egafd.com

Any good? need a new laptop and Im only really a light user of technology, just need something I can access the net on and check emails etc?

Yep, that'll suite you. Probably an iPad will do just as good a job of that, too. (unless you want any 'flash' based stuff)

You can always save yourself a few quid by buying fro the refurb store on Apples site. As new, exactly the same warranty. I've bought 5 macs that way.

None in stock at the moment though, so keep checking if you're interested.

If you just want to use the internet for email, facebook, twitter, forums, shopping and banking then save yourself a whole lot of money and go for a Chromebook.



They boot up in around 8 seconds, run cool and the battery life is fantastic.

I am a physiotherapist and part of my job is visiting older people, or people who can't get around so much and rely on the internet for their shopping etc. Many have no clue how to set up a firewall, run a security scan (or what to do if they do and find something) nor know the difference between a virus, worm or trojan. You don't have to mess about with any of this stuff with Chromebooks. They're really just terminals and all the security is done at the server's end. They're just about as hassle-free as your'e going to get. Everyone I've encouraged to get one thinks they're great.

There is a downside.......being just a terminal, they're not very good if you have tons of video files you want to save on your PC, or if you use large programmes like for photo and video editing or if you're a heavy gamer.

From your description, a Chromebook would be ideal. Hell, you could buy 3 and have one for different rooms for the same price you're going to pay for a Macbook Air.

Another thing I found, which people liked, was the trackpads on the Chromebooks. They're big and not too fiddly. I've had regular Windows-based laptops, an Apple Powerbook and used Chromebooks and the Chromebook had the best trackpad I've used. A small thing but important when you're using the thing daily.

Check them out, at least.

I've just had a look at Chromebooks as an alternative to a laptop for web browsing, email etc.

Somehow I can't adapt to tablets using the touchscreen rather than keyboard and trackpad, nor need to hold them rather than rest on table or lap even for a short time.

Certainly for those who travel size and weight are important, I have a (relatively) old netbook to use on holiday and find the biggest limitation is the small screen. However with widescreen at 1366x768 pixels being the standard for prolonged use for me anything less than 15" is too small. 17" would be better as the overall weight ought still be significantly less than than the average 15" laptop. Yes it would drain a relatively small and lightweight battery fast but I could live with that as I would rarely use it away from a mains source.

Hence for now I will keep to a laptop but maybe the next generation will tip the balance.

[quote]Somehow I can't adapt to tablets using the touchscreen rather than keyboard and trackpad, nor need to hold them rather than rest on table or lap even for a short time.[/quote]

Chromebooks aren't tablets.

[quote]However with widescreen at 1366x768 pixels being the standard for prolonged use for me anything less than 15" is too small.[/quote]

The Macbook Air comes in 11" and 13" displays. HP do a 14" Chromebook.

Just so you know.