Right - you all know how thick I am. I need to get a new PC or laptop. Basically it will be for writing but I might want to watch some programmes and videos but I'm not really interested in downloading stuff to keep.
So what are the pros and cons of a laptop compared to a pc? Apart from the obvious portability of a laptop.
I've got a budget of about £400. What would you recommend?
I'm sure you can get some expert advice here, which I can't give, but I bought an Acer Aspire 5630 for £500 recently which included a case, memory stick, mouse and Norton. It's got lots of exciting things like 2 duo processor T5500 1.66Ghz, 120GB HDD, oh, I haven't a clue what it all means but it is fast and I watch a lot on it. I'm not sure about other pros and cons - I wasn't sure at first about typing on the laptop but it is absolutely fine. The portability is such a plus point; I take it everywhere! I'm not sure what Acer's reputation is from people in the know but it was recommended to me at Comet and I have no problems at all. My son bought a Packard Bell a few months ago for less money but it is very slow in comparison. Its inbuilt wireless connection thing doesn't work so he needs to plug something in the back and it's not as nice to use.
Depends how important the portability is to you David. Prices have levelled out a lot in the past couple of years, but you're still looking at paying more for a laptop compared to the same specification desktop machine. Depending on where you buy, it could be around £200 - £300 more for a laptop.
But then to be honest, technology has progressed sufficiently now that unless you're doing REALLY complex stuff like 3D video generation or high-end games, you won't notice any real difference once you get to those sorts of prices anyway.
Soooo basically, you'll get more for your money with a desktop, so just think about how important the portability is to you.
As far as specification goes, I wouldn't even look at something with less than 1 GB of RAM (1024 MB). The bigger the HDD the better of course, but puffinpol's 120 GB would be more than sufficient for the usage you're describing. Processor-wise, Intel is the best brand for video, and I would be looking for at least dual-core ("Core 2 Duo"). Again, any better (quad core for example) can only be a plus.
Software-wise, it'd be nice to be able to get Office if you can afford it, but don't pay for any anti-virus or firewall software (eg Norton), as equal and better products are available for free online.
Oh, and if possible, go for XP not Vista.
For sellers, start by looking at Dell and exploring their various options. It'll probably seem a bit overwhelming, but should give you a bit more of an idea. Also online, it's worth checking out Ebuyer to see what pre-built machines they have. In the real world, Comet can be alright but I'd recommend popping into PC World. Remember to check online before actually handing over your card though, as you can sometimes save quite a bit by reserving on their website to 'pick up in store'.
Hope that helps a bit...
F**k Aaron beat me to it...
Yeah, have to echo Aaron really...
EDIT: Actually I can help a bit more, PCworld is ok but beware they over sell their products (like many shops) and if you get offered something called PC performance get it, it's basically an extended warranty but trust me on this, it's clever buying on. You get editional software support and accidental damage cover... which is also useful if your machines happens to become outdated 
And PCworld don't sell XP machines anymore unless there is a "managers special" on.
try avoiding certain brands too: EI systems, Advent and Sony which is overpriced.
You should be able to get a nice one for £400. I bought an Acer Aspire too (from Comet) and they are good. Although I found I never used it for writing so now my mum has it. Do'h!!!
Quote: Paul W @ March 29, 2008, 4:45 PMEDIT: Actually I can help a bit more, PCworld is ok but beware they over sell their products (like many shops) and if you get offered something called PC performance get it, it's basically an extended warranty but trust me on this, it's clever buying on. You get editional software support and accidental damage cover... which is also useful if your machines happens to become outdated
Says he who currently works in the PC support industry. 
How much is this 'PC Performance' though Paul? Sounds like the kind of thing which is going to be so expensive it'd be easier and only slightly more expensive to buy a newer, higher spec PC when you actually come to need it in a few years' time! Besides, Google provides more than enough support these days.
additional*
Quote: Paul W @ March 29, 2008, 4:45 PMtry avoiding certain brands too: EI systems, Advent and Sony which is overpriced.
Advent aren't that bad, surely? I can't say I've heard anything but negatives about Evesham though. Acer are great, really pushing down prices. Dell a lot cheaper than you'd think. HP and Packard Bell a bit over-priced, but not astronomical.
Thanks for all this. Portability hopefully shouldn't be a problem because they're a lot more compact now anyway.
Quote: Aaron @ March 29, 2008, 4:57 PMSays he who currently works in the PC support industry.
How much is this 'PC Performance' though Paul? Sounds like the kind of thing which is going to be so expensive it'd be easier and only slightly more expensive to buy a newer, higher spec PC when you actually come to need it in a few years' time! Besides, Google provides more than enough support these days.
additional*
Advent aren't that bad, surely? I can't say I've heard anything but negatives about Evesham though. Acer are great, really pushing down prices. Dell a lot cheaper than you'd think. HP and Packard Bell a bit over-priced, but not astronomical.
It depends if you would use it and if you pay monthly or in a lump sum, it can be around £7 a month (depending on the machine).
And you would be very surprise how stupid people are with their computers and how much of the time they can't access google, because it's an internet connection problem
And Advents are improving but at the moment we get more damaged Advents and EI systems than any other make.
And dave here's a laptop you might like, ticks all the boxes: Toshiba L40-17M.
Even though a lot of it goes over my head.
As long as you don't plan on downloading video then I recommend a laptop. If you do plan on downloading a lot of video you'll probably find there just isn't enough memory for your videos. That's what I find at least.