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

hoggle_2

Just a quick note to inform anyone who is interested about my experience regarding a free laptop. We chose a laptop only deal and from start to completion it has taken well under a month. The main hold up was waiting for the child benefit letter but even that was quick in coming. The letter came informing us we had been accepted this was followed in 3 days by our card which was followed the next day by our pin number. I ordered the laptop yesterday and it came today. It was literally next day delivery. I was sent a text this morning saying it would be delivered between 2 and 3pm today and they were true to their word which was pretty amazing.
We used XMA and their link can be found on previous posts. I cannot praise them highly enough. I chose the Toshiba and it appears to be a very robust laptop and came with a backpack and mouse. It was very easy to set up. I ordered yesterday at midday and recieved it today. Fantastic service. Check out their website for details.

portlandboy

johebr wrote: »

Maybe someone could help me, if anyone has the toshiba could you confirm weather it has both webcam and a hdmi port and one more question about the toshiba is it upgradable, not bothered about the memory at the moment but as time goes by my son proberly will need it. if anyone could help it is much apprieciated.

We got the Toshiba L450D without the internet package a few days ago now. Very good quality for the money (we paid the extra £30 for 2gb memory). Yes it has a webcam. Yes it has HDMI port and yes it can be upgraded either now or at a later date.

fazeypie

greendollar wrote: »

Still waiting for a letter from DWP , first requested one the 18th Jan , confirming our CB entitlement.

A friend however has received her grant and took it to Currys only told that a pretty cheap looking Acer laptop was all they had , when she complained about the quality she was told "what are you complaining about , its free isn't it ".
I would have thought that a £528 grant would buy a descent computor.
How much of a mark-up are the companys making on these computors and can anyone tell what the best deal is ? Ideally we would like a Home PC not a laptop.

Seriously, before anyone else makes any comments about the above post, go and have a look at the acer in comet (not currys). Comet are really taking the pee, I really can't remember how far back it was when laptops used to look like this. If this was the only laptop available on the scheme then fair enough but the other companies involved have much better machines on offer than this. It did make me wonder what comet are up to here.
I actually walked out of comet whilst waiting for an sa to come over when I realised the acer was all they had.

RavenxPrime

Got my Card today and ordered the Samsung with Internet from XMA, will see how long it takes to be delivered now lol. Has taken about 2 and a half weeks so far, and for free I'm well happy with that

brickie65

so seems most are going with the samsung? which company are ppl using to get microsoft office? is it xma?
im not sure which ill go for if i get the grant

kizzykizzywizzy

I haven't got my pin yet, just the award letter, but can't imagine it will be long.
I have decided to get the Toshiba from XMA as they supply a T-Mobile dongle & the coverage is supposed to be good in my area

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

XMA are doing MS Office - the others seem to be only offering a trial or open office, which is free anyway. I have wondered whether the Samsung advertising campaigns (TV, Phones, Chelsea players and the like) are steering people towards them - I know it crossed my mind that Toshiba don't advertise much - but I honestly don't know which is really the better choice.

I did, however, look up both on YouTube as their promo pictures didn't give much of an indication of their appearance.

I went with XMA for the T Mobile internet, as I know there is good coverage where I live, compared to 3, which is a bit pants here!

bestpud

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

XMA are doing MS Office - the others seem to be only offering a trial or open office, which is free anyway. I have wondered whether the Samsung advertising campaigns (TV, Phones, Chelsea players and the like) are steering people towards them - I know it crossed my mind that Toshiba don't advertise much - but I honestly don't know which is really the better choice.

I did, however, look up both on YouTube as their promo pictures didn't give much of an indication of their appearance.

I went with XMA for the T Mobile internet, as I know there is good coverage where I live, compared to 3, which is a bit pants here!

Misco do MS Office software too, but 3 internet.

I've got the opposite problem - no T Mobile coverage around here.

I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised with the 3 internet access - it's actually as fast, if not faster, than a Broadband connection ever has been here, and more stable too.

I was expecting it to be slow as anything but it isn't at all.

I just hope nothing goes wrong with it as it seems their customer service leaves a lot to be desired!

joannecawthra

Am about to buy mine from www.homeaccesscomputers.com so i get the educational software and at the checkout after ive entered credit card number its asking for "your grant code". has anyone bought from there and if so which code is it, the pin number hasnt come yet but thought could buy online without it, or is it the code on the acceptance letter starting HAG ????

hm71_2

hi wanted to say thanks for this thread- whole process took 2 weeks & laptop should be hear mon/tues went with techie thread suggestion of samsung R150 from misco as you get MS office 2007 preinstalled+ it was £370.55 so £29.55 goes back in the pot for others. it is only a 1gb model but can always update later if needed.