need another computer for kids

cardtart_2

can anyone help me ,The kids want a computer in their bedroom to be able to play sims 2 on and general internet browsing. the computer we have at the moment is unable to play sims 2,but is ok for me and the wifes use.eventualy we want to have laptops but cannot afford them all at once .the question is do we upgrade the old computer to play sims and buy a low spec laptop for me and the wife or buy another computer able to play sims ,which is cheapest?

Mr_Skint_2

Dell have some good offers just search the Techie forums......

Kids, Computer, Bedroom, Internet, not a very good idea unless with parental
software or supervision.....................

terrierlady

Nice one mr Skint, many people forget your simple rules, kids internet dangerous!!!!!!!!!!!
My grandchildren managed to order some items their mum didnt know about so take care mum and dads..

Stripeylad

I've been looking for a cheapish laptop with decent specs myself and price-wise it makes much more sense to buy a new desktop PC than a laptop.

You can pick up a desktop PC for around £300
Mesh

This should be more than enough to play Sims 2 and suft t'internet. You would struggle to find a similair spec'd laptop for the same price.

jakemuk

how did they manage to order stuff,

they must of had her card details to enter

matty_c608

You need a fairly high spec to play the sims 2 infact!

* Windows 98, 2000, ME, or XP

* 256MB of RAM

* A graphics card on the supported graphics card list (preferably one with T&L support)

* CPU: 800MHz Pentium 3 or equivalent (if you have a graphics card which supports T&L). Those who do not have a graphics card which supports T&L will need a 2.0GHz processor.

* At least 3.5Gb of hard drive space.

* Monitor Resolution: 800x600 minimum, 1024x768 recommended. Higher resolutions available.

* Keyboard, mouse, speakers

Below is the current list of graphics cards supported by The Sims 2:

* ATI RadeonTM series (7000 or better)
o Radeon 7000/VE series (non-T&L; requires 2.0 GHz processor)
o 7200, 7500
o 8500, All-In-Wonder 8500
o 9000, 9200, 9500, 9600, 9700, 9800
o X300, X600, X800

* Nvidia® QuadroTM series
o Quadro, Quadro2, Quadro4

* Nvidia® Geforce series (GeForce2 and better)
o GeForce2
o GeForce3, 3 Ti
o GeForce4, 4Ti, MX 420, 440
o GeForce FX 5200, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, 5950
o GeForce 6600, 6800

* Intel® Extreme Graphics (non-T&L; requires 2.0 GHz processor)
o 82845, 82865, 82915

ABH_3

If you are considering purchasing a Dell computer, then you may wish to aquaint yourselves with this forum: https://www.outletbargains.co.uk

HTH

ceebeeby

This is a very long shot but I don't suppose you work for the NHS at all do you? The reason I ask is there is a very little known scheme called the Home Computing Initiative. Basically you're given tax back on up to £1500 to spend on a very reasonably priced Dell Computer. You then pay through your salary at 0% interest free over 3 years. At end of 3 years you pay a very small sum and it becomes yours. For example a laptop costs you £8 a month for 3 years, the highest spec pc costs you approx £10 for 3 years .... even when you work it out it's cheaper than walking into a shop and buying it. Am I allowed to post details of where to find this .... it's at BT.com (who are the sponsors of it). I've just ordered laptop and pc delivery date 13/12 - HOWEVER bit of bad news due to the popularity of the scheme all delivery dates up to Xmas are now full :-(

Anyway, as mentioned very long shot ... I vaguely recall though that all public services are 'trying' to sign up to it, so it may not be that far away??? (Sponsored by Government apparantly but not overly sure on whys and wherefores??)

Shawz

If might be worth looking at getting a refurbished pc with a warranty.

This site might help:

http://www.mcscom.co.uk/section.php?xSec=28&jssCart=5620ab7e8371c8d06229ed645068e439

xueta

ceebeeby wrote:

... I don't suppose you work for the NHS at all do you? ... there is a very little known scheme called the Home Computing Initiative. Basically you're given tax back on up to £1500 to spend on a very reasonably priced Dell Computer. You then pay through your salary at 0% interest free over 3 years. At end of 3 years you pay a very small sum and it becomes yours. For example a laptop costs you £8 a month for 3 years, the highest spec pc costs you approx £10 for 3 years .... even when you work it out it's cheaper than walking into a shop and buying it.

Hi ceebeeby,

Can you post details of the PC(s) and laptop(s) available on this scheme, including technical specs and costs? It'd would be nice to compare them alongside Dell's regular prices and against the Dell Employee Purchase Programme.

Thanks.

HLK

xueta wrote:

Hi ceebeeby,

Can you post details of the PC(s) and laptop(s) available on this scheme, including technical specs and costs? It'd would be nice to compare them alongside Dell's regular prices and against the Dell Employee Purchase Programme.

Thanks.

Too many to post but you could look here