the last laptop was bought nearly 3 years ago in the uk, an acer aspire 5742 with windows 7 that cost about £270.

it has never missed a beat and gets used most days.

i know it hasnt got more than a year left before it dies and when it need replacing i would look at acer again, and one of their cheaper models. all i do is mess around on the internet, e-mails and keep and edit my photos and music.

i dont need an expensive computer. personally i'd rather spend on a high end wristwatch or camera than on a laptop. different strokes etc.