~£700 for a 'portable' laptop

[Jim]

Hi guys,

I've just sold my existing laptop as it was far too powerful and the battery could only keep it going for 1:20hr with light usage on the train.

I've been looking at ultra-portables but I think most of them are going to be too basic for my needs. Does anyone have any suggestions for a laptop that:

- Has a 12-13" screen

- Has a battery life of 4+hrs under

- Is well built and looks nice (Jim likes shiny / aluminium things)

So far I've got it narrowed down to a couple of Sony Vaio's, the Samsung NC20 or a MacBook (Aluminium).

This really is just for the train, so i'm not too fussed about what OS it's got on it (hence the Mac). I just want something I dont have to charge twice a day, isn't going to break my back and doesn't look like I pulled it out of a dustbin.

[SwaleSmith]

I know you said no netbooks but what about the Asus Eee PC 1004DN I'm considering seling my laptop as I find my netbook as good as.

[Jim]

Originally Posted by name='SwaleSmith'

I know you said no netbooks but what about the Asus Eee PC 1004DN I'm considering seling my laptop as I find my netbook as good as.

Some of the Eee's don't look too bad, I just dont think I could be dealing with a 10" screen. Need a 1/2 decent vertical resolution.

[monkey7]

LeNovo's making a nice one, fits your budget pretty well.

Dutch spec site 4GB, P7370, nVidia 9300GT @ 1280*1024. I don't remember completely but I think lenovo claimed 4 hours of battery time.

EDIT: screen res is 1280*800

[mrapoc]

Interesting thread

I too need something that won't break my back, last a good battery life and capable of running all apps

Mine only last like 30 mins on battery life, rubbish for the train! >.<

[Hassan]

how about this:

clicky

[monkey7]

That's certainly a good one hassan. 1366*720 on a 10.1" is a good density. If the "HD ready" claim is completely true of course.

[Bungral]

Ya know my feelings... NC20 or if you can stretch then I'd consider the Toshiba R500 Portege...

Had 6 turn up here the other day and they are light as a feather!! Things are so so so lush.

Just under 1KG so less than a bag of sugar... 7 - 8 hours battery life apparently as well as a core 2 duo. Optical drive too if I remember correctly.

For myself though after hours and hours of research, I'm going with the NC20 for the price and size. Like you I want a decent res but also wanna keep the weight down along with the price. The girlfriend is happy with this one too so she wont take any convincing.

That said... I so very nearly pulled the trigger on an NC10 earlier as they were £259 on Viking with a 20% off voucher and 7% quidco along with a 800g bag of biscuits thrown in for free. Think total would have been like £222. Missed out by about 20 mins on the deal though

Edit: Ps. Just looking at price of NC20 again and look at the lil icons below the netbook: Linky Ha ha!

[DeMoB]

I've been looking for a laptop that's in this very category too

I'll just steal the best recommendation from this thread

*yoink*

Dan

[Hassan]

I actually know somebody who has the Sony which I have linked.

The screen colour is amazing. He told me apparantly the battery lasts him upto 5 to 6 hours after full charge, which I thought was very good for that machine.