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| Thread ID: 68104 | 2006-04-17 08:30:00 | Advice on laptops. | i-gordon (962) | Press F1 |
| Post ID | Timestamp | Content | User | ||
| 446907 | 2006-04-17 08:30:00 | I've been using desktops for 7 years and up untill now I've never needed or wanted a laptop and my knowledge about them is nil, however 3 things have changed all that. 1. I'm going to Oz for 3 weeks in August and I would like to be able to Email. 2. The price of new laptops is falling (ad in Herald PB Tech $995) therefor s/hand prices must be dropping also. 3. I've discovered Puppy Linux http://www.puppyos.com/ which will run on almost anything with 128mb ram. So this means I should be able to get an old cheap laptop to do what I want. After looking on trademe this last week it would appear that there are no old cheap laptops that are serviceable. Can someone give me a bit of help with what I should be looking for? (Dont want to buy junk) e.g Brand Model etc. Minimum requirments P2, 128Mb Ram, CD reader, Ethernet connector, Floppy Drive and or USB would be handy but not essential. Smaller and lighter the better. Ian |
i-gordon (962) | ||
| 446908 | 2006-04-17 08:37:00 | QMB had toshiba a10 (or was it 1410) for 650ish +GST You could try Slax Linux or Damn Small Linux |
bob_doe_nz (92) | ||
| 446909 | 2006-04-17 11:15:00 | Anything as old as a P2 laptop will be pretty well end of life, and probably not a good buy, prices don't seem to drop in line with new, in the eyes of the owner. They paid a lot remember and seem to hang onto them rather than part with them for a pittance. At that age the battery will be dud, if original or by now an elderly replacement. Its better to use internet cafes if possible, as in reality as to use your NZ ISP requires IPass or similar "roaming" Australian provider programs with costs of $12/hr or more anyway, plus local the call costs. If staying in commercial accommodation there can be huge local call surcharges. |
godfather (25) | ||
| 446910 | 2006-04-17 13:35:00 | Its better to use internet cafes if possible, as in reality as to use your NZ ISP requires IPass or similar "roaming" Australian provider programs with costs of $12/hr or more anyway, plus local the call costs. If staying in commercial accommodation there can be huge local call surcharges. Good points you make GF. Laptop maybe not such a good idea after all. I'm going to a place called Weipa with a group. Up in the Cape York Peninsula. We have a house supplied but I will make some more inquires about internet connection. In the meantime I would still like some info on possible good buys in a laptop. Just having a Google around an older IBM Thinkpad seem to be OK. Reputed to be very tough. Anyone else have some input? Ian |
i-gordon (962) | ||
| 446911 | 2006-04-17 20:20:00 | Quite a bit OT, but you mightnt want to go there for the next week or so, check out this page... www.bom.gov.au |
John W (523) | ||
| 446912 | 2006-04-18 00:15:00 | PBTech's prices are misleading; from their web site: "All prices (unless specified) exclude freight and GST" They also used to include a 2% cash discount, or more precisely a 2% penalty for using a ATM / credit card. I can't find if they've changed this policy. I considered them a bit shady. I've had good luck with Ascent, and Paradigm PCs (I'm not associated with either.) http://www.ascent.co.nz http://www.pp.co.nz/ If you still have the ad, i-gordon, I'd like to see to fine print if you still have it. |
kingdragonfly (309) | ||
| 446913 | 2006-04-18 03:12:00 | PBTech's prices are misleading; from their web site: "All prices (unless specified) exclude freight and GST" I considered them a bit shady . That is a bit harsh . What is misleading about that ? It is very clear that you will need to allow for GST & freight . Not too hard, surely you could figure that They even give estimates of freight . $8 North Island, $12 South Island, with exact confirmation at the checkout . They also state there, that credit cards are not accepted, and so there is no confusion about 2% discounts or penalties . I have not dealt with them, and the above information is just from what is on their site . I have dealt with Paradigm & Ascent, and would agree that their service is good . |
Bazza (407) | ||
| 446914 | 2006-04-18 03:57:00 | PBTech's prices are misleading; from their web site: "All prices (unless specified) exclude freight and GST" A majority of the computer stores in NZ usually EXCLUDE GST when they advertise their prices anyway. |
bob_doe_nz (92) | ||
| 446915 | 2006-04-18 04:42:00 | ... an older IBM Thinkpad seem to be OK. Reputed to be very tough. Anyone else have some input? Ian The IBMs are nice, if you can put up with their tiny-stalk "mouse". Second hand laptops don't really have a "life" which is used up. The batteries are usually dead, and replacements are expensive. I'd look at a new laptop, before buying a battery for an old one. ;) But the computer is usually still good (with the usual caveat emptor. It's just that a powercord is essential. ;) I've got three I use regularly: one's a 233MHz Pentium running W98, one's a 766MHz Pentium III, and one's very old. |
Graham L (2) | ||
| 446916 | 2006-04-18 06:12:00 | If you still have the ad, i-gordon, I'd like to see to fine print if you still have it. Full page ad in last Mondays Herald. New HP Presario M2226AP $975.00 + GST also Ex Lease Compaq Evo N400C$399.00 + GST 3 month Warranty. For the record I have no connection with PB Tech. Second hand laptops don't really have a "life" which is used up. The batteries are usually dead, and replacements are expensive. Graham do you know if batterys are available for Thinkpads and price approx. May not even be a problem as I dont do much offline stuff. Power cord might be enough Ian |
i-gordon (962) | ||
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