Need a laptop but confused, please help

CurlySue2017

I'm looking to get a new laptop and I am finding all of the choice a bit of a minefield to be honest.
I am very nervous about getting another one, because the last one was a disaster.  In my defence it was bought for me as a gift but the issue was that there was not enough storage space on it to run Windows updates.  This was without saving ANY additional things on it, I deleted everything I could and it just could not run the updates, so within a very short period of time it became competely unusable.

With that in mind, could someone please tell me what the difference is between these two storage options please?  And which is best?
Storage: 128 GB SSD
Storage: 128 GB eMMC

Could any of you advise where you would look to buy one from?  Am I best just heading down to Currys PC World or Argos?

It would be very basic use really: A few documents, internet browsing, e-mails that kind of thing.  I wouldn't be using it for gaming or anything like that.

MattMattMattUK

What do you currently have, storage can potentially be expanded.

128GB is a little small, 256GB probably better just for future proofing. Avoid Currys or Argos, either buy online or use somewhere like John Lewis.

Do you have a particular budget?

CurlySue2017

I don't currently have anything at all - the previous one was given away a couple of years ago because of the issues and I have been able to manage using my phone and tablet since, but the need for a "proper" computer is pressing again.
My budget to be honest would be as little as I can get away with!  Ideally it would be under £250 but certainly no more than £350 because for what I would be using it for, it would seem a waste to spend any more.  When you say buy online, where would you suggest (apart from John Lewis of course)

Mark_d

It's rather extreme to replace your laptop just because you want a bigger hard drive.  You could buy a 1TB hard drive for little over £50

CurlySue2017

Mark_d said:

It's rather extreme to replace your laptop just because you want a bigger hard drive.  You could buy a 1TB hard drive for little over £50

I tried this, bought a 1TB external drive but it would not work

CurlySue2017

I no longer have the old one, so can't post details.

Just looking for advice on a new one please

Ayr_Rage

As you have found, having a large external drive does not enable space for OS updates.

I wouldn't consider anything less than a 256 GB hard drive if running Windows.

Would a Chromebook suit your needs?

Ruger22

Upgrading the internal hard drive would have been the most cost-effective solution if you still had the old laptop.

You won't find anything decent for £250. Cheap laptops are useless as they are far too slow and a waste of money. (I've made that mistake).

I quickly looked at Argos and saw the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15.6in i5 for £329. It has 256GB SSD storage. 
It'd be the cheapest I'd recommend.

Heedtheadvice

Yes guys it is another machine...old one gone!

The windows update issue is a known problem with small drives. I suspect it will not be something that gets better!

I too would not get anything under about 250GB

A second drive for a laptop is most useful for backups.

You can get away with 8GB ram memory but 16GB would be my aim.

Free online  Office is fine which you can share with your tablet but do not discount the free alternatives that you can load onto your machine such as Libre office. The free versions have good compatibility unless you are an advanced user or use shared docs for business.

Why a laptop? Do you need it to be portable and if so how light/ size limit?

Otherwise a small form factor Desktop might be better especially for getting a larger screen, mouse and decent keyboard if you do any amount of typing for better ergonomics. You also usually get more for your money.

For your budget I would look at a fairly recent refurbished or a used machine. If you want to keep it for a long time then look for one with the latest Win 11 and not one that has been updated from Win 10 ( unless it is Win 11 hardware compatible) as updating even under Win 11 can be an issue. 

(if you need convincing see https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6574899/installing-windows-11-on-unsupported-hardware-while-keeping-apps/p1 )

Hopefully someone familiar with that update process will advise ( it has been advised on another thread).

There has also been good advice on used machines.

I am a fan of the Dell outlet where you can get a certified refurbished machine from the manufacturer at a reduced price. The business models are great machines but a basic machine is probably very adequate for light use.

https://www.dell.com/en-uk/shop/laptops-2-in-1-pcs/inspiron-15-laptop/spd/inspiron-15-3520-laptop/cn32038sc?ref=variantstack#features_section at £299.

It is currently a better value buy than their desktops!

I have bought from other refurbished outlets  but unless going for a very cheap bargain I think risk reduction for a certified machine ( at a higher price!) can be worth it.

Eyeful

If all you want to do is a write a few documents, internet browsing, & e-mails, you would be better of either:
1. Buying a Chromebook (its system is based on Linux) & you will need an internet connection.
2. Down load "Linux Mint" on to your computer & use that instead of Window

3. On YouTube you can look up about  either of the above two options.
The Chromebook will be a lot cheaper than a Windows Computer. 
The Linux mint is free but you will need a USB (thumb) drive.

4. What tablet do you have?
Have you thought about buying a keyboard which will link up with your tablet.

5. Windows operating system keeps growing in size and I think will keep doing so. This means the largest drive & memory you can afford to future proof yourself.

6. If you do think of getting a Chromebook make sure they will keep supplying up dates for as long as possible.
This website will give you the required information:
https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366?hl=en

7. Want information use YouTube or ask a AI chatbot.
https://www.perplexity.ai/
https://chatgpt.com/

flashg67

I'd consider a refurb - I have an HP business spec machine, perhaps 3 years old, works like new - this is a long established supplier - https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/  
This is a decent spec fr the price - https://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/dell-latitude-7490-14-touchscreen-laptop-i5-8350u-up-to-3-60ghz-processor-16gb-ram-256gb-ssd-windows-11-professional/