[andyj941]

Hi guys.

I'm considering getting a new laptop to replace my now outdated Acer TravelMate 2303LC. You've helped me several times with problems I've had with this notebook (for which I'm very grateful) but I've decided that it's time to move on and have narrowed it down to 2 options.

I'm having Windows XP Professional on my new one because I don't like the reviews and look and feel of Vista. The two I've decided on are the Acer Aspire 7004 and the Toshiba Satellite Pro A100-03R.

I'm quite interested in looks and I think they both look very smart. I'm not that bothered about size or weight since I won't be moving it often. The differences between the two models that jump out right away are the size of the cache - 512Kb and 1MB for the Acer and Toshiba respectively, the screen size (17" versus 15.4") and the processor (AMD Sempron 3500 1.8GHz for the Acer and Intel Celeron M 440 / 1.86 GHz for the Toshiba).

I'm not that clued up with cache and processor specifics so if anyone could enlighten me what the differences would be and which laptop they would go for given the choice that would be great!

Your help would be greatly appreciated. All the best guys

Andy

[km99]

Really depends on, as alway,s what the machine is going to be used for (and what your budget it) I assume you are looking for something general purpose at the lower end of the scale?
I had an older sempron once (in a desktop) and wasnt too impressed, and once (briefly - before it was stolen ) ownded a vaio with a celeron M and again didnt think too much of it - always seemed sluggish. - recently bought a machine witha core 2 duo (similar to http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/Asus_...3C/version.asp, but with slightly different graphics card) and have been quite impressed (I dont do anything too intesive, only general usage/ occasional older games/ some programming) - in fact I have been quite impressed with the laptop in general, and dont even mind Vista too much (although I did have to put in another gig of ram (now with 2g) to keep it happy.
If budget is a concern, other ASUS f series are available, without the graphics card/ but thith a c2duo, and as with myself, it can be bought with 1gig and another 1gig added later (as long as you ensure its supplied with a free slot)
Anyway.. that be my 2p worth..

[DoubleHelix]

You're really picking from the bottom of the technology pile. Is this computer only going to be used for the most basic computing needs? The processor technologies and hard drive sizes are definitely at the bargain-basement deal level.

[andyj941]

Yes it's only going to be used for watching DVDs mainly, some video and audio (though nothing too heavy) and internet access. OK I've taken onboard the comments made and am now choosing between the Toshiba Satellite Pro A100 (with a Celeron M Processor) and the Toshiba Satellite Pro A200 (with a Pentium Dual Core Processor). The second is £45 more expensive but is it worth it? It also has a 200GB hard drive compared to 80GB. What do you reckon?

[Rich-M]

There is no way I would take a Celeron cpu in a laptop as they really suffer from lack of cache in working.

[reezin14]

IMO it is definitely worth $45 extra, 120GBs more storage and a better processor. Go for the A200.

[andyj941]

Just to let you know I've bought a Toshiba Satellite Pro A200-16YT with a 200GB hard drive, Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor, 1.86GHz 533MHz 1MB cache, 2MB RAM (DDR2) and Windows XP Professional. I thought it'll last me longer so the money's worth it in the long run. What do you think?

[reezin14]

Originally Posted by andyj941

Just to let you know I've bought a Toshiba Satellite Pro A200-16YT with a 200GB hard drive, Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor, 1.86GHz 533MHz 1MB cache, 2MB RAM (DDR2) and Windows XP Professional. I thought it'll last me longer so the money's worth it in the long run. What do you think?

It will last you a little longer so IMO I think you made the right choice.

[andyj941]

OK I bought it through Misco.co.uk and intended to claim for the Toshiba £50 cashback offer. However when I've gone to register it says on www.toshibacashback.com that I need to have bought £50 or more of Toshiba laptop options. However I just bought the laptop from Misco and no additional options. Does that therefore mean I'm not eligible for the cashback? If so I'm not happy with Misco because they informed me that I could get the cashback. Any quick help would be appreciated as I only have a couple of days to register my purchase! Thanks