good laptop...

[spongebobmum]

Im finally going to treat myself to a new laptop, Ive been talking about it for nearly 2 years now as the one I have is on serious last legs lol!!
Can anyone recommend a good, basic enough laptop... I dont want to spend too much as I only really use it to go on here and fb, internet banking etc, and would want skype too... Im clueless!!!
Thanks for any help :)

How much is 'too much' ? There was a thread within the last 2-4 weeks where someone listed about 4 laptops each with 6 GB RAM and between about 300 and 350 pounds (299 to 329, perhaps... I then found some other closer to 350). Given the second hand prices I've seen in CashGenerator and similar (250 quid for a laptop with only 2 GB RAM), then the extra and warranty would make 50-100 worth the cash in my view for peace of mind and a faster, smoother, usable machine. Remember John Lewis often does a 2 year guarantee, and may price-match.

Any of these would be good enough.

Ditto Network Guy's point on buying from John Lewis - they offer a 2 year guarantee of laptops (3 years for Apple laptops) and provide great after sales support.

Another tip would be to spend £1 and sign up to Which? magazine's website for a day - they do a comprehensive review of laptops including Best Buy recommendations which should arm you with all the information you need before you go to the store to choose your laptop.
www.which.co.uk/technology/computing/reviews/laptops/best-buy/table/

Thanks so much for the replies, well I was hoping to stick close enough to the 300 mark (euros)... There are a few out there around that so I just need to take the plunge... Its a lot of money for me to spend one something non-essential hence waiting so long and being v v hesitant, considering I have no Idea about IT at all really!
Exactly networkguy, I was thinking the same that its worth the extra for a new one, I dont think its worth the risk of getting one 2nd hand seeing as if anything went wrong I dont have the know how to fix it myself.
Thanks cruelandunusual, Ill have a proper look at those today :)
Tarriffhound Thanks for that, good advice and its something that sounds v helpful seeing as Im completely clueless at the moment!
Ill let ye know what I end up going for, hopefully v soon lol