Households without a usable home connection
Check what service is available at your address before choosing a Wi-Fi-only device. Ofcom cautions that actual broadband availability at a property can differ from coverage predictions.
Who needs which starting point?
Consumers managing device and connection commitments
Consider both the device and the continuing connection. Good Things Foundation describes local routes to refurbished devices and mobile data, while Ofcom lists broadband and phone social tariffs for people receiving qualifying benefits.
People needing an accessible setup
Work out whether display size, text adjustments, a physical keyboard, an alternative pointing device or setup help will make the device usable. AbilityNet recommends choosing a computer around the person’s accessibility needs.
What should you sort out first?
Find the obstacle you need to resolve first, then choose a connection, support route and device that work together. The percentages below describe how consumers might prioritise these distinct needs, not how often each barrier occurs.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Connection at home | Check fixed broadband at the address and whether mobile coverage and a suitable data arrangement could work there. Ofcom warns that predicted availability may differ from actual service. | If I cannot get online at home, I need to establish a workable connection before choosing a Wi-Fi-only device. Roughly 31% of consumers would put connection feasibility first. |
| Device and connection affordability | Consider the device separately from continuing connectivity. Check local device or data support and, if you receive a qualifying benefit, social-tariff eligibility. | When I need both a device and a connection, I cannot judge the setup by the device purchase alone. Around 31% of consumers would make affordability their primary concern. |
| Confidence and setup help | Ask a local Digital Inclusion Hub what help it offers with choosing a device, getting connected and learning to use it; services vary by organisation. | If I am unsure how to set up accounts or use online services, trusted help may be more useful to me than different hardware. About 23% of consumers would put support first. |
| Accessible use | Check the input and display options you need, compatibility with any required accessories, and whether you can get help setting them up. | A connected device will still be difficult for me to use if its screen or controls do not suit my needs. Approximately 15% of consumers would prioritise accessibility. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Buying a Wi-Fi-only device before checking the connection
A laptop or tablet cannot provide home internet service by itself, and Ofcom notes that availability can differ at a particular property.
Check fixed and mobile options at the address before deciding which device or connection equipment to obtain.
You may also need a separate service or connection equipment to use the device online at home.
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Assuming a device purchase is the only route
Good Things Foundation distributes refurbished devices and mobile data through participating community organisations; what a local organisation can offer varies.
Contact a nearby Digital Inclusion Hub about device, data and practical support before committing to a purchase. If you receive qualifying benefits, check social-tariff options with providers too.
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Choosing refurbished hardware without checking its support
A refurbished condition label does not tell you whether the exact model and installed operating system can still receive security updates.
Confirm the full model, operating system, supplied accessories and remaining update support before choosing it.
A device that can no longer receive the updates you need may have a shorter useful life for your intended tasks.
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Assuming a compact touchscreen suits every user
Touch input or a small display may be difficult for someone who needs different controls or a larger viewing area. AbilityNet advises selecting a computer around specific accessibility needs.
Where possible, try the intended input and display arrangement or seek accessibility-focused setup advice before buying.
A suitable keyboard, pointing device or display may need to be arranged separately.
Relevant brands for reference
No brand profiles to display.
Joybuy laptops and tablet to consider
These laptops and Wi-Fi tablet are device options for a first home setup. Choose among them only after deciding how you will get online and whether a keyboard, touchscreen or particular software is needed.
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ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA laptop, Core 5 120U, 24 GB, 1 TB SSD
Consider this laptop if you need a physical keyboard and a 15.6-inch screen for home use. The named variant has an Intel Core 5 120U processor, 24 GB of memory and a 1 TB SSD. Confirm your connection route, required accessory compatibility and update support for the exact model.
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Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15-71P laptop, Core i5-13420H, 8 GB, 256 GB SSD
This is another physical-keyboard option if a 15.6-inch Full HD screen suits your setup. The named variant has an Intel Core i5-13420H processor, 8 GB of memory and a 256 GB SSD. Check the installed Windows mode against any software you need, as well as the connection and exact-model update support.
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Lenovo IdeaPad 1 laptop, Ryzen 3 7320U, 8 GB, 128 GB SSD
Consider this laptop where a physical keyboard and 15-inch Full HD display fit the intended tasks. The named variant has an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor, 8 GB of memory, a 128 GB SSD and Windows 11 Home in S Mode. Check that S Mode permits your required software, and confirm connectivity and update support.
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Acer Aspire Lite AL15-36P-C29Z laptop, Intel N150, 8 GB, 128 GB SSD
This laptop provides a physical keyboard and a 15.6-inch Full HD screen for a home setup. The named variant has an Intel N150 processor, 8 GB of memory and a 128 GB SSD. Confirm the installed Windows mode if particular software is essential, along with your connection route and exact-model update support.
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Xiaomi Pad 8 Wi-Fi tablet, 8 GB, 128 GB, Gray
Consider the tablet if touch input suits the person using it. This Wi-Fi variant has 8 GB of memory and 128 GB of storage; it does not supply an internet service. The compatible Magic Keyboard is described as sold separately, so check keyboard needs, accessibility accessories and exact-model update support before choosing it.
Common questions
What should I check before buying a laptop or tablet for home internet access?
Check how it will connect at your address before choosing the device. Then confirm that it suits your tasks and input needs, and that the exact model can receive the security updates you need; Ofcom cautions that predicted broadband coverage may differ from actual service.
Can I get device or data help instead of buying straight away?
You may be able to get help through a participating community organisation. Good Things Foundation lists local Digital Inclusion Hubs and runs device and mobile-data programmes through its network, but services, eligibility and availability vary; contact the organisation before relying on a particular option.
Is there a broadband option for someone receiving benefits?
A social tariff may be available if you receive a qualifying benefit. Ofcom identifies Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits among the eligibility routes; check a provider’s current criteria, service availability and terms for your household.
What if ordinary broadband at my address is inadequate?
Check whether the property qualifies for a connection request under the broadband Universal Service Obligation. Ofcom says a request may be possible where the property cannot obtain at least 10 Mbit/s download and 1 Mbit/s upload; eligibility and technical circumstances still need checking with BT, or KCOM in the Hull area.
Why check updates on a refurbished device?
The exact model and operating system need to remain suitable for the updates your intended use requires. A refurbished label alone does not establish that status, so confirm the model and its remaining support before choosing it.