Choose the device around the household’s hardest essential task: a phone may cover communication and quick access, while regular forms, schoolwork and documents call for a device with a comfortable screen and keyboard. Check connection availability at the address before deciding between home broadband and mobile data, then assess the device and connection together for affordability and ongoing use.
If someone regularly completes long forms, uploads files or works on documents, start by checking whether the intended device makes those tasks manageable. Ofcom reports that some adults find online tasks, including forms, challenging on mobile devices. A keyboard, suitable screen and working connection may matter more here than portability.
Consider the device and the continuing connection together. A refurbished laptop or entry-level new device may be worth comparing, but its condition and support need checking. For connectivity, compare services available at the address; Ofcom also lists social tariffs for people receiving certain benefits, subject to provider and eligibility conditions.
A phone may already handle messages, calls and quick visits to online services. Before relying on it as the household’s only device, try the most demanding recurring task on its screen and check whether typing, uploading or using a required website is practical.
Identify the hardest task before choosing a device, then check which connection works at the address. Finally, consider what the household can maintain and use over time.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Essential tasks | Try required forms, learning sites or documents on the intended device; check keyboard access and software compatibility. | If I regularly type, edit documents or upload schoolwork, I need more than quick phone access. Around 29% of consumers would put the ability to complete those tasks first. |
| Connection at home | Check broadband availability and mobile coverage for the postcode; consider indoor use and the number of users. | When several people need to get online at home, a plan is useful only if the service works where we use it. Around 29% of consumers would make connection suitability their primary concern. |
| Affordability and purchase protection | Consider the device and continuing connection together; for a refurbished device, check the seller, condition and written warranty terms. | I need a choice the household can keep using without overlooking the condition of a refurbished device or its purchase terms. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise affordability and purchase protection. |
| Ease of use and support | Check update support for the exact model and whether the household can use its input, display and support options. | If setup, updates or a small screen make everyday tasks difficult, a manageable device matters more to me than extra specifications. Around 21% of consumers would put ease of use and continuing support first. |
A phone or small tablet may handle communication but be awkward for sustained form completion or document work. Ofcom reports that some adults face difficulties with online tasks on mobile devices.
List the household’s recurring essential activities, then try each one on the intended type of device before choosing it.
If typing or document work proves impractical, the household may need a separate keyboard or access to another device.
Warranty terms differ by seller and do not establish the condition of an individual laptop. Citizens Advice explains that a warranty or guarantee adds to legal rights rather than replacing them.
Keep the listing, condition description and proof of purchase. Read the written warranty’s duration, exclusions and claims process before buying.
Ofcom’s coverage information is specific to the location and provider. A mobile network or fixed service that appears suitable in general may not meet the household’s needs at home.
Check broadband availability and mobile coverage for the actual postcode, then consider indoor use, shared access and expected data use.
Google says that after a Chromebook’s final software update, it no longer receives ChromeOS and browser updates; some features may stop working.
Check the update schedule for the exact model, particularly when considering an older or used Chromebook.
These business-laptop families may appear in refurbished searches. Assess the exact model and individual unit rather than treating a brand name as evidence of its condition.
ThinkPad is Lenovo’s business-laptop line and a model family to consider when looking at refurbished laptops.
Latitude is Dell’s commercial-laptop family, with configurations that vary by model.
ProBook is HP’s business-laptop line and another family to consider for keyboard-based household tasks.
These laptops and Chromebooks are options for households considering a keyboard-based device for forms, learning and documents. Choose a suitable connection separately, and check any essential apps or peripherals against the exact device before buying.
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Consider this Windows laptop if household tasks call for a keyboard and document work; confirm that any essential applications and peripherals work with this exact model.
Snapdragon X, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD are stated in the product name. Check the written warranty terms and whether a non-touch display suits the household.
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Consider this Chromebook for keyboard-based web tasks if the household’s required websites, apps and peripherals work in ChromeOS.
The product name specifies a 14-inch WUXGA display, Intel Core 5 120U, 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD. Check the exact model’s final ChromeOS update date before buying.
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This keyboard-based option is worth considering for online learning and documents when essential tasks can be completed in ChromeOS.
The product name specifies a 14-inch display, Intel Core i3 N305, 8GB RAM and 256GB eMMC storage. Check app and peripheral compatibility and the exact model’s update schedule.
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Consider this Chromebook for longer web-based tasks if ChromeOS meets the household’s software and peripheral needs.
The product name specifies a 14-inch WUXGA display, Intel Core i3-1315U, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Its processor and storage distinguish it from the other CB514-5H shown here; check the exact model’s final update date.
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Consider this Windows laptop if a larger display and keyboard suit the household’s forms or document tasks.
The product name specifies a 15.6-inch Full HD display, AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Confirm the exact model and configuration before buying, as the product information uses differing Aspire names.
Prioritise a laptop when essential household tasks involve sustained typing, schoolwork, document editing, uploads or lengthy forms. Ofcom reports that some adults find online tasks challenging on mobile devices; try the household’s hardest task before deciding whether phone-only access is enough.
Start with what is available at the household’s address. Ofcom’s checker provides broadband availability and mobile coverage information by provider; then consider indoor use, the number of people connecting and the data allowance needed for activities such as video calls and updates.
People receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit or certain other benefits may be able to apply for a social broadband or phone tariff listed by Ofcom. Check the participating provider’s current service, qualifying benefit, named contract-holder requirements and terms for the household’s circumstances.
Check the exact model, stated condition, battery, charger and software support, then read the seller’s written warranty and claims process. Keep the listing and proof of purchase; as Citizens Advice explains, a warranty or guarantee adds to legal rights rather than replacing them.
Check mobile coverage as a possible connection route, and ask about the Broadband Universal Service Obligation if fixed service falls below its conditions. Ofcom says households unable to obtain at least 10 Mbit/s download and 1 Mbit/s upload may be able to request an upgraded connection, subject to eligibility and an assessment by BT or, in the Hull area, KCOM.