Laptop: £500 budget

[GDVS]

Someone my mum knows needs a laptop for uni and has a £500 budget. I'm up on desktop prices but not on laptops nor do I know where the laptop bargains are to be found (outside the bargain forum here I mean).

The only requirements I know of are 512MB RAM and 40GB HDD so no major constraints, as it's for a prospective student as much change from £500 as possible would be good. Anyone got anywhere I should point her at?

[nichomach]

http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=43H0

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=43HP

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=44N0

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dells...rsinspn_1300_1

(but drop the warranty a bit, and DO get the 15.4" screen option).

[Choo Choo]

How about this laptop from woolies:

http://www.woolworths.co.uk/ww_p2/pr...l?pid=50701533

It's only got 256mb of RAM, but it's cheap enough so you can buy another stick and still be within your budget.

[oclocker]

Dell & despite any other advice do NOT drop the warranty - onsite service is essential as a student near exams won't want to be without the laptop for weeks!!

del inspiron 1300 and 15.4" screen if affordable & don't buy dells extra ram if not part od deal. google dell bargains and see if anywhere has order codes..

[magnolia]

I knew you guys wouldnt let me down - thanks

[oclocker]

http://www.wizmarkcomputers.co.uk/ho...spiron1300.htm

click the #369 one then up warranty to 4 years - a pound odd short of #500 delivered. but user is protected for all of degree years!!

512mb - 60gb 15.4" and the inspiron 1300s are nice laptops and a LOT lighter than most cheap laptops!

[Gazbert]

Comet currently have some amazing online deals.

Like THIS ACER for £499 inc delivery.
* Processor speed: 1.7 GHz
* Processor: Intel Pentium M
* Screen size: 15.4" brightwidescreen
* Storage (hard drive): 80 GB
* Memory (RAM): 1024 Mb
* Graphics: 128MB

Or THIS ACER for £399
* Processor speed: 1.6 GHz
* Processor: Intel Celeron Mobile
* Screen size: 15.4" brightwidescreen
* Storage (hard drive): 80 GB
* Memory (RAM): 512 Mb
* Graphics: 64MB

Go through QuidCo and get 3.5% cashback, enough for a laptop bag and still under budget.

[Behemoth]

Why not the current Lidl or Aldi Laptop thats on deal, well spec'd and within budget

[magnolia]

Thanks again guys - plenty of choice to go with