Verified answer

www.ebuyer.com

Got some good laptops on offer at the moment

It sounds like Apple would be more suited for your needs. Do bear in mind though that it is harder to get software / servicing for them.

Go to PC World and have a look at the different models - they have a good selection. Make a note of the specs and prices then have a look elsewhere - particularly on the internet.

To be honest, you're not going to get a lot for £300. As someone else said , you might be better going for an ex-display or refurbished model... some of the new but cheap laptops are rubbish and will only cost you more in the long run. Oh and don't buy it from Ebay because you really need to know your stuff - particularly with more expensive items- to avoid tricksters.

Good luck

if you're not going to be playing computer games on it then you wont need top of the line. I would reccomend a refurbished sony vaio. I love mine. I had 3 HP's that i had to return for various issues right out of the box!

Id say look for something with a pentium 4 processor that's about 1.5 ghz or a AMD 2000+ or above. you'll want at least a Gigabyte of RAM (memory) and if at all possible a name brand graphics card Nvidia or ATI. Also go with the best screen you can... bigger is usually better see if they have clear technologies.. anti blurr etc. If you get a cheap screen the letters will be a bit fuzzy.

Oh.. and Macs are not all their cracked up to be.. good luck finding anyone to support them if you have issues and also the software is expensive and rare to find outside of a mac store... can you say.. markup?! Plus Apple charges you for any support because noone else knows how to fix a mac.

I hope this helps!

If you're doing arty stuff then Apples are supposed to be 'better' for that... but you're right, they are expensive. A good second hand PC would be better than a very old Mac... and probably better than a new cheap laptop.

My preference is go for HP or Toshiba or Sony as good makes... IBM has quirks (avoid the point stick) and Dell are flimsy so 2nd hand may be bad.

Or, if you don't need portability, buy a desktop. You get so much more for your money as a desktop and you can upgrade it if you need to later on. And desktops are less prone to overheating.

You could buy a copy of Micro Mart computer magazine, it's only £1.99 and you will find numerous adverts. There are some excellent bargains in reconditioned as new laptops with a full warranty.Also a lot of brand new at discount prices. It's also a good magazine if you want to know a little more about how things work. Hope this helps

we just paid £600 for a HP laptop from staples.

it has vista home premium, HD screen, HD audio, and it is £60 deposit, and you just pay the rest back within 12 months, and it is interest free.

it is really good.

but if its apple u want its apple you want. being a PC user for all my life, i tend to hate the apples, and when i spent 5 minutes in the trafford centre apple shop checking email, i almost ripped my hair out with the frustration of dodgy keyboards, weird mice and a different interface.

either way, i urge you not to get an acer. we paid £700 for one, and it died after just 2 years, which also happened to a few other people.

Annabel, I use an Apple computer and it is definitely the way to go if it is creativity that you need to be using your laptop for! A brand new Macbook starts at $1099.00.

So a brand new one might be beyond your budget. You could check out the Apple online store for options on refurbished products:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/A...

Hi Annabel. Put just a little extra too and get the acer 3692 wlmi from ebuyer. It's a smashing laptop, same as mine.

Better buy new than second hand.

If you go to the Apple store you will find ex demos or refurbs at knock down prices. Go for a Mac and you'll never regret it, they are so easy to use and idiot proof. I've loads of software if you want some.

Buying off eBay leaves you open to problems that can't be resolved, not recommended.

i might propose you carry out somewhat on line analyze. working example, the two Gateway and Dell have on line websites the place you are able to personalize a working laptop or laptop laptop for speed, memory, portability, pictures and price. no longer a bad place to start! additionally, it truly is truly helpful to hit upon a working laptop or laptop sales save close to you to objective some laptops out your self. After finding at some in guy or woman (attempting out the keyboard, picking what length demonstrate is sweet for you), you will desire a extra advantageous thought of the laptop you like whether you purchase it on line or in a save..

Any laptop that's £300 or less is junk. My advice is save up a bit more before choosing the right one. getting a used one is risky....you dont know whats been done to them