requesting advice about buying computer

dinkie_2

Hi :-)

I'd really appreciate some buying advice, as I've been looking through some of the threads after doing a search on Dell ... I'm looking at the Dell Dimension 1100. My present Tiny machine has 5 leaking capacitors and has been giving me all kinds of problems for the last 3 weeks, but is still able to be accessed and used, except that I can't use my spanish program as the voice recognition won't work, and the machine seizes up quite often. I am trying to get as much use out of it as I can before having to replace it.

It's just that, to be totally honest, I have to rely on the computer a lot, and have 2 hip replacements coming up [am young!], so will need to rely on it even more. I've accepted that at whatever point I have to buy a new machine, I will be spending money I haven't got .... but nobody I know would be able to afford to lend me any money if the new machine I got turned out to be faulty etc. Starting to get a bit upset trying to make sure I make the right choice. I wouldn't be able to transport the machine anywhere, and don't know any local reliable repair shops etc, so I am hoping Dell's on-site service is reliable too. My first machine was Tiny, as is this (5-year-old) one, and I've had no problems at all until now. 5 years is good, yes? I'd dearly love to be able to find a replacement computer that was as reliable for as long.

I'm not fussed about a PC that can be used for gaming, as I have the trusty PS2, so the Dell 1100 looks the best deal. If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it.

Many thanks, Cat

lovebargains

Hi Dinkie. Well I have a Dell Dimensions and its fantastic, had it nearly a year now, and not a bit of trouble, and compared to my last computer works like a dream, I dont play games either ( well apart from chasing hubby into the kitchen) I also have a Dell laptop, this is about 6 years old, and has had a few problems in the past year, but as its way out of guarantee I cant vouch for Dells repair service, but spares were easy to get. A friend of mine also has a Dell desktop, its 4 years old, and not a thing has gone wrong with it. All in all I really rate Dell.Hope that helps!

dinkie_2

Hi lovebargains

Many thanks for such an encouraging message. Glad to hear that you and your friend's Dell machines have proved to be so reliable. I'd thought that maybe 5 years was pretty good for my desktop, so your laptop is doing well. Hope the problems get fixed okay. Many thanks again. I'm starting to feel better now!

Keep chasing the hubby! :-)
Cat

albertross_2

Using a 7.5 year old dimension. never had a problem...

you can save about a quarter off the price, if you drop the on-site warranty.

you have to bear in mind, that say it goes bang in year 4, the odds are that only one component will go, say the hard disk. they will cost peanuts in year 4, and everyone here will help you fit it for free..

dinkie_2

Hi Albertross

7.5 years! That's a machine built to last! Glad it's so reliable for you, and thanks for such a reassuring message, and for advice about on-site. That's so cool that I can ask for hardware fitting advice as and when needed too ... really appreciate it a lot.

Many thanks, Cat

albertross_2

With PC prices coming down all the time, and equipment becoming out of date quickly, it's not really worth spending £100 on an extended warranty, especially for a desktop. Everything in a desktop is swapable, and each individual component is cheap.

dinkie_2

Thanks for your message. Yes, I had a re-think and removed the extra on-site feature earlier, and have now got the price down to £314. Not half bad! :-)

albertross_2

Good look with your Op.. and your PC..

dinkie_2

albertross wrote:

Good look with your Op.. and your PC..

Hi Albertross

Many thanks for your kind wishes. Really appreciated such helpful advice too.

Best regards, Cat :-)