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re - government grant computer but which to have?

2

Comments

  • Abbafan1972
    Abbafan1972 Posts: 7,177 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I would go for a laptop. I have one and still use it on a desk! Then I can put it away when I've finished.
    Striving to clear the mortgage before it finishes in Dec 2028 - amount currently owed - £19,575.02
  • When I commented on possibly only Open Office, I was referring to the computers in the latest link at http://www.cihomeaccess.co.uk/device-only/, not the computers that have already been discussed above.
  • prowla
    prowla Posts: 14,186 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    There's a bigger discussion in the freebies area.
    FYI, I ordered the Samsung R519 from Positive IT, as it has a second year's broadband.
    The alternative I was considering was the Samsung again from Misco, which included Microsoft Office, but I already have a spare Office licence and so didn't need it.
    In terms of brands, Samsung or Toshiba, but definitely not Acer.
  • thanks to all for your advice!

    best wishes
  • wazza
    wazza Posts: 2,595 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    prowla wrote: »
    There's a bigger discussion in the freebies area.
    FYI, I ordered the Samsung R519 from Positive IT, as it has a second year's broadband.
    The alternative I was considering was the Samsung again from Misco, which included Microsoft Office, but I already have a spare Office licence and so didn't need it.
    In terms of brands, Samsung or Toshiba, but definitely not Acer.

    read the small print if you want to qualify for the second year of broadband. Have read that you have to submit documents before the first year is up.
    Problem with having access to internet is that i get asked by many to solve their problems :( Well at least i learn something on the way :D
  • RobTang
    RobTang Posts: 1,064 Forumite
    Inactive wrote: »
    To be honest, I am surprised that the government agency dealing with this, has not struck a deal with a supplier and purchased in bulk, then distributed the computer to the end user.

    It would have saved us a small fortune.;)

    Honestly It would not be cheaper, and given the rate tech moves they cant really keep a massive bulk order and only certain machines are really massivly bulk built anyway.
  • Inactive
    Inactive Posts: 14,509 Forumite
    RobTang wrote: »
    Honestly It would not be cheaper, and given the rate tech moves they cant really keep a massive bulk order and only certain machines are really massivly bulk built anyway.

    I am not so sure you are correct, a company such as Dell could have supplied a basic spec computer, ( ordered in bulk ), to any eligible claimants at less cost than just leaving it to the end user, I would have thought.
  • RobTang
    RobTang Posts: 1,064 Forumite
    Most Government agencies run off prefered supplier lists they are NEVER EVER cheaper than the open market and they have to buy off the supplier list.

    While what you say is true, it would just hit loads of political and logistical walls, I really can't imagine how much extra costs needs to be added above pure stock costs.
    This way is more flexiable, more open and id make a large bet its definatly cheaper.
  • Comet_company_representative
    Comet_company_representative Posts: 175 Organisation Representative
    hi,

    we have been lucky enough to be awarded a grant under the new government scheme for my daughter to have a pc (rather than rely on kindness of family to lend old pc to us)............but which one to have??

    My knowledge of pc innards, memory etc is about zero so not sure how to compare them - any help would be gratefully received.

    First question is - pc or laptop?

    then which from these....

    http://www.homeaccesscomputers.com/homeaccess/index.php/computers-internet/computer-only.html

    or

    http://www.misco.co.uk/content/homeaccess/homeaccesspackages.htm

    or

    http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/advice/902/Home-Secure

    cheers and many thanks!

    helen x

    Hi, Helen

    My name's Phil and I am from Comet.

    At present, Comet are the only national retailer involved in the Home Access scheme.

    We are currently stocking the Acer 5235 laptop, which includes a shared graphics card that is suitable for basic tasks such as word processing and surfing the internet. The unit is also wireless enabled, has a good memory, includes a battery life of up to 3.5 hours and can both play and record DVDs and CDs.

    The supplied operating system is Windows 7 Professional and a full Microsoft Office suite is included in the package, giving you access to word processing, spreadsheet and Powerpoint presentation software.

    The keyboard on the laptop incorporates a numerical keypad, making it easier to input numbers into the laptop, for example when doing maths problems.

    We are the only retailer with take away stock of the laptops meaning you do will not have to wait for stock to arrive after your order- you can have it on the day of purchase. We are also the only retailer to offer two different options for internet connectivity- either 3 mobile or T-Mobile, whichever suits you best, for example based on the quality of mobile internet reception in your area.

    Each computer also comes with 12 months reinstatement cover which means that it is covered for loss if stolen.

    Thanks

    Phil
    Official Company Representative
    I am the official company representative of Comet. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to queries about the company, so that I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. I am not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I am please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
  • closed
    closed Posts: 10,886 Forumite
    Isn't that touting for business?
    !!
    > . !!!! ----> .
This discussion has been closed.
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