Free Computer & Internet Access for Children aged 7-14 of Low Income Families

only_mee

You have to activate it first then go into the support bit for a code to un-install it.

outofmoney

Terence123 wrote: »

Hi there we have been lucky enough to get a Home Access grant to buy a PC for my daughter we want a lap top but can only use certain suppliers has anyone had an dealings with this scheme as we have no idea what is the best deal available.We don't want to get something that is no good at all and we know nothing about them.

It might take an hour or two but it really is worth reading the whole of this thread. You can skip many of the early posts that were made by the unhappy, unqualifying peeps but beyond that there is a wealth of info.

spogna

Terence123 wrote: »

Hi there we have been lucky enough to get a Home Access grant to buy a PC for my daughter we want a lap top but can only use certain suppliers has anyone had an dealings with this scheme as we have no idea what is the best deal available.We don't want to get something that is no good at all and we know nothing about them.

The choice of computer is limited but I personally think that the Samsung R519 & Toshiba L450 are the only real contenders. Samsung has dual core processor (faster overall performance) the Toshiba has better graphics (good for gaming)

Some suppliers offer free stuff eg extra RAM, Microsoft Office, a free printer etc so check them all out and decide which bonus would be most beneficial to you. Also check which mobile broadband supplier is offered as one may provide better coverage than the other.
Also some are offering paid for upgrades of RAM or office, usually around £50. They all supply internet secuirty, support, a laptop bag and mouse for free.

I went for a shiny new Samsung from Positive IT which came with free 2gb RAM upgrade as we like to multi task. It does not have Microsoft Office but I intend to buy this package from Software for students which can then be upgraded in October for free.

I ordered it on Friday afternoon and received it yesterday which taking the bank holiday weekend into account was a two working day delivery. All working perfectly and mostly ready to go out of the box just needed to register/activate software etc. Broadband provided by 3 which is working great.

jetty

only_mee wrote: »

You have to activate it first then go into the support bit for a code to un-install it.

To remove the T-Mobile block you can put in your credit card details, but we don't have one, which is why we took it to the shop (oh and take ID) we didn't even register the dongle, the shop did it all. The Netintelligance is alot easier to take off

swwillis

My daughter and family recently received this grant - alerted by me via Martin's weekly email - but we've all been horrified (are we naive?) by the rip-off deals being offered by the authorised suppliers of the package.
I was able to buy a 4GB dual processor laptop for less than £400 recently yet a 2GB machine seems to be the best on offer via this deal...
I know all the background to this grant... what its aims are etc. but NEVERTHELESS have to conclude that someone somewhere is making a big profit on these packages at the expense of low-income families...
Can I ask if Martin or anyone else is following this up with the government department that organised this grant? Could the Office of Fair Trading get involved or WHICH or Citizen's Advice?
I'm feel particularly sour about this because years ago my daughter was ripped off in a similar way by a 'deal' offered by the Students' Union at her new university... she ended up with a low spec computer which was outdated very very quickly and didn't last the three years she was at Uni.

only_mee

Very well said but at the end of the day it's a free computer for the needs of the children.

debs2327

just want to thank everyone on here we got our award letter yesterday just waiting for our card think after looking at all possibilities we going to go for the positive it one with extra memory , our daughter will be over the moon thanks xxx

rich_shot2003

My sister has just got a laptop from home access and she has asked me if she can take Net intelligence off the laptop and how it can be done?

only_mee

You have to activate it first then go into the support bit for a code to un-install it.

rich_shot2003

only_mee wrote: »

You have to activate it first then go into the support bit for a code to un-install it.

She has just got the Code then where does she go to take it off?