Help please for cheap basic laptop/netbook!

kymie

Hi, we are trying to choose a laptop for basic things like surfing, kids going on social networks and hubby doing a bit of work (spreadsheets etc). We wont be playing games on it (have just about every console old and new lol) or watching films on it, so which would be best to look at? I have no idea when it comes to 'specs' - its all just numbers and letters I'm afraid! As for netbooks, what do they do? Would they cover what we need? Any help really appreciated!

MX5huggy

Any laptop from the last 5 years will do all that.

A netbook will do it as well but they have small screens and smaller (but not impossible) keyboards.

Tempted by second hand?

New I would start here http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop-inspiron-1545?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&ref=lthp

Strider590

Get yourself a refurbished laptop.... I can thoroughly recommend IBM Thinkpad T41's. Hell I own two of them, 4 years old and going strong.... Cost me no more than £160 each.

I've just sold a refurb T43 and i've got an order for another T41.

kymie

Thanku! Do either of u recommend a broadband provider?

MX5huggy

BB is really complicated with all the bundled deals and if you can get virgin/need a BT line do you have or want SKY etc etc.

For me the free BB from Orange with a monthly contract phone has been great. No Idea what the cust serv is like never had to contact them.

Don't go for the mobile BB with a free laptop it is a rip off.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-broadband

4743hudsonj

MX5huggy wrote: »

BB is really complicated with all the bundled deals and if you can get virgin/need a BT line do you have or want SKY etc etc.

For me the free BB from Orange with a monthly contract phone has been great. No Idea what the cust serv is like never had to contact them.

Don't go for the mobile BB with a free laptop it is a rip off.

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-broadband

02 is meant to be second to none on broadband based on proce, up to speeds and and averege mbps

macman

Do you need an optical drive (DVD/CD) or not? Is a 10inch screen adequate or do you need a 15 inch screen?
Those are the fundamental differences between netbooks and laptops-former have no optical drives and smaller screens (and accordingly smaller keyboards).
You need to decide this for yourself before anyone can recomend which models to consider.
Also you say 'cheap' but what is your budget?

Strider590

Hmmmz I'd much rather a well built 3 or 4 year old machine for £160 (original retail price £1450), than £300+ for something that's about as robust as a chocolate teapot. But hey!

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