i’m looking for a new Windows laptop for a 74 year old relative who is very familiar with using a laptop every day for 5 years. bulk of usage is emailing for all sorts of committees and groups and clubs, has been using Windows Live Mail. also runs Office for Word and Excel. needs 15in screen. have heard that Acer are good, but any thoughts out there?

They may have improved, but Acer I always found to feel a bit plasicky/flimsy.

The Spec wont really matter that much, Id go for something like this:
http://www.ebuyer.com/745818-lenovo-essential-b50-50-laptop-80s2000buk