I wanna laptop - budget £300

Northerner

There are a few around for that price and below, but I am really not clued up on spec and wondered if anyone could offer any advice at all?

A full size one - 15.X" or whatever, prefer 3-4Gb RAM and 320Gb HD if poss.... but its processor speeds etc I am clueless on!

Its for internet browsing, not much word processing, but I do work online (typing transcription) so it does need to be quite fast and have a clear display.

I also *prefer* to buy from a physical store rather than online....altho would consider online if reputable company.

Many thanks for any help.

HappyMJ

You'll need to keep a lookout for sales or consider refurb's. There's a few on the PcWorld website to choose from. http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/refurbished-laptops/703_7366_70436_xx_xx/xx-criteria.html?sPageInfo=3_12&sSortInfo=price-asc Try the Acer Aspire...http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/acer-aspire-5736-refurbished-laptop-08527250-pdt.html

That's a very low price point if you went to £400 you'll have a much wider choice of a lot better quality machines. For something that should last at least 3 years I would try and find that extra £100. Think of it weekly it's only 64 pence extra per week.

santer_2

Maybe something here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1147017

Keri1988_2

I agree with HappyMJ, you'll be lucky to get the spec you want for £300 unless you just get a netbook, having a budget of around £400 will get you a much better deal. PCWorld are always selling laptops for between £350 and £400. but don't forget to keep in mind that they don't come preloaded with microsoft office if you need it and you'll need internet security, so that bumps up the price too.

Northerner

Went for this in the end, a little tiny bit over budget, and probably not the BEST BEST but really only did have £300....

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.210-0947.aspx?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=GSF_NormalFeed&utm_campaign=GSF_TescoDirect&utm_content=210-0947

xx

santer_2

Maybe some of these will be useful to keep it protected

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/probably-best-free-security-list-world.htm

File hippo will have things like open office and Foxit reader for PDF files

http://filehippo.com/

paulwf

If it is for typing transcription wouldn't the main thing be to check out the keyboards? Laptops are generally bad on the keyboard front, or at least there is significant differences between good and bad keyboards.

Proper base units with separate keyboards will give you many more options. Firstly you can find the right keyboard for you and install it. Secondly laptop keyboards usually end up gumming up and generally getting less responsive after a while whereas a new stand alone keyboard can be had for £10 if money is tight.

I would have thought for that type of work a proper ergonomic setup at a desk would be far better, laptops aren't ideal as the keyboard and screen have to be next to each other, whereas a separate monitor and keyboard can be much more comfortable.

My thought would be to buy a low end Dell base unit or similar - they are all more than fast enough, I purchased the cheapest one and it is fine - then your personal preference for a keyboard. As to monitors you want a good one as you'll be using it a lot. Perhaps start with one off Freecycle then invest around £100 in a decent one.

Having the wrong setup can cause permanent RSI and lots of aches and pains, think carefully about exactly what you need for your job.

david39

If you mainly use the laptop at home consider buying an add-on wireless keyboard and mouse. (I got the Microsoft one for £25 at Tesco's last Christmas - dearer now, but several are available at various prices).

My set up is my laptop standing on a table, connected to my TV, and a wirelsss keyboard and mouse on my lap on a tray.

That way, I sit on my settee, and watch what I type on a big screen. Using the wireless keyboard is much easier for typing and the mouse much better than fiddling with the pads on the laptop.

Also, the HDMI connection to the TV gives me Iplayer on a full size screen in HD, where applicable.

I keep the mouse with me when I use the laptop away from home but carrying the keyboard is not so practical as it is wider than the laptop case, so that stays at home.