Which Laptop for DS1?

[Curiousmama]

Can anyone advise on a good laptop to get for DS1 (yr7) I got a home access grant and have been given £528 to buy a laptop and it includes internet for a year. My computer is pre-historic and temperamental so this has come as a relief

TIA

Yes i noticed it cost a bit more but they add in extra educational software and as i have 3 other DC i decided that would be of use to all of them in time. It is a lovely machine . I use it more than them so far!

On second thoughts, although they charge an extra 19 quid for several machines, I hope some of the bundled educational software makes that bit extra worthwhile. Quite likely to even if only 10% of the s/w they add on is used.

LOL - cross posted as I had not refreshed the thread! Glad the software is useful, and I know how nice it is to have a new machine (at least it seems new for the first 9-12 months !)

Hi all...
Thought I'd toss my 2p in the pot as I've done a bit of in depth research into Home Access Grants... having TWO "internet ready" daughters (I'm a recently out of work IT "Dad" btw )
First off the computers on offer are mostly all the same across all the "approved" sites here so the best way to look at it is which computer is going to give you the best "bang for buck"...
The Samsung R519 is the only offering that has a dual core processor so this would be the best buy in this category. The 1Gig memory is a definite shortfall but you can pick up a 1 Gig memory module from eBay for less than £10... and then invite an IT friend round for a cuppa... and to install . Also look for a laptop that has Microsoft Office installed. I've nothing against OpenOffice but Microsoft just happens to be the de-facto standard used by most organisations and schools these days.
The second consideration is the internet access package. The majority are 3G wireless offerings by either T-Mobile or 3 Mobile. Interestingly this site offers Orange and "Home Internet - BT Line" as an option. If you want Orange or a fixed line then phoning them to find out more about this option may be a good idea.
All the wireless internet access packages have a 3Gig per month usage limit so the most important factor here would be checking if you get coverage by the selected internet provider. All the approved supplier sites have links to check this by entering your postcode and checking on a map. Note that you can mix and match i.e. get the laptop from one site and the internet access from another. The cost will still be within the £528 grant.

And there you have it... I'm personally going to get the Samsung package from this site. It ticks all the above boxes and I like the fact that a Lexmark printer/scanner/copier is being thrown in at no additional cost (normal cost is £40-£50)
Hope this has been a bit of help as there's not much info on the net with regard to the Home Access scheme.... yet...
Macanix out...

Ds1 is going on well with his Toshiba although we haven't set up the printer yet. I need to get him a computer desk for his bedroom.