Mainly simple stuff (internet, word processing etc.) plus gaming (but nothing particularly modern, though I'd like to have some freedom to play some newer games) with a bit of programming and photoshop. The most strenuous thing would likely be 3D modelling, but it's rare that I do that (or have time to) so as long as it performs as well as my old one at that it's fine.

Yeah, I was looking for one with a dedicated GPU, preferably a nVidia one, but couldn't find anything within my budget. I'm not too bothered about graphical settings, if I can play the game with a decent frame rate I'm happy on Low.

That's a good point, warranties usually all seem to be a year so it would be at least that before I could upgrade the RAM..

Decisions decisions... Thanks for the help, I really appreciate it, when o start doing this I realise just how little I really know...

So I went for the [url=http://www.ebuyer.com/740903-hp-250-g4-laptop-p5r50es-abu ]Intel one[/url], it seemed the best for what I can afford. It will be here in the morning.
Main downside I can see being it's Windows 10, I'm hoping it's not quite as bad as people make out but I'll soon find out.

I would install Windows 7 but I doubt the license from my old machine is transferable from what I've read (and while I did make something when I first got it I'm not sure those disks are enough to install from fresh).

It's basically the same model (as far as I can see) as my girlfriend currently has, just higher specs, so while the keyboard is a bit odd (it's off centre so they can fit a number pad) I'm getting used to it. Plus the number pad is a huge bonus as the lack of one on my last laptop made some games (roguelikes) quite difficult...

Congrats !

It's anyway difficult to escape Win 10 on a brand new laptop nowadays. And indeed seasonned PC users tend to dislike 10, especially the fact it forces "choices" upon you ( f.i. no way to avoid automatic updates ). My new laptop came with 10, and I have no major issue... but I don't like it. I actually also got a second hand, 6 years old MacBook pro for my daughter, and find El Capitan much more of a positive evolution vs Snow Leopard, than 10 is vs 7

Yeah, one of the reasons I was actually tempted to go for a refurb was quite a few had 7 still...

No way to turn off auto updates is a big turn off for me, I've had more problems with Window's auto uodates breaking things that I just disable the lot (and I've never had problems). I might have to see what I can do about that... or create a dual boot and work in Linux...

New laptop is here. It's pretty groovy, I'm pleased with it (yet to try games or anything yet mind, but it seems quicker than the old one certainly).

Windows 10 on the other hand... ugh. If I wanted a mobile OS I'd use my phone... really not impressed.

Very very tempted to try reinstalling Windows 7 somehow... unfortunately I doubt that would be easy without buying a new license (if that's even possible anymore)

*sigh*
We'll see. Damn Microsoft...

Yep, that's what I call an anti-Darwinian evolution ;-)

The support centre from HP provide Windows 7 and 8.1 drivers for this model. If you really want to go that way, you will have 1) download and save on a disc the full set of drivers you need , 2 ) format the HDD and r3) einstall the "new" old OS . Amazon uk still sells 8.1 and 7 licences.

That's good to know at least. I'll probably stick with it for a while and see what happens... I'm going to have to adapt to it eventually unless Microsoft do a massive U-Turn with their next iteration (unlikely) so unless I ditch in favour of Linux I might as well start using it now...

I'd really like to find a way to switch off updates and windows defender though, auto updates and anti virus are two things I've always hated...

The only way to inactivate Defender is to install another Antivirus :-( and no way to turn off updates for the moment ( well for users of 10 pro, there seems to be a trick, but home users are deemed to be stupid they don't know what they are doing .

I am afraid there might be no further iteration, but "évolutions" ( like OS X ) , and many suspect that will gradually lead us to a pay as you use / os by subscription.

Linux is a possibility, indeed.

Yeah, I saw there were a few possible tricks for Pro users... but I begrudge paying Microsoft £100 for what should be an included feature / capability..

That's how it looks certainly, and one reason I think it's unlikely they will do any major over hauling or returning to previous methods..

One that is looking more and more likely. If I could run Photoshop and all my games I would switch today, but unfortunately I can't stand GIMP and the idea of having to mess around with every game to get it working doesn't appeal either...
But someday soon I could see myself making the jump..
It will be a quiet affair, haven't set a date yet. People should come dressed as there favourite gaming characters ;)