Cheap netbook/laptop

M635

Sorry I'm not sure if this is the correct board to put it on.

My parents have decided they want to learn how to use a computer and the internet so I'm looking for a cheap and easy to learn netbook / laptop.

Doesn't need to be anything special, just a basic netbook for browsing the internet, email, MSN (so webcam would be good) and shopping on tesco/ebay etc, the only criteria is that it needs to work with a PAYG mobile dongle or old fashioned dial connection as they don't want to pay for a monthly broadband subscription(well not yet anyway) I've been looking at the Disgo Netbook 3000, but as far as I can see it can't be used with a mobile dongle (correct me if I'm wrong !) but on the plus side its only about £65 on ebay new.

Can anyone sugguest a suitable netbook ideally around the £100-£150 mark, cheaper the better as its not going to be used a huge amount.

Also does anyone know if you can get PAYG broadband, i.e buy a modem and just pay for what you use without subscription ?

Smithster

See here, notebook in your region and comes with 12 months free internet:

ebuyer.com/product/226411

Datawind
Datawind Ubi-Surfer Netbook - £126 from eBuyer

Product Description

Get 12 months of Unlimited Mobile Internet absolutely free!!

No need to register and there's nothing to set up, no connection fees just instant web access when you buy the Ubisurfer by Datawind. You'll be able to access unlimited mobile internet any time and any place for a full 12 months for absolutely nothing!

You can't go wrong with this amazing little machine with its powerful broadband access far exceeding the quality of most mobile internet dongles, taking a mere 7 seconds to load the average web page.

More than just a netbook this handy mobile office is a must have for anyone who's constantly on the move, lightweight and small enough even to keep in your briefcase, don't leave home without it!


Now with Microsoft Windows CE

Features
This is a netbook that comes with unlimited internet included for the first 12 months
You can get on the internet anywhere there is a mobile phone signal thanks to the built-in Vodafone sim
You can also connect to Wifi
There are no contracts and no monthly bills
You can buy a 2nd year of internet use for just £29.99 after 12 months which works out less than £2.50 a month!!
Office applications are included


Memory
128MB Ram; 1GB Flash
Optical Drive
None
Software
Operating System: Microsoft Windows CE
Display
7" TFT - Wide screen Display
Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
Networking
GPRS 900 Mhz,
1800 Mhz with Embedded SIM Wireless LAN WiFi IEEE 802.11 b/g Ethernet Port 10MB
Audio
Built-in microphone and dual speaker system Stereo Sound Earphone Jack
Input Devices
Full QWERTY Keyboard
Touchpad Mouse Pointer
Dimensions
Width 222 mm
Depth 165 mm
Height 29.5 mm
Weight 700 g
Interfaces
Push-Push SD card socket
3x USB Ports
1x Earphone
1x Microphone
1x Ethernet
Battery Life
3 Hours
Warranty
1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Spec:

Coopdivi

Windows CE is kak. Nobody with any sense uses it. Even Vista is better.

M635 don't forget that netbooks have small screens so if your parents don't have very good eyesight then they're going to struggle with them.

Have a look on this Argos Clearance listing for 'laptops/netbooks'. They're mostly refurbished but there's a few bargains to be had.

http://computers.shop.ebay.co.uk/Laptops-Netbooks-/177/i.html?_catref=1&_fln=1&_ipg=&_sac=1&_ssn=argos-clearancebargains&_trksid=p3286.c0.m282

There are some second hand laptops at Big Pockets which might be worth looking at.

http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/cat.php?search=Laptops&nav=

As regards your internet connection you need to find out what ISPs are available to your parents home and whether they are in a low cost area (Market 3). Go to this website and put in their phone number. It'll tell you their exchange location and what services are available to them.

http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange_search

As regards no contract broadband some companies, like Plusnet for instance, do it but they'll charge extra for it.

http://www.plus.net/?home=hometop

However, if your parents live in a low cost area, it would be cheaper to take out a 12 month contract at £6.49 a month (with Plusnet).