Which Laptop Computer?

[ordbrae]

I am looking to buy a laptop computer to replace my aging desk top one.
Being an octogenarian I have scant knowledge of the technical data that accompanies the array of laptops on offer.
I would be content with that can provide the basic requirements and would be grateful for any advice.

[Mosaic]

Hi ordbrae
I suggest in your situation that a straightforward laptop, maybe bought from the website of Dell or whoever, coming ready to use will be the way to go.
You want a laptop that has the latest windows operating system, is internet and wireless enabled and has Office.

[Zacs-Master]

What do you want it to do? Advice will be more specific if you say what you want it for.

[Bordeaux]

I would highly recommend Tesco who are very helpful and have a good
range and reasonable I had windows toshiba very good, also if you want a
printer they have a hp printer with a scanner less than £30 excellent.
good luck

[DaisyNonna]

Would not recommend MSI

[snags]

''I would highly recommend Tesco''

And with all the Clubcard points you receive you can buy a bulk pack of Ibruprofen for when the inevitable Migraine sets in as you attempt to connect and set up the new laptop to said printer/scanner...

[Noggin-the-Nog]

Pick one that has a good warranty from a dealer who isn't so far away that you can't easily ask advice from in person and to whom it can be returned should it go wrong.

[hc4361]

Unless you are going to be carrying your laptop outside the house often go for the largest screen you can find. That will give you the biggest keyboard for comfort on the hands as well as the eyes.
This sort of machine will not have a huge battery life but not a problem if you are using it at home.

Unless you are hardcore gamer playing the latest high spec games or a video editor you do not need a high spec machine.

It should have 4GB RAM.
Minimum 500GB hard drive. If you store a lot of movies you will need more.

I like this one:
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

But really you will get a lot more for your money in a desktop. Unless you absolutely need a laptop, buy a desktop. You could buy a decent tablet for web browsing etc in your armchair, in bed or in the garden with the savings.

[hc4361]

Don't worry about buying from Amazon - free delivery and the customer care is the best I've ever come across. Free returns too.
That is Amazon itself, and not its 'market place' traders.

Think about buying a PC magazine so that you can read the reviews and get an idea of the current spec.

Bear in mind Microsoft is releasing Windows 8 this month, but if you buy a Windows 7 machine it may come with a free upgrade and in any case Microsoft is charging around £24 for the upgrade, which isn't a lot of money, but may mean Windows 7 machines may be a bit cheaper.

[vivandorron]

Good advice is being given by the above. However the big question is..,."How much are you thinking of spending" Personally, I would suggest you place a maximum of £400 because, as illustrated by hc4361, you can get a really big screen laptop for less than £400. and one which would have more than very basic facilities.

Ron.

[hc4361]

By the way, you don't need Office unless you are in any sort of business that needs you to read and create extremely complicated spreadsheets or presentations. It is a hugely sophisticated, expensive piece of software that the majority of home users will never need.

OpenOffice is a free download that can read and create Office documents.

[1rovert]

Hi Ordbrae,
I too am in my 70's, and I agree with the person who said that a desktop is cheaper.
Also, if you have, or can get a LCD TV, it will have a plug, which allows you to use that as a monitor.
I use my 42inch Sony, as a monitor.

[vivandorron]

1rovert.... Your 'set-up' is really interesting....a 42inch Monitor. What computer do you have and what is its operating system.

Ron.

[ChuckFickens]

I've got a 50inch monitor on my desktop computer (well OK, it's a 50inch TV and the computer is only used as a media computer)

[ChuckFickens]

Ron, pretty much any computer from about the last ten years with any operating system will happily use a full HD TV of any size as a monitor.

[DTCwordfan]

If you do want a PC, I love my Asus as its built for engineers and has very few moving parts making it more durable and the keys are larger than most pcs....around £550 from a small computer shop - and they set it up for you - that's worth some piece of mind.

[The Builder]

pffft ............. now I've got monitor envy ......... :o(

[vivandorron]

The way this thread is going we'll need a 'monitor' to ensure that no rude remarks are made. I could never boast that I have a big one like chuck has...but I appreciate his comments. :-)

Ron.

[ordbrae]

Thanks to everyone for their good advice.I must say I am leaning towards Tesco who can provide a choice on view.
ordbrae.