Which laptop should my mother buy?

saxonrosecliff

Help! I've been tasked with finding a new laptop for my mother who is in her 70s. Being from the "make do and mend" generation she doesn't want to spend much money on it (these are her words, not mine). She basically uses it for internet (shopping and general internet), email and typing letters so would I be correct in thinking that really any laptop would be sufficient?

I've been looking in the Ebay Argos Clearance shop (which appears to be the cheapest reliable place) and have narrowed it down to these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/330911799492?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649.

There is also a lower spec one version of this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350776585532?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MSI-CR500-LAPTOP-500GB-15-6-INCH-INTEL-CELERON-T3100-3GB-RAM-BLACK-REFURB-/350846130535?pt=UK_Computing_Laptops_EH - I don't know anything about MSI as a brand and can't seem to find anything out. This laptop has
mainly really good reviews but I'm a bit dubious about buying an unknown brand. There is also only one for sale and possibly by the time we've made our minds up it will be sold!

Any other suggestions around the same price range are, of course, gratefully received.

One other thing - it needs to be Windows 7 as she has been borrowing my nephew's laptop during the school holidays but he needs this back soon to start doing his homework plus I haven't got the time or the energy to teach her Windows 8!

Thank you.

HereToday

All are too old and relatively poor value for money. Will have a quick look.

If I had to buy one today then it would be this Satellite C850-10C for £233.94

It's the best within your price range with Windows 7 Home Premium....and it's the last one....so you'll probably miss it.

saxonrosecliff

Thank you for confirming that they aren't very good. I've explained this to her and the budget has suddenly shot up to £400!!! So its back to square one for me.

McKneff

Try getting the one Heretoday has recommended first though.

saxonrosecliff

McKneff wrote: »

Try getting the one Heretoday has recommended first though.

Unfortunately that one's sold.

HereToday

Indeed the one in my post was good enough. An increase in budget for a Windows 7 machine wasn't really necessary. The problem was not in the budget, but what is available. The Satellite C850 was the best available at the time.

HereToday

Trolling reported...

ThemeOne

Even if you intend to buy online it might be an idea to take your mother to the shops so she can try and few machines and see which she finds most comfortable.

The keyboard on a laptop can make all the difference, especially since the position of keys is not standard, and come can feel cramped and awkward.

Suzysnowball

SONY E SERIES 4GB 500GB 15.5 INCH LAPTOP
REFURBISHED WITH A 12 MONTH ARGOS WARRANTY

I am aloSo looking for a new lap top - what do u think of this Heresay or anyone with some knowledge - thank you

NiftyDigits

Suzysnowball wrote: »

SONY E SERIES 4GB 500GB 15.5 INCH LAPTOP
REFURBISHED WITH A 12 MONTH ARGOS WARRANTY

I am aloSo looking for a new lap top - what do u think of this Heresay or anyone with some knowledge - thank you

One tends to pay a premium for the SONY name. So it depends on whether you are happy to pay extra for it.
Personally I would like to get an i3 processor for that kind of money.

The Sony has a Pentium 2020M.

Full specs here

For example, this ACER Aspire V3-571 has an i3 processor, more RAM, improved graphics and Bluetooth in comparison with the SONY, but is £20 less.

Best thing would be if you could get hands on with both and make a decision then.

Suzysnowball

NiftyDigits wrote: »

One tends to pay a premium for the SONY name. So it depends on whether you are happy to pay extra for it.
Personally I would like to get an i3 processor for that kind of money.

The Sony has a Pentium 2020M.

Full specs here

For example, this ACER Aspire V3-571 has an i3 processor, more RAM, improved graphics and Bluetooth in comparison with the SONY, but is £20 less.

Best thing would be if you could get hands on with both and make a decision then.

Thank you very much for your great help :beer: