I think I have finally decided to scrap my current desktop PC and switch to using a high spec laptop as a desktop replacement.

There are several reasons for this. Primarily it’s a power problem, even using a UPS the power here on the island makes using a desktop very difficult. Quite often it’s hours at a time that I cannot use the PC and work suffers because of this. At least using a laptop with an extended life battery I should be good throughout all but the longest power outage.

Another reason for this decision is one of security, I just do not think it’s safe leaving a whole desktop rig in a house that is nothing more than wooden planks over a concrete frame, you can open the windows (well shutters we don’t have glass) with a spoon if you need to, really not the kinda place you want to leave a few thousand pounds worth of equipment at night when you are out, especially as it is in the jungle, nobody would witness any theft.

Usually when I buy a laptop I look for something cheap that will do the job for 3 years, it’s then a throwaway item but this time around I need to be a little more specific. I need a decent dual core processor, at least 2GB of RAM, a largish HDD and definitely a pretty high spec GPU.

I’ve been looking at a fully upgraded Dell Vostro, this would come in at a little over £1000 and would include a 256MB Nvidia 8600, although I would really prefer an 8700. A friend of mine just purchased a Toshiba with an 8700 and it runs very well indeed.

Maybe something will be available from Dell by the time I visit the UK in March.