new laptop advice

[punio75]

As the only person with the smallest idea of IT knowledge at work its in my hands to buy the secretary a new laptop.

Her desktop has bitten the dust so I am after just the basics really- i.e she needs something relatively light so she can easily transfer from home to work, just does usual tasks i.e word processing, email, internet etc..

Think a budget limit of ?400 will be plenty hopefully.

Anyone help with recommendations?

[charlesr]

The first thing that popped into my mind was "backups?"

What happened when her desktop "bit the dust"? Was the data safe? If there is already a backup solution then any laptop will do at that price. If she already has a windows license and doesn't want to upgrade, then she might be able to transfer the licence (do you still have to pay a small sum to unlock on new hardward??) to save some money - i.e. get a blank laptop or one with linux on and just overwrite it.

If you don't have a backup solution, add an external USB HDD device into the price.

[punio75]

Charles, yep, she had a back up (bought an external hard drive about 3 weeks before!)
I think it was running xp so would want an upgrade on this (what are we on now, about windows 8?)

Any particular makes to look out for? Good deals anywhere?

[charlesr]

Will this be mainly used on a desk? If it was me, I'd get a netbook, with a keyboard/mouse/monitor separately. Modern netbooks will do everything she needs I'm guessing. Then it will be ultra portable, but still have the benefit of full keyboard and decent screensize. But most people hate this idea.

If she's set on getting a full size laptop: http://www.dabs.com/products/toshiba...RBS.html?src=2
i3 processor
15" screen
Win7 Home Premium.

[bash]

I would spend double the ?400 and get something with an SSD. Much faster and reliable.