Help Me Find A New Laptop

poorly_scammo

My Toshiba laptop is dying so I need to buy a new one. I’ve read online reviews and quite frankly my head is spinning so I thought I’d ask you people for assistance.

Listed below is my budget, desirable features, non-essential features and two recommended computers that I’d like opinions on please. Just so you’re aware my current computer has 2GB and is running on Vista(!). I’d love an Apple but my budget won’t stretch to it.

Budget: £400 max including MS Office package.

Desirable features:
· Good processor (Intel core are the best I’m told but obviously more expensive.)
· The ability to ‘do’ MS Office, print, stream vids, cope with Itunes, surf the web efficiently and generally work well day to day.
· 14” or larger screen. This is non-negotiable
· Memory – 4GB would be good.

Stuff I’m not bothered about:
· Weight
· Gaming ability
· Appearance of the computer up to a point
· Battery life – a long battery life would be nice but given that it won’t leave my house, I’m not fussed.
· Touchscreen.

I’ve seen these two computers and would like some opinions on them. I probably won’t buy from John Lewis so the web page is only indicative. Can I do better for less money? Are there better ones out there?
· http://www.johnlewis.com/asus-x550ca-laptop-intel-core-i3-4gb-ram-1tb-15-6-grey/p792169?kpid=232472546&s_kenid=62fffe2f-5946-aec9-72ee-000025e0a0e3&s_kwcid=128x39173&tmad=c&tmcampid=73
· http://www.johnlewis.com/hp-pavilion-15-n219sa-laptop-intel-core-i3-6gb-ram-1tb-15-6-red/p1123205?kpid=233041949&s_kenid=62fffe2f-5946-aec9-72ee-000025e0a0e3&s_kwcid=128x39183&tmad=c&tmcampid=73
So over to you. Many thanks
Scammo

Cisco001

I don't think the laptop you listed included MS Office...
However, you can always get Libreoffice/ open office for free.

Cisco001

Have a look at dell outlet for business laptop if you don't mind refurb.

poorly_scammo

Cisco001 wrote: »

Have a look at dell outlet for business laptop if you don't mind refurb.

Thanks for this. Is there anything i ought to be aware of when buying refurb?

Cisco001

poorly_scammo wrote: »

Thanks for this. Is there anything i ought to be aware of when buying refurb?

Dell outlet business laptop provide 3 years warranty. And they will say the condition of refurb product.
Just choose 3rd/ 4th gen i3/ i5 with 4GB RAM.

And i believe they update their list at 2 pm (?)

NiftyDigits

What is the full model number of the Toshiba and what is wrong with it?

poorly_scammo

NiftyDigits wrote: »

What is the full model number of the Toshiba and what is wrong with it?

5 years old, Toshiba Equium l350 - 10l.

One of the USB ports doesn't work, the power cable is held in by a wing and a prayer and if pushed too hard it disappears inside the machine and has to be taken to bits to get it in place again, it keeps overheating and switching itself off, Vista is clunky, the mouse pad doesn't work so I'm using an external mouse, one of the remaining usb ports is loose so I keep getting an annoying jingle when the mouse usb connector connects and then disconnects repeatedly for about a minute, The internet connection relies on an external one because the connection keeps dropping if I rely on what is in the machine (I don't know the correct term for this). It isn't a laptop any longer as it can't be carried about. Oh and the batteries don't work any longer. Erm, I'm sure there's more that's not as it should be!

Neil49

Argos have quite a few end of range and refurb models on their ebay site.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Argos-Outlet/_i.html?_fsub=3844977016&_sid=66512606&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Cisco001

There is a refurb Dell Vostro 3460 @ dell business outlet right now, which I think it is good value

Processor: Intel® Core™ i5-3230M (2.60GHz, 3MB cache)
Windows® 8 Pro
32GB mSATA3 SSD for Minicard Slots
500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
4 GB DDR3 Dual Channel 1600MHz SDRAM Memory (1 DIMM)
Display : 14.0 inch High Definition LED Display (1366 x 768) with Anti-Glare
LCD Back Cover : Silver
Graphics : 1GB nVidia GeForce GT 630M Discrete Graphic Card
Back Up Media Not Included
Windows 8 Professional (64 Bit OS)
Wireless : Intel Centrino Advanced-N 2230 (2x2, a/g/n) + Bluetooth
8X DVD+/- RW Drive
Battery : Primary 6 Cell 48W/HR
Internal Qwerty Keyboard

NiftyDigits

poorly_scammo wrote: »

5 years old, Toshiba Equium l350 - 10l.

One of the USB ports doesn't work, the power cable is held in by a wing and a prayer and if pushed too hard it disappears inside the machine and has to be taken to bits to get it in place again, it keeps overheating and switching itself off, Vista is clunky, the mouse pad doesn't work so I'm using an external mouse, one of the remaining usb ports is loose so I keep getting an annoying jingle when the mouse usb connector connects and then disconnects repeatedly for about a minute, The internet connection relies on an external one because the connection keeps dropping if I rely on what is in the machine (I don't know the correct term for this). It isn't a laptop any longer as it can't be carried about. Oh and the batteries don't work any longer. Erm, I'm sure there's more that's not as it should be!

Mine is five years old, without even a single fault. Have you been using yours as a tennis racket? :eek::D