To ask for laptop recommendations?

[Cobb121]

I haven’t used a laptop in years as I have an iPad but I need a basic one for creating word documents and accessing a local authority online hub (for some reason it doesn’t load properly on mobile devices/ipad).

Can anyone recommend a specific model or know what spec I need to be looking at? Ideally one I can get next day delivery or collect as I need it for the weekend.

Thank you 😊

Need a bit more information. What's your price range? Is it just word documents you need to do or would you use it for extras?

Cloudbooks are the cheapest options on the market, but AFAIK they don't have hard drives. I have a Microsoft Surface 2, which is basically a Windows tablet but works like a laptop. However, it wasn't cheap for a laptop. You'd have to buy a Microsoft package on top. A Surface is very compact though and doesn't over heat like a laptop.

Personally, if you want an all rounder, I'd probably look at a HP or Dell. Preferably with a min of 4GB of RAM and i5/Ryzen5 processor so it's not too laggy.

@BrumBoo

Need a bit more information. What's your price range? Is it just word documents you need to do or would you use it for extras?

Cloudbooks are the cheapest options on the market, but AFAIK they don't have hard drives. I have a Microsoft Surface 2, which is basically a Windows tablet but works like a laptop. However, it wasn't cheap for a laptop. You'd have to buy a Microsoft package on top. A Surface is very compact though and doesn't over heat like a laptop.

Personally, if you want an all rounder, I'd probably look at a HP or Dell. Preferably with a min of 4GB of RAM and i5/Ryzen5 processor so it's not too laggy.

Thank you for replying I’ll have a look at up & Dell. I had a lovely Toshiba back in the day but I don’t think they make them any more! 😂

My budget is around £400 for the laptop (I think the windows subscription is around £60 for the year).

I just need word for writing letters.

www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-3i-14-laptop-intel-core-i3-128-gb-ssd-blue-10208470-pdt.html

Would something like this be good for your needs and budget?

For Word you could either use online word for free but it has limited functionality or pay for access to the software on the computer. Cost depends on length of service (you can pay for 1 year access which I did or other options) it’s such a rip off now

You can get Microsoft Word on your iPad. You can get the keyboard to make it easier to type.

You can also use Google docs for free, I haven’t used Word for years.

Are you using safari to access the council website? Maybe try downloading Chrome and using that instead.

Libre office documents seem totally compatible with word. Open source software, just donate.

For clunky windows 10 make sure you have 8gb of ram.

We have just bought a HP one from Currys. We don't usually shop with them but were able to order online with a free next day delivery offer, a year's Microsoft 365 included, and some free Apple offers on top.

Lenovo is the old IBM - decent quality. Just another option.

If you have a cex near you I'd recommend their preloved laptops come with a year guarantee.

Last laptop we bought was a HP from laptopsdirect. I would go for a SSD hard drive and 8GB RAM. They have plenty of refurbished bargains. and a few collection points. The refurbished ones are usually business laptops like Dell and HP so they are pretty well specified.
Cheap laptops can be horribly slow even just for basic Word/email/internet.

Currys have the Lenovo 5i IdeaPad 14" for £399 with £50 of, in grey and 8GB RAM in stock at the moment - several offers to look at with it too.

I'd recommend a chromebook. You can use google sheets which will open and save word docs. It has minimal storage on the device as its linked to a google acct, and you need to be online to access it, but it sounds like it will cover what you need.

£50 off not of

I had an Acer and it was so slow and just a nightmare. Bought a Lenovo IdeaPad last year and it's been brilliant.

@karalime

You can get Microsoft Word on your iPad. You can get the keyboard to make it easier to type.

You can also use Google docs for free, I haven’t used Word for years.

Are you using safari to access the council website? Maybe try downloading Chrome and using that instead.

Thank you yes I am using safari I’ll definitely try chrome to see if that helps.

Thanks everyone for the advice you’ve all been really helpful.