Streaming Laptop and/or other device

[steaky360]

Howdy folks,

I am currently contemplating replacing my old and slowly dying dell laptop.

This is only used to watch stuff from my NAS drive (streaming/downloading from the NAS) and occasional light web surfing. It doesn't really get used for anything else, requires no program's to be installed other than the OS really and won't be used for any strenuous tasks.

I don't really know what the recommended specs for said activities are and as such don't have a set budget, I'm thinking less than £700 will easily cover it though.

I would prefer a good 1080 screen, solid wireless and either a 15" or 17" variant.

I also notice PCS are offering Bluetooth bookshelf speakers, anyone had any experience with them? They would certainly be better than what I'm using now. Or does anyone have any opinions on 'wireless' speakers in general? I'd go wired if it's necessary but I'd rather not if you can get good quality wireless ones. I would guess the drawback is the lack of dedicated soundcard in the laptop.

Anyway if anyone can point me in the right direction with the sort of specs I should be looking at I would appreciate it! Also for any advice on speakers etc!!

Many thanks!

 

[mantadog]

An i3, integrated graphics, 8GB RAM and I'd probably lob in a 120GB SSD if you don't plan to store anything on it as such.

I think your dilemma is going to be around buying cheap with no GPU or buying a better quality chassis that has a built in GPU you don't need. You can get a decent screen in the ultranote, total comes in about £550 for the hardware above.
Streaming and web surfing really don't ask too much of a machine these days.

As far as Bluetooth speakers, some are good some are pants. Just depends on the price you are willing to pay. If you go for a brand like Bose and are willing to pay for some of the higher end kit you can get some amazing wireless speakers that kick out a hell of a sound for the size of the speakers. Depends what your looking to spend on em though. I saw a set for like £230 somewhere that were epic but I could never part with that kind of money for them. I'd guess you can get ones that are just as good as wires for a small % on top.

 

[keynes]

I am using this:
http://www.jbl.com/estore/jbl/us/products/JBL-Charge/JBL%20CHARGE_JBL_US?skuId=JBLCHARGEBLKAM_JBL_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly&sCatId=cat390038
Very loud and no issues with connectivity or lag.

Chassis & Display
Cosmos Series: 17.3" Matte HD+ LED 16:9 Widescreen (1600x900)
Processor (CPU)
Intel® Core™i3 Dual Core Mobile Processor i3-4110M (2.60GHz) 3MB
Memory (RAM)
4GB KINGSTON SODIMM DDR3 1600MHz (1 x 4GB)
Graphics Card
INTEL® HD GRAPHICS MEDIA ACCELERATOR 4600
Memory - Hard Disk
120GB KINGSTON HYPERX 3K SSD, SATA 6 Gb/s (upto 555MB/sR | 510MB/sW)
DVD/BLU-RAY Drive
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 INTEL® N-7260 (300Mbps, 802.11BGN) + BLUETOOTH
USB Options
3 x USB 3.0 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT AS STANDARD
Battery
Cosmos Series 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (48.84WH)
Power Lead & Adaptor
1 x UK Power Lead & 90W AC Adaptor
Keyboard Language
COSMOS 17" SERIES UK KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD
Operating System
Genuine Windows 8.1 64 Bit - inc DVD & Licence (£79)
Office Software
FREE 30 Day Trial of Microsoft® Office® 365
Anti-Virus
BULLGUARD INTERNET SECURITY - FREE 90 DAY TRIAL
Notebook Mouse
INTEGRATED 2 BUTTON TOUCHPAD MOUSE
Webcam
INTEGRATED 2.0 MEGAPIXEL WEBCAM
Warranty
3 Year Standard Warranty (1 Month Collect & Return, 1 Year Parts, 3 Year Labour)
Insurance
1 Month Free Laptop Insurance inc. Accidental Damage & Theft
Delivery
STANDARD INSURED DELIVERY TO UK MAINLAND (MON-FRI)
Build Time
Standard Build - Approximately 9 to 11 working days
Quantity
1

Price: £515.00 including VAT and delivery.

Unique URL to re-configure: http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/quotes/cosmosII-17/jb7A0oJDX3/

 

[steaky360]

Ah cool, I'll look into the speakers you suggested Keynes, and also thanks Manta for the advice, yeah I don't want to go spending through the roof on the speakers really, they'll be used purely for watching stuff in the comfort of my bed. I didn't think I'd need a GPU, I have no intention of gaming on it whatsoever so that's good.

Keynes do you suggest the Cosmos specifically for any reason?