Good entry level Toshiba laptop for £193.88

TakeThis

Browntoa wrote: »

you seem over keen to promote these ???

Just protecting the average consumer from 'know it alls' who actually don't know that much at all. Including, I hate to write it, people who post hastily about Recovery Media without thinking it through.

I'm posting about it because it's a relative bargain. Now why are you here?
To tell us all about your fixing of laptops? Are you promoting your business?

Yes, insinuation can be a dirty business....

TakeThis

Have a look at the Argos page. Silly blurb about HD3000 graphics and the 1GB of RAM are going to have these returning all day.

But the price cut makes it viable for those looking for a everyday usage machine under £200.
The decent battery life is a bonus.

Clearly these machines are made to a price, but what is the alternative at this price point? An Advent?

TakeThis

The user manual is here for those who would like advance instruction on how to fit the RAM module.
It's very simple, just earth yourself by touching a metal radiator or a tap before beginning and try to handle the module from the ends, where there are no computer chips. Fitting it takes seconds.
Opening and replacing the memory module cover takes a couple of minutes each.
But firstly and most important, the machine needs to be off, with the mains plug and the battery removed.

Instructions start from Section 3-17 in the PDF.
Gently but firmly does it. It only fits one way, so may sure that the slots line up before you press it into the slot and then click it down flat.

You'll be done in a few mins.

The reason why this laptop doesn't work well with just 1GB RAM is that there is a lot of software that is supplied with the laptop that starts up when the laptop is turned on. There is not enough RAM supplied to make this a quick process.
So adding the RAM will improve the performance considerably. It will also allow the laptop to work in dual channel mode.

Once complete, you can slide the battery pack back in and turn the machine on.
If fitted correctly, it will start up as normal. Once Windows has loaded, using the keyboard, you can press and hold the Flying Windows key and whilst holding it down press the Pause Break key.
A page will open showing that you have 3GB RAM.

Smile.

Next job, make your Recovery Discs. People neglect to do this. It just makes things much easier for you if you ever have to replace your hard drive for any reason or if the operating system gets corrupted.
You'll need two blank DVD-R or DVD+R or even an 8GB USB drive will do.
Instruction at Section 1-12.

2010

TakeThis wrote: »

The are only a set amount of descriptions allowed on eBay. Shop return is not one of them.

Thank you for your contribution, however useless.

If "shop return" is not one of them, why did you use it instead of what was actually used

---

refurbished, which should have been in your thread title.
Then people who don`t buy second hand wouldn`t have wasted their time.

My contribution was very useful pointing out that the item is refurbished, which you should have done.

Read, learn and digest for the future.

ragz_2

I am seriously thinking of getting this, I only want it for surfing and word processing/spreadsheets.

Replacing RAM is no problem, I have done it on a laptop and a PC before (can't upgrade the RAM on the laptop I have now, I bought it thinking I could but it is maxed, it is VERY elderly!) - it is easy enough and I am a 26 year old housewife with no IT/electronics experience/knowledge whatsoever I can just read instructions I find online!

However, would that void the warranty?
How much would a laptop with that spec (with the 3gb ram) cost?

roddydogs

Argos state that the "30" day return dosent apply, so how are they "Shop returns"?

TakeThis

ragz wrote: »

I am seriously thinking of getting this, I only want it for surfing and word processing/spreadsheets.

Replacing RAM is no problem, I have done it on a laptop and a PC before (can't upgrade the RAM on the laptop I have now, I bought it thinking I could but it is maxed, it is VERY elderly!) - it is easy enough and I am a 26 year old housewife with no IT/electronics experience/knowledge whatsoever I can just read instructions I find online!

However, would that void the warranty?
How much would a laptop with that spec (with the 3gb ram) cost?

If it doesn't explicitly say so in their terms and conditions, then they cannot attempt to enforce that condition once you have purchased it and fitted the RAM(of course as long as you have not damaged the machine in doing so)

As to your second question....

As you can see, certain people are trolling on this thread, without the intention of helping you at all.
If they did, they would be posting viable alternatives for you.

But they are not. Their only intention is to create negativity and confusion.

Many people report receiving machines from Argos's Outlet still covered in their original plastic wrapping. So to describe them as refurbs would not necessarily be an accurate description.
Any returned machine has to be checked and returned to factory settings before being sold, even if it were only used for a day.

So it is up to the buyer to determine if they are happy with the condition. If not, return it for a full refund.

This is a website dedicated to saving money. Not for pandering to 'IT Gurus' and pedants.

Whilst they have be quick to pipe up and criticise, not one of them has posted a viable alternative at that price point.

They have the same machine with 4GB RAM and a larger 500GB hard drive for £233.98 here.

Though why pay £40 extra if you don't need the extra HDD capacity.

Buy what suits your purse and your needs. I liken this processor nonsense to the fashion industry. Only a foolish few actually pay thousands for the original. The rest manage to get it from Zara or somewhere similar and somehow seem to cope.

Buying the latest i3, i5 or i7 laptop does not make your machine any less prone to fail after two to three years. It's more akin to buying a Ferrari just to pop down to the shop. A waste of money for many.
You can buy one and then the next year scooters are all the rage. Then what?

When one of these 'critics' actually posts an alternative for you, you can begin to take them seriously.

I certainly expected more from Browntoa. Many laptops will fail in some way after two to three years. It's the way they are built nowadays.
But he is the only one you will find telling you that Toshibas fail more than others....and his insinuation was just.... sad.

TakeThis

roddydogs wrote: »

Argos state that the "30" day return dosent apply, so how are they "Shop returns"?

Their 30 day return policy does not affect your statutory rights.

It's to stop people from just buying the thing, using it for a month and then taking it back.

People do that you know.

Also, you can buy from Argos online too.

Do I really need to explain this?

The fact is that this is a relative bargain. Perhaps someone may receive a duff machine(that can happen buying new too), but they can return it within 28 days if faulty for a full refund and within seven working day for any reason at all.

The thread is open for feedback. Anyone can post on what they received and how it works for them.

I've spent a few hours putting the information together and answering questions, so my payback will be if people are happy.

That's why most of us help on here.

roddydogs

Bur Statutory rights dont include "I dont like it" or "Its too slow"

TakeThis

roddydogs wrote: »

Bur Statutory rights dont include "I dont like it" or "Its too slow"

Read the description ...it's says HD3000 graphics..... It is not as described.

Also, you can return online purchases for any reason.

Don't be slow...it's not attractive. I'm not trying to make trouble for the retailer, just pointing out a relative bargain for people who don't want to spend over £200. You are just wasting my time and everyone else's.

If you are interested, buy one and take a look for yourself. Otherwise you just appear to be argumentative, effectively 'Trolling'. I'm sure that you would not want to be accused of such behaviour.