Toshiba from John Lewis or use PC World vouchers? Deciding today Please help.

Penny_Farthing_2

Hi
My son is starting GCSEs and needs a laptop because there's always a queue for our (old) family PC.
As it's his birthday this week, I need to decide today whether to use a £500 gift card for PCWorld/Currys/Dixons to get the laptop. From a previous thread I started, it seems that their customer service is pants and I have had experience of that before.

Would I be better off buying this Toshiba from John Lewis for their excellent customer service and 2 yr guarantee?
http://www.johnlewis.com/Search/Search.aspx?SearchTerm=laptop#&&/wEXAQUHYWpheFVybAVqU1JUL1NlYXJjaC9TZWFyY2guYXNweD9TZWFyY2hUZXJtPWxhcHRvcCZPTS1QYWdlTnVtYmVyPTAmT00tU29ydE9yZGVyPTEmT00tQXR0clN0cmluZz1EZXBhcnRtZW50JTdjTGFwdG9wcxeg24vUQ+i3zDhNi+p1ViooXzo1

I could then use the vouchers for something like a projector (to use for DVDs) that's less likely to go wrong and be less hassle if it did.

As I'm typing this, I kind of know the answer, I suppose.

Is the Toshiba a good laptop? He'll need wireless access to the internet and he uses iTunes. He'll need a Power Point type thing and word processing stuff for coursework etc. We have an old copy of Office somewhere.

Also what's the best thing (apart from teaching him common sense) to keep him safe online. Are the deals they offer with the laptop worth it?

Sorry to ask so much but I really don't know what I'm doing here. OH is better but he's doing overtime to pay for it!!

missile

Which Toshiba do you mean? This one is a bit basic http://www.johnlewis.com/230644995/Product.aspx if he likes his music and videos 160GB hard drive may not be enough. As with most things you get what you pay for. Are you aware of the special prices Microsoft offer on software for students. http://emea.microsoftstore.com/UK/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-0/0_read-UK-79G-00318/usetemplate-GenericProductDetails/?WT.mc_id=OfficeOnlineUK_Buy_HandS_Full

Penny_Farthing_2

L300 29V
Sorry, didn't realsie the link went there.
Not aware of Microsoft deals, Missile - can you point me in the right direction please?

davester

I think PC World is fine for buying if you have the vouchers, But wouldn't recommend it unless you go packing Consumer Rights Heat if you need to get them to do anything if it does go wrong.

Also know what you want, check out the website first, reviews and here before you go into PC World, That way you go in for what you want. Not what the Sales guy recommends

missile

Penny_Farthing wrote: »

L300 29V
Sorry, didn't realsie the link went there.
Not aware of Microsoft deals, Missile - can you point me in the right direction please?

See here http://www.johnlewis.com/230644996/Product.aspx

Save £10 on Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 for PC (usual price £69) £59

Penny_Farthing_2

Thanks Both.
I'm thinking that offer is a good deal then, Missile.
Davester - half my trouble is I don't know what I want and I don't have the time to do a load of research. I was hoping to tap into the knowledge that those already in the know have. Your comments have been helpful thanks.

missile

It certainly seems like a good deal if that is the laptop you want?

To be honest it is very difficult to choose, as there are so many options. There are several posts on this forum asking which is the best laptop? and many more opinions. I guess you have read some of those?

You may get a deal here http://www1.euro.dell.com/uk/en/home/Laptops/laptop_studio/ct.aspx?refid=laptop_studio&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=&a=41103~0~199307&page=1

missile

PS: If your son will be carrying his laptop, a very important consideration is weight. When my wife bought her laptop she was happy to sacrifice specification and performance for light weight and loves her mini 10.

Penny_Farthing_2

Thanks a useful thought- but they don't tend to take them to school. Also, he's a big strong type.

missile

If it is exclusively for home use, I would suggest a desk top PC is more functional than a laptop. You get a better spec for less money and they are easier to upgrade.

You might want to consider an all in one PC, so he can use it to watch and record TV.