New desktop computer for around £300-£400

ih8stress

I've finally decided to get a new desktop computer for about £300-£400 but as usual could do with a few pointers from you helpful techie people.

It will mainly be used for surfing the net, word processing and editing,storing photographs etc. It will not be used for gaming or music.

I've looked at a few threads and I think I should be looking for a Pentium Core 2 Duo (not Intel Celeron), probably about 4gb (understand I need at least 2gb), 250 + hard drive? but that is as far as I've got.

A friend has suggested I don't go for a Dell one but did not say why.

Also, I know PC World aren't the best but do they have any good deals on at the moment.

Please be gentle with your 'techie' terms. I don't want an all singing all dancing model, just something that fits my criteria and is easy to use.

Thanks

[Deleted User]

Do you already have a monitor?

penrhyn

Try this site for suggestions https://www.dmxdimension.com and yes they are Dells.

spud17

Your start page HERE, I know it's DELL, but plenty of support for them on these pages.
A workmate picked up a basic one on offer for £182 in the summer and it's done everything that you want to do.

spud17

Must type faster.

Marty_J

If you already have a monitor, you might consider a Mac Mini. All new Macs come with the iLife suite of applications (the equivalent of which doesn't exist for Windows), including including iPhoto, which is brilliant for organising and editing your photos.

sanora

Hi

I have decided to replace my current desktop and have a budget of £400. I want a new monitor as well and I do not want to build my own;I want the best my money can buy!

i wish to use it for whatever takes my fancy so would think that a general all rounder would suit best. Photography probably the main activity and would like to be able to burn slide shows to dvd and attach some music.

Please recommend a best buy and why you think it is.

Thanks

Marty_J

sanora wrote: »

Hi

I have decided to replace my current desktop and have a budget of £400. I want a new monitor as well and I do not want to build my own;I want the best my money can buy!

i wish to use it for whatever takes my fancy so would think that a general all rounder would suit best. Photography probably the main activity and would like to be able to burn slide shows to dvd and attach some music.

Please recommend a best buy and why you think it is.

Thanks

Per my post above, buy a Mac Mini and save up a bit longer if you'd like a new monitor. You'll get this little lot with it.

ginandtonic1988

http://www.aria.co.uk/dynres/cHJvZHVjdF9pbWFnZS53aWR0aD0yMDA=/bWFpbmltYWdlcy9IUERDNzEwMC5qcGc=.jpg

Try the above I don't know how to do the linky thing, sorry!

I bought a Compaq PC from them and was very happy with the service and delivery. I think someone on here recommended them to me.

Gin :j

ih8stress

ih8stress wrote: »

I've finally decided to get a new desktop computer for about £300-£400 but as usual could do with a few pointers from you helpful techie people.
Thanks

Hi. Sorry for the delay in replying. I've had to nip out to the local library as my computer has been making noises on start-up for a while now (sounds abit like the fan) but last time I used it I thought I could smell burning as well, so daren't use it until it's been checked out.

Ringo: I already have an old monitor but would like to start completely from new with monitor,wired mouse, keyboard etc.

Penrhyn, Spud: Thank you for your suggestions. I know Dell and DMXdimensions are mentioned regularly on this forum and will look into them.

Marty, Ginandtonic: Will look into your suggestions also.

I think Sanora is after something similar. I also do not want to build one, and would appreciate pointers on specific models to go for, please. Also a guide of what specifications to look for (eg. RAM size, H Drive size, software etc.) would be really helpful.

jaydeeuk1

ih8stress wrote: »

I've finally decided to get a new desktop computer for about £300-£400 but as usual could do with a few pointers from you helpful techie people.

It will mainly be used for surfing the net, word processing and editing,storing photographs etc. It will not be used for gaming or music.

I've looked at a few threads and I think I should be looking for a Pentium Core 2 Duo (not Intel Celeron), probably about 4gb (understand I need at least 2gb), 250 + hard drive? but that is as far as I've got.

A friend has suggested I don't go for a Dell one but did not say why.

Also, I know PC World aren't the best but do they have any good deals on at the moment.

Please be gentle with your 'techie' terms. I don't want an all singing all dancing model, just something that fits my criteria and is easy to use.

Thanks

2gb is absolutely fine for your needs, you won't notice any different having 4gb. Better advice would have been to go for a larger hard drive - 500gb+. A celeron dual core is fine for word processing etc, but for the little difference in price you could probably get a decent pentium dual core / core 2 duo.

Dell are fine and great for deals. They're like any major manufacturer, some customers have problems, while the majority don't.

I've priced up the following spec to give you some idea of what to aim for

Intel pentium dual core E5200
2gb DDR2 ram
500gb hard drive
DVDRW
19" widescreen monitor
XP home SP3 (or vista etc)
keyboard, mouse
2yr warranty
About £350 all in.