Help in choosing laptop for 11year old.

SAVVYMUMMY_2

Thank you NiftyDigits, this is a great help. I`m glad i`ve asked, as i`m now getting a little familiar with the computer jargon, as you can tell i`m pretty much a technophobic. I`ll keep looking around and at the DELL outlet and will come back for some more of your wise words, if that`s O.K with you.

NiftyDigits

No need to discount the ACER I mentioned either. It costs nothing to take a look at it. Just let them know of your intention to return it within seven working days of delivery.
The spec alone will earn him points among her peers....if such things are important.

SAVVYMUMMY_2

Thanks NiftyDigits, i`ll have a nose around. I`ve had a bit of a look at the DELL outlet, but the prices shown exclude the VAT and delivery, which bumps the prices up a bit.

I`ve had to have a re-think about price and will have to opt for between £200-£300, but i`ll be back for some more of your expert feedback, if that`s alright with you.

NiftyDigits

SAVVYMUMMY wrote: »

Thanks NiftyDigits, i`ll have a nose around. I`ve had a bit of a look at the DELL outlet, but the prices shown exclude the VAT and delivery, which bumps the prices up a bit.

I`ve had to have a re-think about price and will have to opt for between £200-£300, but i`ll be back for some more of your expert feedback, if that`s alright with you.

There is no delivery charge. The prices we quoted to you included everything. We are nice like that.

As aforementioned; Inspiron 17 - 3721 £297.26

Strider590

I would check out reconditioned IBM Thinkpads (Ebay would be a good start), I have 3x T41's (2004) and they're bombproof, made from titanium/magnesium composite, you can drop them, pour water over them, bend them and they still keep going. Even if they do break, they're built to be easily servicable.
Despite being old, they'll easily keep up with machines built 3 years ago.
Cost new was £1600, cost refurbished = £120-£160.
Avoid the later "Lenovo" one's though.

Business grade machines are built to last, cheap consumer grade stuff is designed to break.

SAVVYMUMMY_2

Hi NiftyDigits, i`ve another browse, can you give me your opinion on these.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360692602133?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_2141wt_1170

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360693785148?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_1919wt_1170

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400518676371?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648#ht_2872wt_1203

NiftyDigits

If I or others have already recommended a refurbished model....forget about the rest.

You are only choosing worse than what has already been recommended. You are just wasting your time.

Choose from what has already been recommended or wait to see if something better comes along..

SAVVYMUMMY_2

O.k, thank you for all the help, you`ve given me.

NiftyDigits

Strider590 wrote: »

I would check out reconditioned IBM Thinkpads (Ebay would be a good start), I have 3x T41's (2004) and they're bombproof, made from titanium/magnesium composite, you can drop them, pour water over them, bend them and they still keep going. Even if they do break, they're built to be easily servicable.
Despite being old, they'll easily keep up with machines built 3 years ago.
Cost new was £1600, cost refurbished = £120-£160.
Avoid the later "Lenovo" one's though.

Business grade machines are built to last, cheap consumer grade stuff is designed to break.

Forgedaboudit. If you've one kicking about the house or if someone is giving one away, fine. Pay good money for old and outdated stuff? No thank you.

I have an old IBM, still working and running Windows 98. Utterly useless to an eleven year old, no matter how robust.

So you think it's a good idea to spend £1600 on strong machine that will be next to worthless in a few years next to the current releases.

Fine if you need to pay extra for robustness and business quality. Perhaps I'd get an under £50 one for a five year old to get started, but that's it.

I'd rather pay £250 and get a good few years out of it and perhaps pass it on to someone else before I start using my new £250 machine.

NiftyDigits

SAVVYMUMMY wrote: »

O.k, thank you for all the help, you`ve given me.

Did you look at the ACER to which I linked? You already missed the 15.6" DELL recommended earlier(will turn up again).
I'm not really understanding why you are ignoring the recommendations and looking to choose something of lesser value.

Even the simple Toshiba Satellite C850/C855 from £200 to £230 on Argos Outlet will do the job. But understanding that children have peer pressure, we took it up at bit.