Help required with purchasing something very portable

[SophiaO]

Hi everyone!

Ok, so basically I need some expert help. I don't know too much about computers but I want to purchase something portable to take away on holiday with me and for generally carrying about on a day to day basis. So, the two main things you want to know;

1. My budget; about £500/550. No more than this really, less is ok though

2. What I want/need from it; okay so I DON'T want a netbook, too slow and just not what I want really. And I don't want a tablet; nothing out there right now that has USB ports and bundles of memory. I like to watch films/series so I need something with a decent screen and largish harddrive (250-320gb). Also decent battery life (5hrs+). I'm also an avid writer so something I can download a basic word processor to and that is nice to type on!

I've had my eye on the Dell Inspiron M101z (good keyboard, great harddrive size and 4gb memory), or possibly the Inspiron Duo but have read a few negatives about this. The only sway the Duo has over me is that I can watch films without having the keyboard jutting out (so tablet style) but I wouldn't be using it as a tablet primarily and also the Inspiron Duo is basically a netbook.

Anyway, any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!!

NB: I already have a basic Macbook (white plastic cased one) which I use as my main computer but it's a bit heavy and quite large to haul around plus I don't want to take it outside too much incase of damage/loss/theft etc!

Thanks and I look forward to some replies

Sophia

 

[tremmor]

There are many. I agree on the large one. had a 17" laptop Toshiba and loaded. Needed a suitcase to carry it around. Have a netbook for traveling, credit cards and paying bills. there are to many to choose. I would visit a store like office depot or where ever. i look at the spec, how much memory you can add, you need a 6v or 9v battery, graphics resolution capability etc.
Im saying goto the store and put your hand on the laptop. Whats comfortable. i don't want the keys tight. do i need a numeric keypad. I don't.
Might want to consider also and ask in the store and suggest talking to a manager about buying a floor model. another savings. I would also consider one with and included a recovery disc. do it now or do it later.

 

[DMGrier]

The Dells are nice, I have Mini 9 which they don't make anymore but it is going on 2 years old with no problems.

 

[scbjmshpv]

i would suggest looking into other brand as in last year or so Asus, Lenovo and other few manufactures have come up great length with the process.

for video watching i would suggest HP laptops, i honestly like them for only that reason. i've 13 and 15inch DV series and they are ding great for 3 years now, though you've to be careful because they have the lowest quality build in my openion.