grant/funding for computers for studying

lauram25

hi all

im a single parent and ive just got funding from horizon for a distance learning course doing AAT intermediate level. its all home based obviously and involved using my computer for assignments etc. well the day i got the call to say ive been accepeted, was the damn day my laptop decided to not work, its been on the blink for ages cos its old and had its day, just didnt think that day would be now.

problem is now im screwed as i cant really do the course with an unreliable laptop, does anyone know of any other charities, companies etc that may be able to offer me a grant or something to enable me to get a computer/laptop?

btw, i dont qualify for the scheme for parents that involved your child being at school, as my LO is only 3, and they have to be in year 3 onwards at school.

DaisyFlower

If your little one is 3 you could claim the pre school nursery hours and use the library computers.

You could also try freecycle for an old desktop, you dont actually need it to be a laptop.

zzzLazyDaisy

DaisyFlower wrote: »

If your little one is 3 you could claim the pre school nursery hours and use the library computers.

I imagine studying in a library with a 3 yr old in tow is probably not very productive

DaisyFlower

zzzLazyDaisy wrote: »

I imagine studying in a library with a 3 yr old in tow is probably not very productive

Thats why I mentioned the free pre school hours, the OP wouldn't then have a child with her.

pinkshoes

You can often pick up a desk top for dirt cheap on ebay. What about THIS one? It's only £25 and includes monitor, keyboard, mouse etc...

UnderPressure

What is your credit score like? You could always check out three.co.uk, if you sign upto their mobile braodband you can generally get a laptop thrown in, they are usually 24 months contracts and around 25-30ish a month but for that you will have mobile broadband too so if you have a good signal in your area ditch your current broadband provider and dependant on what package you currently have it may only work out and extra 5-10 per month.

3 are generally quite easy to get a contract with, as long as you dont already owe them any money and you have a debit or credit card you probably wont have any problems.

This one should do ya for 30 quid a month

http://threestore.three.co.uk/laptops/laptoptariff.aspx?tariffid=1357

hope that helps and good luck with the learning

fengirl_2

Go to your library and ask in the reference section for a book called 'Grants for individuals in need'. You can search there for funders who will give money to people in your position.

paulwf

Old monitors, keyboards and mice are always being cleared out so try Freecycle and ask around friends and family. CRT monitors are being upgraded to LCD monitors so if you can get hold of one the worst case is paying £10 for a new keyboard and mouse.

That just leaves the base unit, again try Freecycle and spread the word using social networking. If nothing turns up ask in independent computer shops and as Pinkshoes suggests on Ebay. It might also be worth looking for charities in your area that renovate computers and have a word with any dealers in second hand office furniture.

Owain_Moneysaver

paulwf wrote: »

CRT monitors are being upgraded to LCD monitors so if you can get hold of one the worst case is paying £10 for a new keyboard and mouse.

That just leaves the base unit, again try Freecycle

I got a computer and CRT monitor out of the communal wheeliebins last week!!! It's a bit creaky, but with a bit of love and care should be able to run internet, simple wp and spreadsheet.

Have spent £25 on keyboard/mouse/speakers/patch cables/network hub and some wet-wipes to get the muck off it.

lauram25

thanks for all replies, will have a look on ebay, no i dont need it to be a laptop, just a bit worried with a computer though as my LO pulled a few keys off my laptop when i left it open - didnt make that mistake again though lol. so worried she will play around with it etc when not in the room etc.

my LO does already go to nursery, but i dont think i can use library computers etc, as the course comes with a sage package, so think it has to be uploaded on a set computer that i will use at all times - will check that out though when i get the course materials though on tuesday.

will also check ebay and free cycle.

and my credit score isnt that great to try 3 mobile etc, and i also dont think i can commit to paying another contract or a laptop/computer on finance as things as very tight right now.

xx

paulwf

lauram25 wrote: »

thanks for all replies, will have a look on ebay, no i dont need it to be a laptop, just a bit worried with a computer though as my LO pulled a few keys off my laptop when i left it open - didnt make that mistake again though lol. so worried she will play around with it etc when not in the room etc.

Seek out your local second hand office furniture clearance place and get a proper office desk...they'll cost very little. That will be much safer for you to work at and you'll be able to shield the computer safely under the desk, perhaps with a bit of heath robinson style modifications with cardboard and duct tape!

A computer with base unit is the best option as if the keyboard gets trashed you can replace it for a fiver whereas if you spill coffee on a laptop it's game over. Just make sure you protect the base unit and tidy away any wires.