Packard Bell Computer Package

Rockman

Can anyone advise if the following package available from Dixons for £649.99 is good value.

Key Features of Packard Bell 1517

AMD Athlon 3400 + Processor
2.2GHz Clock-Speed
1GHz Front Side BUS
0.5 mb Cache
1024 mb RAM Memory
200 Gb Hard Disk Capacity
Multi-Format Dual Layer DVD Re-Writer
ATI Radeon X200 128mb Graphics
6 No of USB connections
Windows XP Home Edition

Proview 17'' Monitor

1280x1024 Maximum Resolution
17 inches Monitor Tube Size
0.264 mm Dot Pitch
Plug & Play
Flat Screen
On Screen Display
524 mm Height
441 mm Width
141 mm Depth
5.2 kg Weight

Lexmark Printer

Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution
Up to 14 Pages per minute in black
Up to 8 Pages per minute in colour
100 Sheet paper tray capacity
Compact design
USB Interface
Windows and Mac Compatible


Thank you in advance.

indiegirl_2

You don't specify what you want to use the computer for. If it's for general daily use - emails, internet, maybe watching the odd DVD, then that seems fine to me.

However, the details of that monitor doesn't specify whether it's a flat panel (TFT) or a CRT. If it's a flat panel, then it's not a bad package, but I'm of the ilk that buying separately will save you money.

For example - Lexmark printers are *very* expensive when it comes to replacement ink cartridges. I've bought printers for less than some Lexmark cartridges. Also, it's generally regarded that they're not as good as, say, HP, Canon or Epson. Some might disagree, but that's my opinion.

If it were me, I would go with something like:
this computer
(it might be refurbished but you still get a year's warranty, and I've bought and used plenty of refurb PCs with no comebacks at all).
Or, buy yourself a base unit from eBuyer - for example, and add a monitor and printer separately. This monitor is one of the most popular monitors on the market. I have one for myself and can't fault it.

Then, you are at liberty to choose a printer dependent on cost.

I would recommend having a look at the bigger retailers on the web such as ebuyer, dabs.com, and any others that people may recommend in here for packages.

The only drawback with buying separates is the lack of software that you don't get bundled in...

Good luck

chunter

2 things

1. I'm not convinced 'flat screen' means you're getting a flat panel monitor.

2. Use DISCOUNT50 as the promotional code in your shopping basket (on the website) and you'll get a £50 discount. Offer closes 1st Nov.