Thank you for all your help. I have been thinking and have decided that I am going to purchase a new laptop instead of updating my existing computer. If you could offer me any advice about Laptops I would really appreciate the help.
Thanks again

Claire

Any new laptop will now come with Windows XP and you may also have an option to get a discounted copy of Microsoft Office 2003 if you buy it at the same time as the laptop. Office 2003 Basic includes Word, Excel and Outlook and it typically costs £100-£150 on top of the standard laptop price.

Get one with at least 1GB RAM if you can afford it - this will allow you to upgrade to Windows Vista, Microsoft Office 2007, etc later on.

If you want to use the laptop for playing games, be sure to get a dedicated 128MB graphics card (or better). These are now much cheaper than they used to be, even in laptops. It will still cost quite a bit but, as graphics cards are very hard (or impossible) to upgrade, it's worth making the investment now if you think that you'll get good use out of it.

Make sure you get a wireless network adaptor (Wireless LAN) built into the laptop.

Be wary of weight. A big screen is great for giving you a big bright display or fitting lots more on the screen that a smaller display panel. However, the bigger the laptop, the more it weighs. As a general rule, 12" or 14" laptops are normally good for carrying around, whereas 15" or 17" laptops are best left on a desk and not transported very often!

Try to get a DVD-ReWriter if it doesn't cost much more. Technology is changing fast - we used to think that CDs had a HUGE capacity but now DVDs store 8 times as much! If you don't realise the benefit of a DVD-Re-Writer now, you certainly will within the next few years.

A 3-year "at home" warranty is often a worthwhile investment but don't be ripped off by a shop's own over-priced extended warranty - get one direct with the manufacturer.

And finally, if you want a new Dell laptop, visit our web site!!

Thanks for all your help and I will have a look at the website. I just think that I will have problems with my old computer if I keep it. I'm sure that I will have more questions for you soon!!. Thanks again though you have been a real help and I appreciate it.

Claire

He said it all