... sounds like something you might do when you've got a bad case of gut-rot eh? a spluuurrrrge.

I just followed a link on cupranet for a new laptop... yea, I know its Dell, but I just fancied it. So for

Not bad, i got a 1.5 P4 510m not so long ago, works with VAG COM just fine, wicked bit of kit.

D600 Latitude here, 2GB memory (work one). Got a lappie in the US think it was about 500 quid too, 15" widescreen 3G P4 HT, not the best for battery life though

Good choice the one you bought - not a bad price either.

As for VAGCOM - it is unlikely to have serial ports on it so you'll have to go for the USB cable. Only catch is that they (manufacturer) says it's less reliable at speed or summit. In reality I'd hope they'll release a USB2 version which should resolve that once and for all (and for most laptops )

with usb adaptors, some work, some dont.

ive found that with my usb/serial adaptor here, it only works with some modules.

dell laptops are not bad these days my d800 with widescreen is fairly nice

Any Links???

... So, anyone else just shelled out

eatsoot

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=42415

Any Links???

http://www.users.totalise.co.uk/~lauriem/latest_additions.html#0704200502

Yep - that totalise link is the one - The link I followed was on cupranet though - Link is below.

http://seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=55110

edit: I should say unlike the totalise link, the seatcupra net link has a code you can enter on the dell homepage which links straight to the laptop. Just saves a little more time, and I don't believe its any "secret" code to get you extra saving.

Yep, I splashed out near

I was soo close to buying at the weekend!! I don't really need one just yet.

If you want to upgrade to a DVDRW then you'll want one of these too!!

http://www.dabs.com/uk/Search2/Product%20Details.htm?quicklinx=3K5B&searchphrase=nec%20dvd

Only

Yep, I splashed out near

fuuny enough Jay Me and kim have just placed an order for a Dell Laptop! Again so I can use VAGCOM and so she can do her college work.

They have some very good prices at the mo

They have some very good prices at the mo

Yep, but with Dell, I'm always a little wary of the long term reliability - been pointed out by my techie at work, that the reputation isn't good. Think I'll just make sure I don't load it up with crap, and keep it as "clean" as possible. I have my other new PC for general stuff, and that gets spybot/adaware run regularly, and also has AVG guarding in the background too.

devon i have a good number of dells and have no more problems with them than any other

devon i have a good number of dells and have no more problems with them than any other

ENcouraging, thanks. Mate got given a Dell laptop for Xmas and although I've not got a clue which one it is exactly, its pretty swish and has had no problems yet despite some "not so legal" software being put on to it.

Right, cheapest way to get vagcom?

Yep, but with Dell, I'm always a little wary of the long term reliability - been pointed out by my techie at work, that the reputation isn't good. Think I'll just make sure I don't load it up with crap, and keep it as "clean" as possible. I have my other new PC for general stuff, and that gets spybot/adaware run regularly, and also has AVG guarding in the background too.

The techie is totally right! I have a Dell Lattitude D600 thats 11 months old from work, and I'll be the first to admit its had alot of use.

The keyboard is worn out, the screen hinge is loose and wobbles when you type, the mouse stick is worn out (it decides it wants to go off and do its own thing every few minutes, very annoying), and it overheats causing lines to appear through the lcd. Also about two months ago, its HDD failed.

Anyway, after some serious bitching, its been replaced with a new HP/Compaq nc6000. IMO a far better machine.

I'd avoid a Dell if I were you

I'd avoid a Dell if I were you

No going back now. I'll keep my eye on my mate's laptop as its kind of a "this is what yours will be like in 4 months" hint.

The techie is totally right! I have a Dell Lattitude D600 thats 11 months old from work' date=' and I'll be the first to admit its had alot of use.

The keyboard is worn out, the screen hinge is loose and wobbles when you type, the mouse stick is worn out (it decides it wants to go off and do its own thing every few minutes, very annoying), and it overheats causing lines to appear through the lcd. Also about two months ago, its HDD failed.

Anyway, after some serious bitching, its been replaced with a new HP/Compaq nc6000. IMO a far better machine.

I'd avoid a Dell if I were you [/quote']

Funny , we bought a couple of HP laptops 6 months ago.

One had a hard drive fail after 3 months , the other had the screen backlight go after 5.

I'd avoid a HP if I were you.

Odd thing is my techie also recommended HP.

Whether HP is a later version of Packard Bell, my Athlon 750 from them is still going OK, or at least it will be better if and when I get it running XP.

Alex? I assume both of yours were under warranty, and you were OK?

Alex? I assume both of yours were under warranty, and you were OK?

Yes , no major problems getting them sorted.

They initially said they would post me a replacement hard drive but 5 days later changed their mind as it' "wasn't a user servicable part"!

1 screw ffs!!!!

Took them another 6 days to collect , repair and return.

I've got an old Dell Latitude PIII here that has been no problem at all. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

Plenty of spares on ebay for them if you need them.

Plenty of spares on ebay for them if you need them.

mmmmmm. Must stop myself modding it and ruining the damn thing... [note to self] Its good enough as it is!

Right, cheapest way to get vagcom?

If you only have USB ports on it, you have 2 choices..... buy a USB VAG-COM cable (not cheap afaik - if they are, link please! ), buy a serial VAG-COM cable (cheap!) and connect it to the laptop with either a USB->Serial converter (unreliable!) or a PCMCIA serial port (not cheap!).

The software is freely downloadable from the Rosstech site, although you'll have to register (and pay!) for the full version........

Chris