Advice on a new laptop

[mike175]

Thanks very much for all the comments. I do want a laptop as I like to spread my notes out on the dining table.
Will certainly look for a big screen, didn't know about keyboard feel and layout. Hope to go and have a look later this week.

I would always look for a matt screen for serious use, so you don't find the display hidden by the reflection of the window on a sunny day     The glossy screens make pictures look better (like a glossy photo) but matt is much nicer for reading from. Just a personal preference.

Mike.

[carom]

Thank you once again for all the advice, it is much appreciated.

[Nic.]

Good morning

Something else to consider is whether you need a disc drive or not.

[bluesofa]

The disc drive is a good point, especially if you have software on CD to install.

Many laptops won't include a drive. You can buy an external unit to plug in via USB for about £25 (for example see http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing-accessories/components-upgrades/cd-dvd-and-blu-ray-drives/324_3436_32047_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html) 

I guess using an external disc drive would be be a pain if you use it a lot, but okay for occasional use.

[Gadget]

I have one laptop with an internal drive and one without. I have a portable drive. I now hardly use either. It's worth getting an external drive to load software when you get the laptop but I wouldn't be put off by not having an internal one. There are now lots of ways of transferring programs and data.

I also have an iMac and an