Hi!

I'm purchasing a Laptop to go to university in September. I'll need it
for word processing, gaming, internet, sound sampling/audio recording
etc...

Unfortunately my desktop is too big and therefore must go.

Please take a look at the following system:

XP2600+ AR N3908 at www.timecomputers.com.

The story so far:

I put an order down on the Time system but cancelled a few days after.
They then phoned me up and told me they didn't like to lose my custom
and so made me a deal. I'd already paid an extra £100 for the
following additions to the system - printer, digital camera, carry
case, external keyboard, USB mouse, Full Office Suite, speach pack and
headset microphone, antivirus software (not sure about the quality of
these items but i guess they are the lowest spec). Time then offered
(free) a DVD Writer as well as free delivery (normally £40 for
delivery).

Unfortunately Time have really annoyed me since. I have spent hours
holding on their 'customer service line' only to have any questions
refered to a different team member who would phone me back but never
did. This has happened 7 or eight times now and i've had enough!
I could continue my purchase with Time but would rather not as they
have treated me so badly. The laptop hasn't been delivered yet and I
still have the finance forms unsigned and ready to be ripped up if
neccesary!

What I would like to know from one of you clever experts is should I
carry on with the order from Time, as it does seem one of the best I
can find, or cancel and go for an equal or better offer from an
advised company.

What I want:

A Laptop capable of carrying out the above tasks, with a bit of
headroom if possible.

It must have at least:

Pentium/Athlon running at 2.5Mhz (not sure which processor type would
be the most effective so feel free to use your own knowledge here)

512mb RAM

40mb hard disk,

15 inch screen,

DVD and CD WRITER (preferably a DVD Writer too but thats only a bonus)

64 mb graphics card (again i'm not sure bout the best makes here)

Modem

It should cost up to £1200 inclusive of everything.

Some sort of finance deal-Time are allowing me to pay by January 2004
at no extra cost.

Anything else you really feel a laptop should have! The Time system
comes with a case and printer which, again would be really useful.

A really good alternative might be found on:
http://www.empiredirect.co.uk/productdetails/SON-PCGFR215S.htm - the
Sony PCGFR215S. Although i'm not too sure bout the delivery charge,
graphics card (it says up to 128 megs) or weight (5.3 kgs seems a lot
when most others are around about 3.5 although this isn't too
important)


If you have any questions at all please let me know and thanks very
much in advance to anyone who can help me out.

P.S in case you didn't see the £ signs i'm a Brit :-) and the system
should obviously be available here!

---

Clarification of Question by markyboy-ga on 05 Aug 2003 16:11 PDT

Oh, and it also needs a serial or parallel port (i believe some have
neither) as I want to plug a MIDI lead into it.

Thanks Sgt-they look fantastic in the green and the stats look great
but a bit steep for me! Thanks for helping me out though.

---

Clarification of Question by markyboy-ga on 13 Aug 2003 10:10 PDT

Thanks guys-i'm going to cancel the order and give them an earful
too!! Cheers for the advice.

Markyboy!

These are a little above your quoted price range, but I know their
U.S. site has financing. They are simply one of the best out there :

Alienware
http://www.alienware.co.uk/

I'm not in the U.K. so I can't offer any advice on the competitiveness
of the price of your system. (It *seems* to be a rather good deal.)
There are a few researchers in the U.K. and hopefully one will be able
to assist you soon.

Good Luck!
SgtCory

I think you should cancel the order, buy it from www.ebay.com or buy
it from some store list in www.pricewatch.com or in
www.pricegrabber.com..
a lots good store in those websites, you should find a good deal...

John

Marky-

I say cancel the order and run!!!  Right now, they are supposed to be
really nice to you to get your money.  If you are already getting
frusterated by their lack of customer support, things can only get
worse after they have your money.  I live in the US, so I can't say
for sure, but I am willing to bet there are many UK companies that
will have similiar units for competative prices to Time's machine.  I
also feel like it is worth spending a little extra money, especially
if you are paying monthyl, to get a good warranty and company
reputation behind the computer.

My two cents...