Must be able to run office and a few other applications that are win based.

Decent sized screen. Not too fussed about weight as will have other for travel.

Dont wish to bust bank.

Must be stable with Internet connection as current heap of fuck keeps dropping.

Not pricey, reliable. Not other specific requirements?  Dare I suggest Dell?

I've had a number of dell laptops.  I'm personally not keen on the current inspirons (bit plastic & shiney), but generally have found them no better or worse than other brands I've used, even more expensive ones.  You have to clear all the crap free software off when you buy one, but otherwise they're OK. Not great. Not aweful. Just OK.

It is refurbished with an Argos 12mth warranty £239.99   

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360375234380&clk_rvr_id=242641217522#ht_2518wt_1139

Brand: TOSHIBA C660
Memory (RAM):   2GB
Processor Type: Intel Core i3 380M
Features:   Operating System, USB, WiFi Enabled   Processor Speed:   2.53GHz
Hard Drive Capacity: 320GB   
Display Size:   15.6in

More info on it here http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/toshiba-c660-laptop-intel-core-i3-380m-2gb-ram-243-98-argos-outlet-store-ebay-re/963187

If you don't fancy a refurb, we just took delivery of a new laptop from Argos yesterday

Triple core N830
2.1GHz processor speed.
3GB DDR3 RAM memory.
250GB SATA hard drive.
15.6 inch display.
ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics card with 256MB memory

£299

Other sites are offering this as a refurb for the same price, but this is brand new.

Its far better than I expected.

I'm partial to lenovo, bought out ibm's notebook division.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006740%2050010418&IsNodeId=1&name=Lenovo

Not sure where to buy for the UK but I'd pick the best from that list that suited my needs.

Thanks for suggestions.

Colin, is that a tosh?

Any recomendations on SSD ones.

Toshibas have always been built like a tank for me.

QuoteColin, is that a tosh?

Nah - its an Acer - they bought the emachines brand off packard bell (I think).

We have a Hewlett Packard  that is similar spec - I would say the Acer not much different in 'perceived quality', no idea on actual quality, but I have had a series of Acers that I have had no problems with FWIW.

Thanks

I think an SSD device takes it out my price unless I want to buyca separate one £100 ish and add it afterwards.

Thanks did the tips people.

This is a freaking joke. Looking at what to think about buying again and there is a baffling array of things to consider. I get bored and give up quite easily on this one.

Just thought I would moan about it.

Apparently there's a hard drive shortage just now so it's probably going to affect value in the current laptop offerings.

Another nod for Lenovo here.  I picked up a new thinkpad a couple of weeks back and so far am loving it.  Combined with a dock it will be replacing my office desktop shortly as well.

I have to add another vote for the acers. I have a couple which get real abuse from the kids. Very solid and a great price.

My main laptop is a Sony (3 years service) and Id be happy to get another one. They are pricey though.