Advice please - need to buy a new pc around £300 so probably laptop but which one?

[Polgara2]

Our old desktop only works when it feels like it so thought would replace while the sales are on.

Looking at laptops because I thought they might be better value? But am now getting confuddled by which processor and brand of laptop I actually need! And am getting desperate.

Has anyone spotted any good deals out there? Don't make these purchases very often so don't want to buy a dud.

We use mainly or browsing, office and photos

Thanks

[1sassylassy]

Its personal opinion,I have seen some good things written about Toshiba laptops,especially on MN but nothing good recently,I certainly have never considered Toshiba a premium brand.Thisblog.laptopmag.com/best-worst-notebook-brands-2013/3 survey confirms that

[unlucky83]

Just been having a look at which laptop reviews for you - agree don't touch the Advent! These exact models aren't reviewed -well a Lenovo G505s is - has a good score then they say there are better budget laptops available -but not which one!
So looking at the brands you mention, Which ask customers for their opinion. They all (except Advent -2 stars) get 3 stars ... Asus come 2nd after Apple (Apple get 4 stars - a big difference - always makes me , think if you pay Apple prices you are going to be inclined to think it was worth the money!)
Anyway scores are close
Reliability - Asus, Toshiba, Acer, Lenovo (66-57%),
Customer score - Lenovo, Acer, Asus, Toshiba (75-65%) ...
In the best buy tables there really isn't much difference for these brands in your price range ...
You could get a Which subscription and check it out (think they do a trial for £1 - I have the full thing £8 per month and I keep meaning to cancel...then forget) - also look for reviews on line of your favourites ...
I think I'd head down to PC world and have a look which you like the best! (Don't necessarily buy there ...have a look and then check the prices and reviews online!) Also be aware - some don't have bluetooth (which I now love to transfer the odd photo from phone to laptop) - and one budget (an Asus? might be Acer) didn't have a DVD drive (can plug in an external one but that might be important to you)...
Good Luck...
BTW I don't like Lenovo - DPs old netbook developed a problem with the screen hinges -(was second hand, so cheap) found online it was a common problem from being a year or so old and Lenovo were less than helpful. I have a Samsung I like, no problems for 2 years previously had a Dell (but was a business one -not cheap) lasted for 10yrs -couldn't be further upgraded but case/screen etc withstood being chucked in my 'handbag' and bashed around!

[NorthernLebkuchen]

I bought the Acer one linked a week ago. So far very happy with it. Battery life is good. Windows 8 is driving me a bit mad but I think I just need to actually do some research on how to do things.

[Polgara2]

Lots of useful info there thanks so much! Will go and digest.

I was looking at pcworld only because can get £25 off with dd1 O2 priority moments!

But will of course check prices everywhere before any purchase.

I am determined to get something this weekend

[CruelAndUnusualParenting]

Lenovo have a good reputation. I would probably spend a bit more and get this Lenovo with a Core i3 Processor and Windows 7. If I've read the spec right it comes with Windows 7 preinstalled and Windows 8 disk, so you can upgrade when/if you decide you want Windows 8.

[Polgara2]

Thanks - didn't know Debenhams sold computers! Have you picked that one because of the win 7 part? There is the same model with win 8 I notice.

Are hp any good these days - I notice pcw have a hp pavilion with i5 processor in the sale also.

[1sassylassy]

HP pavillions are known for their poor fans and tendency to overheat,although they may have improved since I last bought one 3 years ago,that lasted 16 months before the fan went kaput.

[CruelAndUnusualParenting]

I picked that Lenovo mostly for the Core i3 processor, but Win 7 is a nice bonus.

I recently bought an HP laptop. Although it was good value for the money in most respects, I has issues with it's wifi and the plastic case seems a bit flimsy.