Which budget Acer laptop should i buy

My old laptop died -32MB, 266 mhz cpu 1GB HDD.

I know........ (i also drive a 10 year old car !)

I need a new computer to run office applications, browse the internet, burn cd/dvd. I do not play modern games or edit video. I will use the laptop at work also which has both wired and wireless ports on the network. I have narrowed it down to the following 4. All have 512MB, DVD dual layer, wireless tech. The variations are also listed below

1. Aspire 3002 £499
not widescreen, no firewire, 64MB shared graphics, 1.5hr battery, 80GB HDD, Semprom 2800+ 1.6Ghz CPU, Acer s/w bundle (including NTI CDmaker).

2. Aspire 3503 £530
crystalbrite widescreen, no firewire, 64MB shared graphics, 2hr battery, 80GB HDD, Celeron 370 1.5Ghz CPU, Acer s/w bundle (including NTI CDmaker).

3. Aspire 3022 £585
crystalbrite widescreen, firewire, 64MB X600 graphics dedicated, 3.5hr battery, 60GB HDD, Sempron 2800+ 1.6Ghz CPU, no s/w bundle

4. Aspire 3023 £625
crystalbrite widescreen, firewire, 128MB X700 graphics dedicated, 3.5hr battery, 80GB HDD, Sempron 3000+ 1.8Ghz CPU, no s/w bundle

I am swaying towards the latter two on the grounds that they have dedicated graphics but is that really important to me if i am not playing modern games. Also, the battery life appears double the other 2. however, i have seen great reviews on here for the 3003 (which presumably is slightly better than 3002 listed above - perhaps this is a better alternative). also, as i will not be watching dvds is it worth having the crystalbrite widescreen. Is the firewire also a good option.

If it is a choice between the last two (the 3023 is actually higher than my budget but if it is too good to miss i would have to review my finances) is it worth paying the extra £40 to upgrade the X600 64MB to X700 128MB, extra 20GB HDD and CPU from 1.6ghz to 1.8ghz.

My feeling is that option 3 may be best for me but don't want to miss out on option 4 is it is so much better. Alternatively, do i only need one of the cheaper ones (options 1 & 2).

Obviously after relying on a 32MB 266mhz running win 98, all these current models are a bit flash for me. It will be like driving a ferrari after having a reliant robin.

Hope i have given enough info

Simon Clark (UK)

 

Sort of depends on your actual gaming needs. I think the enhanced display is a good idea, especially for DVD watching. #4 is overkill for your needs. I'd lean toward #3, but if you really don't need it for gaming, then #2 also works.

 

I would personally take option 2 because it's got the Intel celeron M and bright screen. Not that is matters so much but the pentium is fast and relatively cool. If you want more batterylife than 2 hours take number 3...