New laptop... with a "proper" keyboard?

[Scuby]

I'm after myself a laptop after many many years of having desktop computers, so am looking for one with something approaching a "proper" keyboard. Obviously I don't expect a full size thing, the laptop would be huge, but a lot of the ones i've used have keys in funny places - the Windows key up in the top right, the backslash/forwardslash moved next to the very small spacebar, that kind of thing.

So....

Does anyone know of any laptop brands / models that have what might be a decent keyboard? I'm sure i've seen one before, on one of these "desktop replacement" laptops, but can't find them anymore (not helped by online shops being (understandably) very undescriptive about keyboards). It also needs to meet all my other requirements which may be fun...

Cheers

David

[divingniknaks]

One to avoid, Thinkpad, keys all over the f****ng place

Acer keyboards are fairly sensible IMHO.


hth

[Dave Crampton]

You know you could stick with plugging a keyboard in the laptop, and using a large flat panel screen. just get a stand for the screen and place the laptop underneath. You can us your externale mouse too.

Thats what we have here at work.

[Bantam]

Dell ones aren't bad. However, their laptops stink for reliability at the moment.

The Thinkpad ones - It was pointed out to me the other day that they don't have a windows key!

The laptops themselves, however, are very good.

[Sean]

Compaq nx7010

I use one at work wide screen and DVD player

[divingniknaks]

Originally Posted by Bantam

The Thinkpad ones - It was pointed out to me the other day that they don't have a windows key!

The laptops themselves, however, are very good.

Quite right keys all over the place and NO windows key, I like the fingerprint bit tho, dead cool.

Till your 3 year old tries it with jammy fingers


.

[colinicky]

a lot depends on what spec you want to go with it .if you want a nice 17 inch screen then you have room for a decent keyboard .my personal recommendation is visit :- http://www.computer-harbour.co.uk/ .i bought mine from them ,very helpful & honest about wether you need things or not.
spec on mine 3.2 ghz ,igb ram ,17" screen ,256 mb graphics ,dvd rewriter ,7 card reader all for under 1k delivered .the only thing missing for my personnal situation is a floppy .he has lower spec from 3-4 hundred .if you send me your email i'll try to send you a piccy of the keyboard which is a joy to use !( i use mine in the cab of a lorry with gps & its large enough to be easy even 1 handed when driving ! )

[Andy M]

Originally Posted by Scuby

Does anyone know of any laptop brands / models that have what might be a decent keyboard? I'm sure i've seen one before, on one of these "desktop replacement" laptops, but can't find them anymore (not helped by online shops being (understandably) very undescriptive about keyboards). It also needs to meet all my other requirements which may be fun...

I recommend the Apple Powerbook 15". You will want to take this baby to bed with you every night

[chrisch]

Originally Posted by Bantam

The Thinkpad ones - It was pointed out to me the other day that they don't have a windows key!

Surely this is a good thing?

Chris

[Scuby]

Cheers for the replies.

Looking through the suggestions (and translating those into which are affordable for the features I need) i'm probably coming down to one of several Acer laptops (sensible prices, well featured) or possibly a Sony Vaio (VGN-FS215B) but thats Sony's most basic model and right at the top end of my price range.

Basically what i'm looking for is something to completely replace my desktop - I don't need performance or graphics (I haven't played a game (except solitaire) for about 3 years). Minimum 512MB RAM, 60GB hard disk (although ideally 80 - 100GB), integrated wireless LAN, DVDRW, and decent screen and keyboard - everything else is pretty much open. Thats one of the reasons i'm looking at the Sony - its under-spec in most areas compared to the Acer's, but i've heard very good things about their screens and general build quality and mixed reports about Acer. A trip to PC World to have a nosey at them all is required I think - budget is around £700-£800, although probably another £100 for a good extended warranty.


Oh, and in response to other comments...
I will probably use an external keyboard / mouse with it when i'm at home, but won't always use it there and not being able to find the ctrl/win/slash keys annoys me, even when using laptops for short periods.
I've had a look around some of the online shops suggested, although they're all much the same as each other really - eBuyer seems to be working out cheapest for most of those i've looked at, and i've used them a lot before.
And I can't afford IBM, and don't want an Apple :O)

Cheers

David