Looking for a computer to use mainly just for uni in Melbourne. Doesn't need CD player. Would like to get the best possible value for money. I also ride my bike to uni and my old laptop screen would break whenever I rode (had it fixed twice, I did use a case) so some durability would be nice.
Ill use the laptop for:
I would like it to be able to do all this without lagging, windows 8 would be nice too!
are you interested in lenovo x220?
If your laptop screen is breaking as you ride, you need a better padded laptop backpack.
I bought the Acer Aspire V5-431P Touch last week for $429 ($359 after cashback). It's pretty thin and not that heavy so it's pretty good if you plan to commute to uni regularly with it in your bag. The touch screen comes in very handy while navigating through the Windows 8 and in applications.
It performs great - perfect for everyday tasks and should handle the tasks you mentioned with ease.
Although it mentioned having the Pentium 997 inside (both on the website and on the box), mine came with a 2117U - the 2117U being slightly more powerful (1.8GHz vs 1.6GHz) and also consuming less power and producing less heat due to being 22nm instead of 32nm.
Only thing worth noticing is that when using the touch screen, the screen ripples on the sides when you touch it. This won't affect functionality however.
Overall, it's been a great budget laptop - no dramas so far.
if you just want something cheap and durable, and you are OK with purchasing used, you could get a used thinkpad off ebay.
I bought one a few months ago (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/101596) and it has been fantastic.
Lenovo Edge E330, picked mine up for $466 with a voucher code from this site, added in an mSATA SSD and it flies with 8.
Try and get a business class laptop with metal frame ie dell latitude e4300 which I sell on eBay
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/181178107444?ssPageName=STRK:MESE…
these look pretty good for the price
http://www.dicksmith.com.au/laptops-notebooks/asus-f202a-xx0…
http://www.dicksmith.com.au/laptops-notebooks/hp-2000-2d26tu…
If you don't mind MSY, you can get one with an i3 instead of a pentium. eg. This one
http://www.msy.com.au/Parts/notebook.pdf