Where to buy my new laptop from? Geek virgin help [blush]

[Lavendergrey]

Ive chosen which laptop to buy but have never bought one before and dont feel confident as i've read so much conflicting information. I have some questions to ask and i'd greatly value your experience.........

WHERE do i buy from? High street? From the net?

Who is reliable?

Is it easy to install software and start it up myself or should I pay someone?

What about aftercare? What should I be looking for?

And can you think of anything else I should be thinking of.

Went to PC world and the chappie there was so helpful and gave me so much of his time. I'm happy with the laptop I want but i've read so much negative press on them that i'm reluctant to go back :(

The advantage of PC World (or any other shop) is if it breaks you can walk back into the shop with it. Buy on the net and you have to wait in for a collection, keep chasing on the phone, wait in again for a delivery...

And their prices are not that much different for laptops - but don't let them persuade you to buy any extended maintenance, additional software or peripherals (bag, printer) - these are MUCH cheaper on the net.

And don't be conned into any anti-virus or internet security software, Microsoft Security Essentials is free and is all you need.

I buy my stuff online. Both DP and myself work in IT so after sales support from a high street setup has never featured in our buying decisions :) Generally, Internet shops are 10% cheaper than high street shops. Amazon.co.uk tend to offer the best prices.

If you prefer to buy the laptop from a 'real' shop then I suggest you check out John Lewis Partnership. I find that generally they offer better after service care and sometimes they will extend the manufacturer's warranty for free.

Unless you pore coffee over your laptop, there isn't much that can go wrong. When something does go wrong its invariably because of a virus so make sure you have anti-virus software on your laptop.

They will try to flog you a maintenance agreement. Don't go for it. Its cheaper to pay someone if or when something goes wrong.

thank you both sincerely for your advice, it is greatly appreciated.

x