laptop questions

[xmasfairy]

hi

have read the sticky thread and had a look at requirements etc but have 1 more question.

my sis wants a laptop for xmas and we need some advice about all the extras we need to get, we've never used laptops before so are a bit stuck.

apart from what comes with the laptop when you buy it what else is an essential to get her set up?

we dont have a specific laptop in mind as yet but it will be for basic 17 yr olds use ie schoolwork (hmmmm) etc. the house is connected to broadband but not wireless although this is an option.

any advice/lists gratefully received!

Laura

 

[Abarbarian]

You usually get loads of stuff with a new lap top . You may not need it all . As to other stuff have a look here for ideas . You can get free programs to do most things and a lot of them work very well .

https://www.pcreview.co.uk/forums/thread-2697599.php

 

[murdoch]

How much do you want to spend £££££££.
A rough idea would enable us to help you more.

 

[Me__2001]

most laptops will come with a wireless card so can be connected to a wireless network if you choose to get a wireless router, a combined wireless router and ADSL modem will set you back about £50 depending on the make and model. this also depends on what internet connection you have ?

if all its gonna be used for is internet and school work you should be able to get something decent for £400-500

have you seen any you like the look of?

 

[xmasfairy]

thanks 4 the prompt replies guys,


not seen any in particular...as she is hashy we're looking to keep it quite cheap for her 1st one saw one in comet an acer 5315.075???? only £300 any idea if its any good!!

as for internet connection, its virgin media but no idea of speed etc (its my mums house)

is there any must haves? will we need to buy new virus protection etc or will we be able to use the same as on the main pc? (i am a total technical blonde)

 

[Taffycat]

I used laptops exclusively for about six years and have to say that the one thing I would always go for as an "extra" is a mouse! It is very attractive to have everything neatly contained in just one "box" but after a while, it can become such a fiddle to use the pad and buttons. It is really a matter of personal choice, of course, but even though I'd never used a desktop (until now) the separate mouse became a must-have for me, being far more comfortable to use.

Mine (which were not at that time connected to broadband) were protected by Zone Alarm free firewall and AVG free anti-virus and I never had any virus problems etc. But there are plenty of other choices. The laptops are still protected by the same applications, but our wired router has a built-in firewall which adds to the overall protection. (Er... I am not a techy either, btw, so just commenting on my own experiences. )

Have you thought of checking out some of Novatech's offers? Prices around £335 and upwards. They even have an offer for free next-day delivery at the moment. Haven't used their laptops myself, but I bought a desktop from them earlier this year and found their service to be very excellent.