Laptops??

As the wheels turn for my going to the UK for a 12 months work contract in early Feb, I'm thinking of buying laptop. You guys delivered good info when I was shopping for a dig camera so do I need a laptop? My main (total!) needs are for internet hook-up, a "Word" type of function for e-mails & storage of heaps of dig photos. Are they a reas thing to buy 2nd hand? What are the more o/s recognizable brands?

I have always been using Dell. Good and reliable. Their service hasn't been bad either. Did you know that you can salary scarifice to buy a laptop (ie the ATO allows you to buy a laptop tax free once a year)
Raf

If your considering buying second hand you should look at these guys

http://www.laptop.com.au

They are in richmond and although I haven't dealt with them I do know ppl who have and they seem quite happy.

Alternativley have a look at the base models (more than able to do what you want) here

http://www.pc-club.com.au/

they are in sydney so you would have to go mail order ( I bought my new laptop from them and very happy so far) - As you will in the UK for 12 months, buying from sydney shouldnt be too much of a worry

Actually just remembered somewhere that should be your first port of call

http://www.higrade.com.au/

They have 2 years international warranty including accidental damage and they are also in uk as well as melbourne.

I always now recamend my customers (and I flatly refuse to sell laptops) choose a smaller company such as the ones I listed, as I have found that dealing with larger companies when something goes wrong to be very unsatisfactory. Without fail the level of support you get is practically nil, at least with a small manufacturer they are still at the stage of trying to build their customer base and want to please, as opposed to saying "Section 84d subsection c para 4 expresly excludes the switching on of this device" an exageration (perhaps) but you wuld be amazed how often I hear from the likes of c*mpaq etc "Sorry but its our policy that if your hard drive is damaged that the whole machine has to be sent in and it will take about 3-4 weeks to have it repaired."

Take a look at the warranty from hi grade - definatley worth a look.

(Where abouts in the UK ?)