Thanks Optimist. I did wonder about the RAM - although the old HP I currently use has only 512kb and runs XPOffice tolerably well. The biggest practical drawback is the lack of a CD/DVD so a usb one is also required if only so you can load software in the first place.

Hi Guys,
Looking for a cheap and cheerful laptop for Xmas for my 8 year old.
Doesn't need all the sweeties, just good enough for simple online games, playing DVDS and wireless connectivity, so even a refurb may well do.
Any advice or ideas where to look would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alan

The biggest problem with older laptops for games is the poor quality graphics. Most of the older laptops have motherboard integrated graphics, which do not work very well with games, especially the ones based on the S3 graphics chips. Try looking at settings, advanced and see what features and RAM the graphics adapter has. If you buy one then get some sort of deal for money back if not suitable.

kernow

Regarding RAM, I recently upgraded a desktop that was running XP from 1GB to 3GB. The difference was very noticable, well worth the 40.

hewitt,

How about the Asus eee with the solid state hard drive?

Well under 200 now.

Probably would stand being dropped.

TP

TP

I'm considering one off these.

Which EEE is under 200? Itseemss to me that the entry level one to get is the 901 but I haven't seen it at 200. There are also reports that the hard disk is very slow.

In any case, it would not be right for kernow because it has no CD Drive and Linux is dodgy in repalying Powerpoint.

There are outlets that sell the EEC range with XP.
mac

Opt

This is a link I was sent on the 13th Nov.

Yes the Linux ones have their downsides - but they'd do what Alan seemed to want.

TP

Well a linux machine is out for me. I've downloaded Open Office and it seems fine with the powerpoint displays but I need my USB dongle and this only works on windows it seems. Shame cos I quite fancy not contributing to Gates' world domination.

Thanks TP et al.
Will look into that as soon as I get a mo.
Alan

kernow,

If you look at that Asus link you will see that the purchasers have also bought one of these.

Or maybe I am misunderstanding what your USB dongle does.

TP

My daughter is wanting to go on the 'two monitors' route with her PC. She hasn't said but I would think she wants 17" ones. I would want her to get good ones as they are better for eye care. I can help her shop around for a good deal but I am looking for info' about what YOU think are good monitors and are very pleased with yourself.

Any tips? Know of any deals? Etc, etc.

Exec, it might be worth considering a good 20 or 22" widescreen first. I have an Iiyama 20" widescreen and I can (just) display a web page next to a word document, or have 2 word documents open at any one time with a little bit of overlap. Can't remember the model number but it wasn't dear and the quality is first class. Bought it from ebuyer. If you're interested I'll find out the model and post it here.

One large screen is a lot less desk footprint than two 17"ers.

Exec,

I've used Samsung SyncMasters for some time and find them excellent. As you know I do some photographic work and I calibrate them so that the screen image matches what will appear on my prints.

That dims the screen quite noticeably and I'd find the default uncalibrated setting too bright for comfort. I'm not suggesting that you spend money on a calibrator, but you might find it better for your daughter's eyes if you/she ran them a bit dimmer than the out of the box setting.

TP

Thanks TP but I think you may have. The dongle is for 3g+ internet connection.

- - - - - Dual Screens - - - -
Some Graphic-cards have the ability to drive two monitors - yet I can find no explanation as to why I'd want this.
-What I'd like to do is have a secondary screen with the program "tools" on and the main-screen with the photo (for example), but my software is quite old and I wonder if only selected (ie Expensive) software would permit this. Since Monitors are quiter cheap ( and many have a "spare"), I wonder why computers aren't geared-up to using multiple screens...as it is most times I am using about 70% of the screen the rest being Windows static bits. ....OR.... Perhpas I could shunt-off ads onto the second screen, so as to make reading the content of Web-pages easier...
Yes I know I can F11(Full-screen)....but that's not much difference.
I can understand two-players of a game might want their own screen, but is this the only "practical" application for a somewhat more-expensive Graphic-card....
Anyone+ a regular two-screen user...?

Kernow,

I recently bought an Adventt 4211 netbook and now it is superb. I say now as when I bought it I couldn't stay connected through wireless link for more than a few seconds. This is a known problem and for some reason Dixons are selling it without sorting it out. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot! I tried a couple of fixes but downloading the latest MS wireless drivers did it for me. As I said at the start I think this is a great product.

hangon,

I currently use 3 screens, but have the capabiliy for 8 with 2 x Matrox Quad. I would've thought that most people here on the Pay Per View use multiple monitors.

I always use a second screen except when I'm away from home with my laptop.

All you need to run a second screen is an extra video socket and a screen. Most laptops now have a video out socket and many graphics cards have dual output. I've seen some advertised under 20. Also, if you have an older computer, you can often (but not always) add an extra card and use that as well as the original - if you go that route, try to get a card that uses the same chip as the existing.

If you are only browsing the web and using Word etc. then an expensive graphics card will not help much although it would help with some photo and video apps.

As regards software, Windows has supported a theoretical 10 monitors since at least W2K. All you have to do is configure them in the display setings. When you enable extra monitors, the Windows desktop is expanded to cover both screens but the taskbar will only be on one. Most apps can be moved to the screen of choice and then maximised to fill that screen of stretched accross two.

The advantage is that you have at least double the screen area.

Jonk1
I had a bad experience with advent a few years back so it's not a brand I could feel happy with. Thanks for the rec. and hope it works out for you. I've now bought a asus eee 904HD - XP, 80gb HD for 225.07 inc delivery.