My son and my OH have both got mid range (£400) Lenovo laptops, both fine for everyday use and watching tv etc.
I have a Sony Vaio too which has been good, but as paddyann said they are no longer made. I go to PC World to look at them, never bought mine from there though - they always try to add extras you don't need. My OH bought his from there and the stuff the chap was trying to get him to have, and they said it would need to be loaded up by them for a small charge of £35! What twaddle, and I told him that lol. Think he thought here's two oldies, can dupe them. When we said we would go elsewhere if that was the case he suddenly "found one already done so we could have that and no charge". They will also try to sell an expensive office programme, there are plenty of free ones.
My son bought his from John Lewis, good price and three years warranty at the time.
I have an iPad as well but as it's smaller I find it a pain to have to hold it and to type on, laptop much easier to work round. I wouldn't bother getting another one.
I have been saving for a couple years ready for replacement and have decided I will probably get a Mac next time. Expensive but worth it from reviews.