Lunatek

Some really good advice above, having spent more than a few years within the electronics and other markets specialising in IT - ICT we have certainly seen technology change.

The chrome books are great and if you have good internet access and a little patience most things can be accomplished and there really is a great section of services form google, mail, docs, calendar ect.

However if you need to do a little more and wish to use Windows programs then Windows is required. 

Contrary to many we like Windows 10 for lots of reasons, most PCs do cost more money, again dependent on the use you intend.

Apple I used to recommend Apple, in actual fact I am an OSX certified Tech, but Apple after service is not very good at present in the UK, several issues with friends and families laptops and very poor service although they did get there in the end. 

Lets just say lots of more affordable good quality options now exist and generally reliability has improved, as someone said the grandchildren can help, yep those Grandchildren ( a general statement) changed my career path :) 

As others have said, decide what you need to achieve and do some research before spending the money, use good backup software and at least a software firewall and virus program from a reputable company, if you want to know what we use send me a message. 

Hope this helps in some way. 

I appreciate this is an old thread but thought I would update the information. 

In respect to current Minelab models I can recommend Kellyco in the USA and the Detectores in Brazil, both will repair older machines but its always worth checking they have stock parts for the repair before sending, as for current models the answer I am sure is yes get it booked in. 

And then I would like to mention Lunatek, we are based in the UK and cover the UK and Europe and stepped up  when Ireland service centre closed, we are the official Minelab UK and Europe service centre, you can book in online and feel free to get in touch. 

https://www.lunatek.co.uk