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Need to get a new one for work.

Doesn't need to be overly fancy, hasn't got too much to do but needs good battery life and MUST run on XP due to software that's to be installed.

Anybody got any suggestions as to where to go for the best prices?

if you are looking for a proper work machine then get a thinkpad, preferably a T series.

I really should start some business up that deals with these questions. So many of the same thread on here. So many of my friends ask me. I had to ask and look for ages myself. Such a pain.

As for a suggestion... I got a dell. My friend suggested I check hot uk deals and see if there was any voucher codes. There was. Type it in at the checkout on the dell site and I got 10% off :)

I was told I had to get one on XP due to the software that needed to be installed on it. 

I got one with Windows 7 instead.

What software do you have to install that won't run on Windows 7?

You can always run an XP virtual machine for anything that needs XP.

I think Win7 might have a feature that does that automatically but I've not used it so can't comment on how good it is.

It's a course I'm going on in a few weeks that requires an XP machine.

I assume it's because of their software that needs installing to operate their equipment.

It isn't software that you could buy anywhere else so nobody on here will have tried it before.

Think I just to go down the XP route to be sure.

is it a course on the 1980s?

I can understand why they would say no Vista - but Windows 7 is very backwards compatible with XP, and you can even install XP on a virtual machine on your laptop if you really needed to.

Seems daft buying a laptop that's going to be instantly dated.

i think you can still get a machine which has both licenses - w7 as default, and xp 'fallback' license.

noramally when the say it needs XP it means atleast XP

Just double checked the email. It actuallt states "XP is fine but not Vista"

Maybe windows 7 will be ok.

Will email them to find out.

No

Macbook, everytime!

They are the future

Thought about this tbh. A friend has one and it seems fantastic.

Bit expensive though and a lot of software didn't like it.

That makes more sense to me, and would definitely think that 7 will be the way forward for you. 

Assuming it is, what's your budget, and what do you want from the machine?

It doesn't need to do much so just something basic really. Memory and speed aren't primary concerns.

Will be used for setting up CCTV cameras and wireless links. Very low demand applications.

I think a £200 job would do but I don't mind going up to £500 for something that looks a bit nice with a decent screen, perhaps with a bit of software included such as MS Office just in case.

Battery life is important because setting these items up will use the laptop's power.

Something light would be an advantage because it won't always be possible to place it on a desk.

OK.

So portability is more important than performance, probably decent battery life too?

I would have thought £200-300 would be more than enough for that.

if you are going to be lugging this thing around all over the place and using it while installing systems in or outdoors then i really doubt whether a entry level dell or the like is really going to cut the mustard.

you should get something like this at the bottom of the page second hand -

http://www.sterlingxs.co.uk/scpages/ibmtoshibalaptops.html

Hadn't thought of the second hand route tbh.

Have to admit that a second hand one of these looks far more impressive than a brand new entry level dell.

Thanks Laz.

these are great machines. i have spent a lot of time in all the factories for the major manufacturers, and nothing comes close to these. they can stand up to a fair amount of abuse

Been looking at a few reviews. They all seem excellent although they are from as far back as 2006.

Have you had any experience with this particular supplier or is it just the actual laptop you know about?

i have known the guy who runs it from when he ran the the business from his garage, he is a genuine guy. if you really want one, let me see what i can do...