Expert: Karl Zick - 3/26/2007

Question
Karl.
I am looking to replace my aging HP laptop. I'm looking for something that cab support top end spec games, is fast and good size memory. Also writer and DVD player. I use it mainly for writing reports but second function is gameing and internet. Any suggestions on whats good at the moment. looking to spend about £500.
Robin.

Answer
Hi Robin,

I just purchased my first new notebook/laptop directly from from Gateway.com and, for the price of $599 (am not sure what that is in pounds) I think it is hard to beat.

In general terms, I will tell you what NOT to buy.
Brand-wise, do not buy a Compaq, an eMachine. or another HP.  When lookung at the specs, do not buy a computer with an Intel Celeron of AMD Sempron processor in it.

Good brands are Dell, Gateway, Sony, IBM, and Acer and either look for a 64bit AMD processor or dual-core Intel Pentium processor.  A hard drive of 80GB is plenty and 512MB of RAM is enough.  Most all laptops come with recordable DVD players, so don't settle for less.

I always start with Google to look for anything - and go from there.  Good luck.