I am on the right track as to specs.
Rgds
Antioch
Of course laptops have motherboards. Because laptops are proprietary,
the motherboards are manufactured especially for the OEM. It isn't
important to the end user which motherboard is in a laptop; what is
important is the processor (among other things).
Some things to look for in a laptop:
1. Decide on the form factor that suits you - lightweight but
sacrificing some power and options; or a heavier machine with power and
options but not great for regular dashing through airports.
Yes - I had noticed the difference the contents make with ref. to weight and
battery life - quite a contrast. But the owner is young and fit.
2. RAM - minimum 512, 1GB much better.
Yes - 1GB
3. Processor - you decide, but if I were buying an Intel I'd want a
Pentium Dual Core (never a Celeron) and if AMD I wouldn't buy a Duron,
only AMD64.
Yes - Intel Duo Core(T2500)2gHZ(Centrino I believe - must check)
4. Video chip - I prefer one that doesn't use shared memory. You get
better performance. Most laptops aren't built for gaming. If you want
to seriously game, expect to spend a great deal of money for a heavy,
powerful machine.
Yes - even better - nVidia GeForce Go 7900 gt or gs 256MB
I did not recommend integrated video.
5. Built-in wireless naturally.
But of course - a min i PCI 95(Mbps) LAN
6. I wouldn't buy a machine today that didn't have a DVD burner.
Yes agreed - DVD/CD-RW/Dual Layer DVD-RW
7. Screen - depends on your taste and what you want to use the machine
for. The new "shiny" screens are nice but need more care. Not great for
outdoor work but very pretty indoors.
Its a 17" WSXGA type - 1680 x 1050 max resolution.
8. Only buy a laptop from a well-known company which will be around for
a while. Hardware tech support is going to come from the OEM and if you
try to save a few dollars by going with an OEM that disappears in two
years you will be sorry.
I know what you mean, but in the UK over the last 4-5 yrs we have even lost
some of them - national retail outlet types.
Its a well-established(15yrs) national company only 10 miles from me. What
you might call 'bespoke'.
9. Get a good warranty. Depending on what you are going to use the
machine for, I suggest a minimum of 2 years w/additional accidental
insurance. Get 3 years both kinds if you can afford it. Skimping on the
insurance on a laptop is not A Good Thing.
First two years in-home free parts and labour - third year ret. to base free
parts and labour - hardware only.(this is inclusive as to cost) - can be
extended.
Included on full cover home contents insurance, small addition to premium -
includes taking it out of your home, theft/damge etc. No cover if stolen
from your car???
Addit stuff - 4xUSB 2, firewire, SVGA, DVI, TV out, 10/100/1000 LAN.
3.8kg weight. but expected.
They will load etc whatever OS(retail or OEM), antivirus, etc as wanted. No
other software unless requested.
It is similar to the Dell XPS M1710 - a bit cheaper, less crap loaded and
better warranty - no, its not for me - could not afford it. But I do enjoy
spending another's money
