Laptop repair scams - Buying tips

Before you buy, always do some research and compare price/performance. It's always a good idea to read performance reviews first. Then google the brand of laptop with the words 'complaints' or customer complaints. This will actually take you to websites and forums where users like yourself have had problems with the product, after sales service, poor repairs etc. Really, it is important to know about the people your're dealing with before you spend a penny,  otherwise you will face problems if you have to get your laptop serviced or repaired. You could buy an excellent brand, but if the local service and support are poor, would you really buy it?
Many times 'expensive' laptops come with more bells and whistles that you may never use. The basic things to look for- A current cpu- Intel i3, i5 or i7. The AMD cpu models are cheaper but make sure you read the reviews first. 4gb ram. A 500gb hard drive. DVD or blue ray drive. These are the basics.
Get a decent laptop bag. make sure that it's padded and actually takes the bumps and blows that you might come across whenever that machine is in the bag. When you first  purchase the laptop- you will be offered insurance on top of the warranty. The warranty should cover as many faults and failures as possible. The difference is that the warranty will not cover damage you may accidently inflict on the laptop.
The laptop should come with a gurantee that the manufacturer has to honour. If the laptop does break down during the warranty period, the repairs fall within the specifics of the warranty and the dealer refuses to honour the warranty, you can lodge a complaint with the UK Better Business Bureau or Trading Standards as you are clearly being cheated. If you go with the insurance , make sure it covers everything, otherwise what are you paying extra for? The same applies, the contract must be honoured. The laptop market is a massive one, you need to be prudent. Always read the purchase agreement and the fine print before signing and paying.
Also remember that laptops and pc's depreciate in value quickly, as newer processors are introduced every few months. Do not fall for the old trick- was £1000 new, now only £699, you need to check the model number and the specifications, it may well be a model that's discontinued or even last years' model, with a slower processor by this year's standards.