Looking for a good, UK-based custom-build laptop retailer

[M1ke]

I'll soon be in the market for a desktop replacement laptop, and I'd like to be able to hand-pick components to meet my needs. Chief among my priorities is the option for a decent graphics card (for a bit of Starcraft II when it's finally released) and the ability to request a machine with no preinstalled OS. It's going to be dual-booting Ubuntu 10.04 and Windows 7 under a license key I already own so I don't want the added expense of OEM Windows.

Has anyone had a good custom-build experience with a UK retailer they'd like to share?

[hebeallrusty]

I've always hung my nose over "pc specialist" but never bought anything from there. They seem cheap enough and a bit like Dell but with more choice

[ukripper]

i bought Dell vostro 1400 2 years ago (core2duo 1.4ghz, 9 cell battery lasts about 5 hours on ubuntu 9.10, 2gb RAM 667 DDR2, 14" screen, 160gb HDD, all for 320 quid) still running strong with ubuntu 9.10 64bit and ubuntu 10.04 64bit daily build.

[fatality_uk]

http://www.google.com/search?btnG=1&pws=0&q=barebones+laptop

[clanky]

ACS in York are very good if you are anywhere near there, they are also pretty good with Linux so if you want a Linux system they will be able to help you choose what you want and set it up.