Oh no Kaffs 

Sorry, can't help with deals, last time mine died I splashed out and got a macbook and have never regretted it for one second

I've never got on with macs supes - not tbe big un we bave at work anyway.  Because of that I'd be a bit unsure if parting with a wad of cash for one.  Thankfully this was a bit wobbly a few weeks back so  I made sure I backed up imlortant stuff.

 

There is a good chance your new laptop will come with Windows 8. I would try it out first as I have had mixed reports from friends in the industry. it seems to be dividing opinion.

 

I'm on both iMac and PC at home. iMac for GaGaJoyJoy.

 

Just so people know what to look for, what is your budget and what are the types of things you do with your laptop?

 

Also, if you have an Apple store close by, I would recommend a trip to play on their laptops. I can't speak highly enough of their computers. Yes they are more expensive, but I've found them to be more reliable than my PC.

 

Yep I wondered about Windows 8 - I dont think I'll have much option tho I dont suppose?   No apple stores nearby unfortunately only other apple product I've triedis the iPad and cant say I'm a fan of that either.    I just really use it for fun -  occasional work and internet.  Used to play on Second Life so this one has a good graphics spec (cant remember what it is now tho!)  Its an hp pavilion was 800 about three years ago.   Probably  dont NEED such a high spec now but if gheres a good deal around I'd rather have the option of having it.    I hate typing on this phone btw   takes forever!

 I hope you manage to get a new lappy soon, Kaffy.

 

When it comes to gaming I'm out of my depth because I don't play games at all. Clearly you will need to ensure that the specification of your new laptop is sufficient to handle the current games you play and allow for future games to run without problems (after all you will not be changing your laptop next year).

 

For people who just surf the net and do some social media and a bit of shopping & banking they would be fine with a processor like the i3 or i5 or equivalent and a relatively low cost graphics option. But as you say, gaming requires a descent graphics card and that along with the main processor always bumps up the price. I guess the other thing to look at is the display, size and resolution.

 

Have a look at some of these sites to get a feel for specs and products.

 

http://www.samsung.com/uk/cons.../notebook-computers/

 

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/laptops?~ck=mn

 

http://www.toshiba.co.uk/laptops/home-computing/

 

http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/vaio-laptops

 

http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/produ...ndex.html?facet=Home

 

...for a kick off  

unsure of your budget/spec requirements but I've bought every pc/component from here http://www.novatech.co.uk/laptop/?s=3 for years and i have always been happy with the price and service, I'm pretty sure I've used the express delivery option in the past too.

It would appear Currys has a sale on lappys atm http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/C...id=198&cmpid=ppc~gg~%28DTP%29_Laptop~Easter_Mega_Deals~Generic&mctag=gg_goog_7904&gclid=CIa779qnpLYCFUbKtAodd1UAcg

Thanks ec and jen   I'm going to my sisters later so I'll check out the links from there

Well... there's peculiar.....

 

After trying to switch on and of dozens of times, I decided to let the battery run right out and see if that did anything.  After I did - I plugged it back in and it's come on again.       No idea what's gone on there?  I've noticed though that it sometimes says it's not charging, it's definitely a bit unstable - but at least it's back for now.   flippin' technology..

 

At least I can have a look around t'internet now though

 

Glad you're connected again Kaffy

Whatever you do can I just say, don't touch Acer with a 20 ft barge pole   I was told they're a very good make but I had nothing but trouble with my two literally from the moment I got them .

 

I would love to be able to afford an apple imac 

Funny Pengy - my first lappy was an Acer - cheap and chips and it's still running. My niece's 9 year old inherited it a couple of years ago.     This one i think has done ok to last three years given the thrashing it's had - the worse lappy I ever had was a Sony Vaio that cost £1500 (work paid!)   was shocking and the Sony after sale 'service' despite having a maintenance contract that cost a fortune entailed sending it off for invesigation and repair that could take a couple of months.   I think if this one dies properly I might buy the cheapest one I can and think of it as disposable.

thanks Baz... fingers crossed it lasts 

Oh no kaffy you poor thing I too would go with a MacBook and wouldn't regret using my credit card to pay for it if I had to, but I do hope you find a good deal and have yourself a shiny new laptop very soon

thanks sweet.... I'm sticking with my ramshackle one as long as it lives...(well, for now anyway)      It just occurred to me that if it happened with my phone I'd have tried taking the battery out - that's why I thought I'd try letting it drain fully.   No idea why it made a difference, but let's hope it's not temporary.  (I just don't fancy a Mac - I guess there are apple people and ermm not apple people )

Ooh I never would have thought of that! Good idea kaffy, hope it lasts a good while longer! A battery replacement might help at some point too

Yeah - I can't work out why it helped though - the battery had a full charge.  

Maybe it just needed a reset..?

Whenever my old lappy went funny (and it frequently did), taking the battery out and stuffing it back in again used to be a miracle cure. Laptop batteries are just weird I reckon