Laptops

**popinjay1** · 19-05-2012, 06:05am

I currently have a desk top PC but want to replace it with a laptop at some point this year to free up some space. But I have no idea which ones are the best value for money!

All I use it for is going on the internet really, as do the kids and iTunes.

So what spec should I be looking at for? I have no idea what I am looking for lol. And are refurbished laptops worth looking at? Trying to keep costs down if possible but am prepared to shell out abit more if it's worth it.

**Funky Mum** · 19-05-2012, 08:17am

I want to know this, too! I have a Macbook at the moment but it's 5 years old and really on its way out. Can't afford £1000 for a new one so looking at non-Mac laptops.

I use mine for the same as popinjay: internet (including iPlayer etc), iTunes and that's about it!

Sorry to butt in on your thread, popinjay, but hopefully we'll both get answers and it saves me starting a new, similar thread

**parkejm** · 19-05-2012, 12:02pm

I think one of the biggest differentiators in laptops these days is the size of the screen. Personally I really don't like the 15 inch screens, I find them too heavy, big and unwieldy. DH has a netbook for his commute to work which is 10 inch (Asus - he really recommends them) and I have a 12.5in Samsung. I didn't want a netbook or a 15" laptop and so my choice was limited.

**Mrs B** · 19-05-2012, 12:07pm

If all you need is the web, iTunes,photos etc then I'd go for a netbook. I have a Samsung N130 which I love, the size of it is fab as it's so light too. You can get a decent netbook for around £200.

**helpimfalling** · 19-05-2012, 12:09pm

Asus are suppose to be really good apparently all the tech people tell me!

But if I dont use my iPad I stick with my dell and I dislike notepads or net books whatever there called!

Not very helpful I know lol x

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Indian Light** · 19-05-2012, 12:25pm

I'm another one who prefers Netbook rather than a laptop, purely for it being light weight.

Go in to one of the big stores and speak to a techy bloke for your requirements.

**Anne** · 19-05-2012, 12:35pm

Personally I find the screen on a net book too small. I like mine at least 15", but am currently using a 17" at home!

We got DD a new laptop at xmas, there are some good deals to be had. Dell used to be very competitve on price, but now others have cut their prices back too. Hers cost£349 and has a good spec, 4Gb and a super fast processor. if you are only using it for the net and itunes you dont need to botehr with the top of the range, but a basic one would do. Just my humble opinion though!

**LucyDee** · 19-05-2012, 04:19pm

My partner loves her laptop, me I hate them with a passion. The keyboard is always the issue for me and I can't get on with a laptop keyboard. That's just my opinion...

However for what you are looking for, you don't need anything special under the hood. It's what's outside that will count so as everyone is saying go for a screen size you can get on with but also check the keyboard and mouse for comfort levels.

Refurbed laptops, I wouldn't touch with a bargepole. My partner treats hers like it was a child, many however do not and they get some pretty good punishment. Don't forget they are very fragile internally and buying something with a history you don't know is risky, you only usually get 6 months warranty and you don't actually save much compared to a new one.

Originally Posted by Indian Light

I'm another one who prefers Netbook rather than a laptop, purely for it being light weight.

Go in to one of the big stores and speak to a techy bloke for your requirements.

I'm not so sure on that one, they will only be interested in getting you to spend as much as they can and sell you a very expensive warranty as well. My partners laptop was £300 and an extra 2 years warranty was £280, they tend to be far more expensive than desktops to repair. However, treated carefully they should be trouble free for many years.