"Backup Computer"

[cycladianpirate]

Hi Chaps,

I'm thinking of getting the The 15.6" UltraNote II as a backup computer. It'll spend most of it's time in my kitchen playing DVDs/streaming TV and the like but may have to fill in as a backup in case anything goes wrong with my main PC.

It will definitely not be used for gaming.

My question is....

Are there any tweaks to the standard config that I should consider? I know that the Silver Warranty is a steal, but was just wondering if I should tinker with the RAM/HDD/CPU etc to get the best bang for my buck.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Oh, the standard set up is:

Chassis & Display UltraNote: 15.6" Matte HD LED Backlit Widescreen (1366x768)
Processor (CPU) Intel® Pentium® Dual Core Processor 3550M (2.30GHz) 2MB Cache
Memory (RAM) 2GB SAMSUNG 1333MHz SODIMM DDR3 MEMORY (1 x 2GB)
Graphics Card INTEL® HD GRAPHICS MEDIA ACCELERATOR 4600
2nd Graphics Card NONE
Memory - Hard Disk 500GB SERIAL ATA II 2.5" HARD DRIVE WITH 8MB CACHE (5,400rpm)
mSATA SSD Drive NONE
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive UltraNote Series: 8x SATA DVD±R/RW/Dual Layer (+ 24x CD-RW)
Memory Card Reader Internal 9 in 1 Card Reader (MMC/RSMMC/SD: Mini, XC & HC/MS: Pro & Duo)
Thermal Paste STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
Sound Card Intel 2 Channel High Definition Audio + MIC/Headphone Jack
Bluetooth & Wireless GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS 802.11N WI-FI CARD (150Mbps)
Wireless Router/HomePlugs NONE
USB Options 2 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 2 x USB 2.0 PORTS AS STANDARD
Battery UltraNote Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (62.16WH) (Up to 7 Hours)
Power Lead & Adaptor 1 x UK Power Lead & 65W AC Adaptor
Operating System Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence
DVD Recovery Media Windows 8.1 (64-bit) DVD with paper sleeve
Office Software FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365
Anti-Virus BULLGUARD INTERNET SECURITY - FREE 90 DAY TRIAL
Laptop Cooling Stands NONE
Carry Case NONE
Stand-Alone Monitor NONE
DVI-D & HDMI Monitor Cables NONE
Keyboard Language ULTRANOTE SERIES UK KEYBOARD
Additional Keyboard NONE
Notebook Mouse INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Gaming Mouse Pad NONE
External Speakers NONE
Webcam INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Headsets NONE
Surge Protection NONE
Printer NONE
External Hard Drive NONE
Warranty 3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Home Installation NONE
Dead Pixel Guarantee NONE
Insurance 1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Data Recovery NONE
Delivery STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time Standard Build - Approximately 8 to 10 working days
Pricing Information
Price (excluding VAT) £330.83
Price £397.00
Order Quantity 1
Bulk Discount £0.00
Total Order price (Ex VAT) £330.83
Total Order Price £397.00

 

[mantadog]

4GB RAM might be an idea, anything more than a couple of browser tabs will probably push the system close to that, I would seriously consider 4GB.

The HDD is probably going to be fine, possibly consider the scorpio black if you like a responsive system - if you don't need the space then you can get a 120Gb SSD for faster overall operation for a couple more quid. But again as its just a backup/ low use system it is porbably not needed. The CPU is already quite good, perfect for your needs anyway.

 

[cycladianpirate]

Thanks Mantadog.

I'll certainly take your advice on the RAM (maybe even go up to 8Mb).

 

[mantadog]

8GB would be overkill on that rig, I'm running 4Gb myself right now. With the usual junk like Skype, steam a few browser tabs, antivirus etc and im running 2GB usage at the moment.

i do notice if i open up loads of threads that i need to reply to it will bump it up a bit but never have i pushed the 4GB with just general web stuff etc.