On the search for a good computer....

CAT-THE-FIFTH

The Dell outlet also has many refurbished and end of line models at reduced prices:

http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dfo

I hope this helps!!

Best to check it early in the morning as many Ebay traders supposedly "snap up" any bargains early!!

Be careful though as they do not come with a monitor unless stated!!

The BT shop also has some good deals on Dell desktops suprisingly enough but also do not come with any monitors included and the deals tend to be popular!!

http://www.shop.bt.com/icat/compdesktops

BarginHunter1985

Thank you all very much for all the help, it is greatly appreciated!!!

BarginHunter1985

Believe it or not.....i still haven't found anything...

Why is finding a good computer soo hard...alteratively why haven't I got any brains...lol

leesmithg

BarginHunter1985 wrote:

Hello there

I am looking to purchase a Destop PC for the family. However I have no idea where to start. So if i give you guys a couple of questions maybe you could help.

Where should I buy from...a PC Store like PC World or from the web or somewhere else?

What brands should I avoid?- i need a computer that will last

What specifications should i look for...bear in mind it will have to be a fast computer.

Should i get a AMD or Intel one..if so which version?

What does the cache mean? does it have any significance.

My budget is about £700

I ask these questions based on what I have been told by ma mates, if anyone has any advice, please help, because I dont really understand computer language, but I am in desperate need of a good, fast and nice looking PC.

Hope to hear from you soon..

Cheers

BH

Depends what you want it for.

If it's for surfing the internet and sending and receiving emails, then you could spend £100.

If it's for playing high res games, using powerfull multimedia applications such as photoshop, editing video, producing rich media content, then spend £500.

I built my own, total cost so far around £2,500, it fits my purpose.

ABH_3

BarginHunter1985 wrote:

Believe it or not.....i still haven't found anything...

Why is finding a good computer soo hard...alteratively why haven't I got any brains...lol

It's not a case of having 'brains', it's down to experience. Most of the people on these types of forums cut their teeth on early PC's, either building them from components or tinkering with their Amiga's etc. At some point in the future, you too shall be able to look back and weigh up the pro's and con's of various systems.

What it all boils down to is this. Most of the systems that are available are quite adequate for your needs if you plan on surfing these forums, downloading email etc. However, from the information found in your previous posts, it would seem you presently lack the experience. It might be easier for you to explain to us why you think you need a computer ? And exactly what you are looking for in a computer, if you are looking to play a certain game or series of games, then tell us. If you want to hook it upto your plasma\lcd tv, tell us. If you're planning on it becoming the basis of a media server, or central hub for your home security, then that would help too.

Also, don't dismiss Dell, yes there are some horror stories around about them, I've typed a few myself . But the one thing they offer is 'support' for new users in computers. This isn't the easiest thing to comeby even in this day and age, if your computer suddenly doesn't work. Who are you going to call? Is that person going to come running or are you left to your own devices? It's much easier to call dell and get them to solve the problem over the phone.

My advice, help 'us' to help you.

HTH

theowl_2

the 9150 system recommended by CAT-THE-FIFTH:
Would you be able to write a word document, save it on CD, open, edit and resave it on the same CD? (I have only ever used a floppy disc for this purpose).
Would I be able to install works 6 (includes Word 2000) which I already have, or would this conflict with the works 7 that this system comes with?
If I upgraded to workssuite 2005, would a word document saved on word 2000 work on it? Basically would documents saved on word work on later word versions? The documents I have are on floppy disc.

Thanks very much

dadrock

theowl wrote:

the 9150 system recommended by CAT-THE-FIFTH:
Would you be able to write a word document, save it on CD, open, edit and resave it on the same CD? (I have only ever used a floppy disc for this purpose).
Would I be able to install works 6 (includes Word 2000) which I already have, or would this conflict with the works 7 that this system comes with?
If I upgraded to workssuite 2005, would a word document saved on word 2000 work on it? Basically would documents saved on word work on later word versions? The documents I have are on floppy disc.

Thanks very much

Hi theowl,
CDRs are known as WORM (Write Once Read Many) storage. Once written to, they cannot be reformatted and used again. CDRWs however can, as they are rewritable, although need reformatting everytime. They are not as flexible as your old Floppy Disc though, for what you want I would use a USB Memory Stick instead of a CDR(W). Much more portable, user-friendly, does not need specialist software and cheap.

The newer versions of Word will open older versions of Word documents - they are backwards-compatible.

BarginHunter1985

Hello ABH

Thanks for your reply

I need a general stable computer..mainly for word processing and internet. I would like some features on there for the rest of the family to play internet and cd games, good sound features, needs to be really fast and reliable.

Thats all really..a good computer...that has decent features


Cheers

BH

Steve_Boorman

hi...I was put onto this site in a previous thread http://ankermann-pc.co.uk/

They have some great deals on there and you can upgrade if you want to...check it out.Delivery is only £17.00 as opposed to Dells £60.00. You are not pressured by limited time offers like Dell.

Lord_Chris

im no fan of Dell personally, but they are far better than most for the money.

for the love of god DONT buy a computer from tescos or an other supermarket, woolworths or anywhere like that. I used to work in a computer shop and we had a continuous stream of tesco machines in for repairs, most less than 2 weeks old.

YOU WOULDNT GO TO PCWORLD TO BUY A LOAF OF BREAD, SO DONT BUY A COMPUTER AT TESCOS. (having said that, PC world will rip you off and offload some piece of crap on you aswell :P)