The £400 PC Desktop Package Hunt

beholden

Hello! I used to be quite active on here a while ago, lost my username though!

I've been looking high and low for a new PC package, either online or in a shop, for a friend. They're getting on a bit and neither of them is computer savvy so I offered to find a nice package they can either order online or pick up. They're not interested in a self built or one built by me. Price wise is around £400. Any pointers? They want a PC not a Mac and i highly doubt they've heard of linux. They definately want a PC package as well - not a laptop.

So are there any good deals out yet? Perhaps at tesco.com? Been looking to there quite a bit.

If anyone can offer help and advice that'd be grand. I'm a techie myself but it's always good to see if anyone else has spotted a bargain!

Gifthorse

mesh computers are excellent. Not sure if the are all built though?

PasturesNew

beholden wrote: »

neither of them is computer savvy

I saw these on telly last week: http://www.discount-age.co.uk/simplicity_computers/

andygb

I think you should be able to pick up a decent Acer PC for that price. We have had ours for a couple of years now, and it is great. It cost £299 (with keyboard, mouse, speakers, 19" flat screen), and I spent £40 putting more memory in. It runs on Vista home basic, and does everything I need, quickly and efficiently.
You can buy them from PC World, Currys or Comet.

custardy

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-8767.aspx

on budget

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0204447418.1259658037@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdjadeimjfgdjhcflgceggdhhmdfno.0&pageFrom=SimpleSearchProducts&page=Product&sku=708592

£430

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&l=en&oc=D004524&s=dhs&dgc=AF&cid=5212&lid=122756&acd=926dd320d4fb987cb77d89d5a63fe03c

dell for £350

none of the above machines are amazing machines but for most everyday tasks they are fine

Millionaire

custardy wrote: »

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-8767.aspx

on budget

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0204447418.1259658037@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdjadeimjfgdjhcflgceggdhhmdfno.0&pageFrom=SimpleSearchProducts&page=Product&sku=708592

£430

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?b=&c=uk&l=en&oc=D004524&s=dhs&dgc=AF&cid=5212&lid=122756&acd=926dd320d4fb987cb77d89d5a63fe03c

dell for £350

none of the above machines are amazing machines but for most everyday tasks they are fine

The problem with the first 2 is they come with Vista, I would personally be looking to get Windows 7 as standard on a New one.

custardy

the acer is eligable for upgrade

http://direct.tesco.com/p/inc/specials/windows7/

would need to clarify PC worlds position

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/editorial/win7-upgrade

BillScarab

The simplicity runs Linux so may not suit the OP.

Have a look at the the Dell Inspirons and Vostros on https://www.dmxdimension.co.uk

You can usually find a decent deal including a monitor and Windows 7 for under £400.

Millionaire

custardy wrote: »

the acer is eligable for upgrade

http://direct.tesco.com/p/inc/specials/windows7/

would need to clarify PC worlds position

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/editorial/win7-upgrade

Any idea how much they are charging for the 'Free' upgrade? I know Toshiba are charging £27.80 shipping and handling costs and others are charging just over the £20 mark for this 'free' upgrade.

Also then depending on who you get it through, the waiting times involved can be upto a few weeks to get your upgrade. Obviously then the hassle of reinstalling the OS and any software as most places advise a clean install is wiser than choosing to upgrade the Vista install.

Thats the main reason I would try an find one with Windows 7 preloaded. Less hassle.

asininity

The simplicity computers run Linux Mint which has to be one of the easiest distros ever, so I cant see how it would be a problem at all.

robredz

If the OP's friends are novices, they should find Linux mint as easy as Windows to learn, with less worries about security.