Laptop Advice

[nannynewo]

I am in need of a good laptop without breaking the bank (about £300-£350 in total) including all the 'add on's' such as anti virus and anything else that I would need to purchase.

Any recommendations please?

I was in PC World at the weekend and was very overwhelmed by 'the help'. They were trying to make me pay £30 extra to have the laptop already set up. Something to do with windows 8 needing more attention and a better back up system? Is this correct? Or will I be able to bring the laptop home and start using it?

Thanks in advance!

Run in the opposite direction of PC World!! I had nothing but problems with them when my PC broke.

Oh dear :/ It is hard to know where to buy one these days because everyone has different opinions about big companies these days!

I last bought a laptop about 6/7 years ago and 'touch wood' it has lasted me this long. But I really need to get a new one now!

Ooo that one has done well to last 6/7 years! My friend just bought a dell but I find them quite expensive.

I use scan.co.uk for my PC parts, I think they do laptops and have good customer service.

Thanks very much, I shall take a look :)

Windows 8 should already be preinstalled on the PC so you don't really need to pay extra for setting up.

Because Microsoft has released an update to Windows 8, Windows 8.1, this probably won't be installed but all you need do is go to the MS website and download it.

As for security - you can download Microsoft Essentials free of charge for up to 10 PCs in your house so you don't really need to pay anything extra for Norton or McAfee.

It's worth remembering that shops will always try to push set-up, insurance, security etc as they make a lot of money on add-ons.

If you're not gaming or using CAD or other applications that require a lot of processing power, I would recommend a simple, basic PC without add-ons.

Thanks very much Twitterqueen this has been really helpful. I once again walked out of PC World today empty handed and ready to complain about the man working there!

That's some great advice, thanks. Can you recommend a laptop at all please? I am not gaming. I basically do uni work, social networking sites, itunes, netflix etc... I am on the internet quite a lot so I suppose fast wifi too. (not sure about all the technical terms)

I bought a Packard bell in the end, very good deal! Do you know a free version of Microsoft office? I basically only need word because I need to write some essays!
Thanks in advance

Open office?

Following! Can anyone recommend the best place to buy a laptop? I was told not PC world but John Lewis is good?

I've just downloaded libre office as an alternative to open office and like it more.

Avg is good, free security.

I've just got a laptop from Staples and was impressed with the knowledge level of the guy who served me. I still haven't got over the assistant in PC World a few years ago who assured me the only thing which made a difference in laptop speed was the speed of your Internet connection.

John Lewis I believe will do a longer guarantee on the laptops they sell, normally two years. I've bought one from them in the past though online so never delt with staff.