Sub-£350 powerful laptops discussion

Wannie_2

LallyPops wrote: »

Hi!

From what I gather, it has been crashing on him when he's been working - so not even during anything that's particularly intensive - just working on essays and surfing the net. He's not around at the moment to ask (he's en route home at the moment from uni) but I know that the laptop is over 6 years old and he says he's tried everything to sort it out, even wiping and re-installing but to no avail. I'm sorry I can't say anymore than that but all I know is that he is terrified that if he doesn't get a new laptop soon, he's going to fail his MA, so I'm having to deal with panic of failure as well as panic purchasing!

I know he doesn't need anything for gaming - just work primarily, surfing the net, viewing films and storing photos - but I just don't know where to go to pick up something today/tomorrow which is vaguely decent. He is saying he can't wait until Monday which really puts us in a bind as I'm sure the best deals are to be had online, so I 'resorted' to looking at PC world as it's one of the only places I will be able to get to easily to pick something up, bar Comet and Currys. It's all a bit of a nightmare, tbh.

Not from London then?

LallyPops

Hi Wannie!

Alas, London is nowhere near me! I'm in the South West (Exeter) so choice is somewhat restricted and he's on his way down from Birmingham as we speak! I'm trying to be the supportive sister but I'm no expert in these matters and would normally take my time to research such a purchase. I've offered him access to my v old ropey Dell (which sadly has the horrible Vista) as a temporary solution but he's not convinced!

LallyPops

Yes, I too have struggled to find what I would term as good deals ( with the limited knowledge I have). That's awesome about the Microsoft Office package! He was expecting to pay about £60-£80 for it so that's one thing reduced in price at least! Thanks so much. I will have a look at my Dell which is truly the most annoying laptop to ever be made but if it can do anything to improve it, even for a short while, it will definitely help!

Wannie_2

LallyPops wrote: »

Hi Wannie!

Alas, London is nowhere near me! I'm in the South West (Exeter) so choice is somewhat restricted and he's on his way down from Birmingham as we speak! I'm trying to be the supportive sister but I'm no expert in these matters and would normally take my time to research such a purchase. I've offered him access to my v old ropey Dell (which sadly has the horrible Vista) as a temporary solution but he's not convinced!

Am reluctant to recommend anything from them. Equally, there aren't too many bargains around at the moment.

I would look at a machine where the Tech Guys/As Good As It Gets or whoever they are now, would have nothing to do with the servicing.
Perhaps a Toshiba where you could extend the warranty directly with Toshiba. Maybe Samsung.
At the moment, a lot of the new laptop chassis look really cheap, so I'm reluctant to recommend anything from the price range on the High Street.
Since you are thus limited, I guess the best option is to go in in order to get hands on.
Since he is a student, he will get cheaper Office products anyway. Even perhaps a Windows 7 Upgrade for your 'ropey old Dell'. Check that there are Windows 7 drivers for your DELL.

Student Deals Ignore the headline deal. Click through to the partners. Should be able to do Office for perhaps under £37 and Windows 7 Professional for under £35.

There are instructions for running a Clean Install with an Upgrade disc if you should need them.

Edited to add more info

Wannie_2

LallyPops wrote: »

Yes, I too have struggled to find what I would term as good deals ( with the limited knowledge I have). That's awesome about the Microsoft Office package! He was expecting to pay about £60-£80 for it so that's one thing reduced in price at least! Thanks so much. I will have a look at my Dell which is truly the most annoying laptop to ever be made but if it can do anything to improve it, even for a short while, it will definitely help!

Perhaps a Factory Restore, after 'backing up' your data. Perhaps not enough time for that if he is on the way.

Which model?

GT60

www.software4students.co.uk office pro is only £37
the site may be down but here is the link from Microsoft

LallyPops

Wannie wrote: »

Perhaps a Factory Restore, after 'backing up' your data. Perhaps not enough time for that if he is on the way.

Which model?

The model is a Dell Inspiron 1501. It's very old and looks somewhat antiquated now but if it can help us through a sticky situation, that would be awesome!

LallyPops

GT60 wrote: »

www.software4students.co.uk office pro is only £37

Thanks! I really don't think he knew about these offers so I will certainly let him know. What's the point in being a student if you don't get to benefit from some of the special deals out there, eh?!

BOBS

GT60 wrote: »

www.software4students.co.uk office pro is only £37
the site may be down but here is the link from Microsoft

cant get onto this website ???? - have you used it recently ?

Wannie_2

BOBS wrote: »

cant get onto this website ???? - have you used it recently ?

Just click through one of the other links from my link. The Basement also has it for £36.26.
Pugh has Windows 7 Pro for £34.08.