Cheapo, lightweight laptop/notebook

Posted by dazed (242 days ago)

I need a cheap, light, portable laptop/notebook computer without the bells & whistles. Just for Internet, word-processing and some storage capacity. Basically for writing my dissertation. No need for videogames, music, faxing, etc etc. Being a tech dunce, would appreciate any advice on what brand/specs to buy...thanks...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue (241 days ago)

You said light so we're talking subnotebook. Thinkpad X series is a good one. Very light. Not really cheapo but do you really want your laptop to fall apart after 6 months?

- CPU. Get the lowest spec you can.
- Memory. Get 1 gig.
- Hard drive. Get no less than 60 gig.
- Keyboard. Many subnotebooks have slightly smaller keyboards. You are going to be typing a lot so keep that in mind. But it's normally just a matter of habit even for touch typers. If you're the hunt and peck type you should have no issues.
- Monitor. Subnotebooks typically hover around 12.1 inches. That's pretty small and can get annoying for editing.
- Ensure you perform backups. Many subnotebooks including the Thinkpad X have no optical drive so you'll need an external CD/DVD burner or an external hard drive. I'd get both and use both. You don't want to lose your dissertation because you didn't want to spend an extra $600.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by dazed (232 days ago)

Mucho gracias, Starlionblue. Where would this forum be without you. Also found your replies to the thread "Looking for a laptop" v useful.

Looked at Thinkpad X--wonderfully light but you're right, the monitor's kinda small. I'm doing a lot of editing and willing to carry a bit more weight for a larger screen. I'm just carrying it to & from home, office, library everyday, and on the plane a couple of times a year. Grateful for advice on a notebook with larger screen. What do you think of Acer & Asustek? People with Acer's Travelmate say they like it. Thanks...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Grytpype-Thynne (232 days ago)

Did I not send you a PM more than a week ago?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by dazed (231 days ago)

Thanks Grytpype but not interested in 2nd hand.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue2 (208 days ago)

"Where would this forum be without you."

Heh. Thanks. I am back with a new alias for reasons best left unsaid.

"What do you think of Acer & Asustek?"

Decent machines definitely. Not quite up to the top brands like Fujitsu and Thinkpad. If you're carrying it a lot (as you do) get a business model (Thinkpad T or X for example) with a Titanium or Magnesium shell. Plastic models tend to "wear out" when moved a lot.

(I am based in Hong Kong)