Hi, I am looking for a laptop that is essentially a desktop replacement - I won't be taking it places with me. I want to use it for surfing the web, e-mailing, viewing videos and movies. It needs to have an input mic either built in or a port to take one and be able to burn CDs/DVDs. I am hoping to stay under £400 if that's possible.While i am NOT familiar with computer offerings in the "pound' monetary region as a general rule you cannot go WRONG with taking the time to do extensive research on-line to compare prices and functions (that meet your needs). There are a variety of options available.
1.you can find and order via the web.
2.you can scout out offers at bricks and mortar retail outlets.
3.you can look for refurbished computers at manufacturer websites or other vendors that sell refurbished (often the warranties offered can be equal to new).
4. Depending or your risk tolerance (which with due diligence can be greatly minimized) you can look at on line site like E-Bay or local classified adds for used computers.
I will just link you to a couple of U.S. vendors that have both stores and on-line facilities that will give you a PRICE comparison (have no idea as to the relevance re offerings in your own country)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/
http://frys.com/
truenorthJust wanna share something about Intel powered laptops that are market in my country...
for i3 PROCESSORS: students
for i5 processors: corporate/business/office
for i7 processors: gamingYou could get something from the Acer TimelineX series. They cost about $700 USD and they're a great value for the money. I was talking about it to someone who likes MacBooks (we've discussed this Acer vs. a Mac before) and the only thing a Mac can give you that the TimelineX doesn't have is a "Magical" touchpad and BACKLIT keyboard. (Even though two-finger scrolling does work on the TimelineX.

http://www.amazon.com/Acer-TimelineX-AS4830T-6642-14-Inch-Aluminum/dp/B0051OL9LO/ref=pd_cp_pc_1For future reference, this old computer tech will only recommend two brands of laptops, to my customers.
Because I know I'll have to set them up and maintain them, into the future.

Brand #1 is and has been for many years.........Toshiba.
Brand #2 is Acer.

There is one other brand for those with lots of money. Check out www.sagernotebook.com
or even BETTER:
http://www.sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=products

Happy Holidays Mates!