I need a laptop...just a laptop

[Tyre Smoke]

My ageing Acer Aspire is on it's last legs.

Some time ago the hard drive became corrupt and crashed completely. I performed a format and installed Ubuntu which has worked well ever since, and I have to say I prefer it to Windows.

I only use the laptop for internet, Quickbooks, Dropbox and printing stuff. So nothing too taxing, which is why the Acer has lasted so well.

But now it will only work if plugged in, the battery will not take a charge. I could buy a battery, but figure a new laptop wouldn't be too expensive in comparison.

So, do I buy one from eBay, if so any recommended sellers, like Curry/PC World outlet or something? Or an online supplier - Dell?

Obviously I don't want to spend a fortune, and I will install Ubuntu on it, so an operating system isn't needed.

Any help or pointers much appreciated.

[p4cks]

I had a similar challenge recently when my Samsung laptop gave up the ghost which was mainly used for surfing the web and the occasional Office product.

I used AO's walkthrough process and it recommended me a list of laptops for what I needed it for, which was a welcome tool given I'm a laptop novice.

I'd link to the one they recommended and I bought but it doesn't look like it's on their website anymore (HP 6EX02EA#ABU which was £299)

[Jinx]

Pop across to Dell outlet - anything there will do what you need.

[prand]

to save you a few bob. just order a new battery. Fractions of the price of a new laptop, eg:

http://www.good-batteries.co.uk/product.php/ACER+A...

[Funk]

You'll struggle to find one without Windows 10 on it to be honest; as others have said, pretty much most of the ones on the Dell site will be fine, we just got a decent HP one off Amazon for under £500 - 15.6", 512Gb M.2, 8Gb.

[p4cks]

prand said:

to save you a few bob. just order a new battery. Fractions of the price of a new laptop, eg:

http://www.good-batteries.co.uk/product.php/ACER+A...

A laptop not holding its charge can be a whole number of things, and sadly not quite as easy to diagnose. In my experience it's best to just buy a new one rather than pissing about with new batteries, new processing units or new charger points etc

[Tyre Smoke]

I'm not going to mess with it, it's about 10 years old. it owes me nothing.

Something under £300 will do me fine.

15.6 screen reasonable RAM and I'm happy. If it comes with Windows, so be it. A quick format will sort that. I think there is even an option for that when installing Ubuntu.

Thanks for all the pointers!

[pubrunner]

prand said:

to save you a few bob. just order a new battery. Fractions of the price of a new laptop, eg:

http://www.good-batteries.co.uk/product.php/ACER+A...

• * Please read this message ! ***

A cautionary tale - do NOT in any circumstances make a purchase from www.goodbatteries.co.uk

A few years ago, I purchased a battery from this company; it took almost three weeks to arrive . . . from China (via Sweden).

What arrived, was a box containing warning stickers from Customs & Excise. Inside, was a battery which didn't fit my laptop and didn't even look new. I opened a case with PayPal and they told me that they would give me a refund, but first, I'd have to return the battery by recorded delivery. When the Seller received (and signed) for the return, PayPal would then refund my payment.

The problem was two-fold; the cost of returning the package to China (Signed For) was almost £40 - which was about what I'd paid for the battery. The primary problem though, is that it is prohibited to send batteries abroad; this meant that I couldn't get a refund, because I was prohibited from making a return. I explained this to PayPal, but they simply weren't interested.

The company www.goodbatteries.co.uk can send you any old stuff, safe in the knowledge that you won't be able to return it and thereby get a refund.

If you have any doubts, take a look at the reviews for the company :

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.good-batterie...


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.ph...

[Mr-B]

Thought about a SSD to replace the hard drive? Seems to be a decent way to revive an old machine. Haven't done it myself but seriously tempted.

[prand]

pubrunner said:

Cautionary post from Pubrunner

Thanks for the heads up. I usually get batteries from eBay successfully. I just posted up the first link from Google for illustration.

[Funk]

pubrunner said:

prand said:

to save you a few bob. just order a new battery. Fractions of the price of a new laptop, eg:

http://www.good-batteries.co.uk/product.php/ACER+A...

• * Please read this message ! ***

A cautionary tale - do NOT in any circumstances make a purchase from www.goodbatteries.co.uk

A few years ago, I purchased a battery from this company; it took almost three weeks to arrive . . . from China (via Sweden).

What arrived, was a box containing warning stickers from Customs & Excise. Inside, was a battery which didn't fit my laptop and didn't even look new. I opened a case with PayPal and they told me that they would give me a refund, but first, I'd have to return the battery by recorded delivery. When the Seller received (and signed) for the return, PayPal would then refund my payment.

The problem was two-fold; the cost of returning the package to China (Signed For) was almost £40 - which was about what I'd paid for the battery. The primary problem though, is that it is prohibited to send batteries abroad; this meant that I couldn't get a refund, because I was prohibited from making a return. I explained this to PayPal, but they simply weren't interested.

The company www.goodbatteries.co.uk can send you any old stuff, safe in the knowledge that you won't be able to return it and thereby get a refund.

If you have any doubts, take a look at the reviews for the company :

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.good-batterie...


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.ph...

Just to add to the above, cheapo third-party batteries should be avoided; you need to know a battery has been properly-made as bad ones can be a significant fire risk.

Here's what can happen when one lets go: https://youtu.be/ehcGWLOH-Js?t=450

[Adam B]

Could spend half that budget

Would a chrome book be ok ?

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Chromebook-11-CB3-...


Failing that a cheap HP ?

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/HP-14-cb006na-OneDrive-...

[Tyre Smoke]

Chromebook, no. Had one and didn't like it.

That HP looks ideal but I'd want a 15.6" screen.

[AJB88]

Mr-B said:

Thought about a SSD to replace the hard drive? Seems to be a decent way to revive an old machine. Haven't done it myself but seriously tempted.

SSD isn't going to solve his battery issues is it?


I have a Dell XPS 13 Ubuntu Edition works very well (2018 model) might be worth trying to pick one up from Dell Outlet, make sure its got an SSD though.

[sgrimshaw]

Which model of Acer Aspire is it?

I've got one of a similar age who's motherboard has failed, the battery "used" to be fine.

Battery might be ok, yours if you want it .... assuming:

1. It fits; and
2. I can find the bloody thing

[Tyre Smoke]

Very kind of you Simon, still up the road in Somerset?

I'll have a look tomorrow and let you know.

[LuS1fer]

Refurbished Lenovo T440S with SSD and lots of RAM.
Very solid and reliable. No wonder the Civil Service use them.

[sgrimshaw]

Tyre Smoke said:

Very kind of you Simon, still up the road in Somerset?

I'll have a look tomorrow and let you know.

Yup

[cmahey]

I've sworn by Lenovo Thinkpad's in recent years.

Super reliable and built like tanks (think of them as the old Volvo of laptops, but nicer looking.), the older models have replaceable batteries.

There's plenty on eBay based on your budget.

[prand]

cmahey said:

I've sworn by Lenovo Thinkpad's in recent years.

Super reliable and built like tanks (think of them as the old Volvo of laptops, but nicer looking.), the older models have replaceable batteries.

There's plenty on eBay based on your budget.

I've had a couple of Lenovos from an Amazon seller of refurbed laptops, and some replacement batteries too. I think I spent no more than £150 each and they've been good value for basic, reliable use.