Laptop for £300

[LauraJ23]

My neighbour is wanting a new laptop as his very old PC has died, doesn't want to pay any more than £300, it will be used for internet usage mainly, I am so used to needing faster processor s and things to use with Photoshop, is there much difference in them at this price point?

 

[andyred]

From personal experience with mother in law - I would avoid the HP laptops - she's had 2 fail with HDD's, both around the 12 - 18 month age range.

I took them to John Lewis and they had a good range, were competitively priced and offer a 2 year warranty on the laptops, which turned out to be very useful

Oh and their customer service was excellent with them when they went faulty...

 

[trevr]

From personal experience with mother in law - I would avoid the HP laptops - she's had 2 fail with HDD's, both around the 12 - 18 month age range.

I took them to John Lewis and they had a good range, were competitively priced and offer a 2 year warranty on the laptops, which turned out to be very useful

Oh and their customer service was excellent with them when they went faulty...

Good advise regarding JL although I wouldn't avoid HP because of the HDD failing. Pretty unlucky to lose 2 of them within 18 months and it is likely HP just buy them (OEM) rather than actually manufacturer them. Most laptops are made up of the same parts made in the same bunch of factories. HP have millions of laptops and if they had a HDD issue, it would be a thing for sure.

I would focus getting a good warranty (2 years plus as mentioned), a reputable brand (HP, Dell, Acer, Asus etc) and the spec you need (which in this case is not too high).

In terms of the spec, you won't find too much for £300 and nothing high end so just research the best spec for your money.

Lastly, although online normally comes out cheaper, because this is for your neighbour, it might be worth using the high street as they can manage their own returns/issues without you becoming their tech support for the life of the laptop.

 

[landwomble]

Dell UK outlet. They will easily get a new machine for under 300 there. Avoid Celeron if you can.

 

[LauraJ23]

2 yr guarantee at john lewis is great, would have to travel go Nottingham though as that's the nearest, only have PC world and Argos and tesco type shops near by, as for HDD I have had my fair share of them fail on zoostorm HP and advent, I have an HP myself, been quite good. Just trying to make sure the best is chosen for the price.

 

[andyred]

2 yr guarantee at john lewis is great, would have to travel go Nottingham though as that's the nearest, only have PC world and Argos and tesco type shops near by, as for HDD I have had my fair share of them fail on zoostorm HP and advent, I have an HP myself, been quite good. Just trying to make sure the best is chosen for the price.

You can look around, choose what you're after and order from JL on line and still get there 2 yr warranty and (I think) free delivery

 

[andyred]

Good advise regarding JL although I wouldn't avoid HP because of the HDD failing. Pretty unlucky to lose 2 of them within 18 months and it is likely HP just buy them (OEM) rather than actually manufacturer them. Most laptops are made up of the same parts made in the same bunch of factories. HP have millions of laptops and if they had a HDD issue, it would be a thing for sure.

I would focus getting a good warranty (2 years plus as mentioned), a reputable brand (HP, Dell, Acer, Asus etc) and the spec you need (which in this case is not .

Yes - possibly just bad luck, but it has put me off them, perhaps it's because they were at the cheaper / mid range they do ???

Still, was very pleased with and impressed with JL customer service and from my parents in law, this was def worth it - and worth the 65 mile round trip