re - government grant computer but which to have?

helenamy123

hi,

we have been lucky enough to be awarded a grant under the new government scheme for my daughter to have a pc (rather than rely on kindness of family to lend old pc to us)............but which one to have??

My knowledge of pc innards, memory etc is about zero so not sure how to compare them - any help would be gratefully received.

First question is - pc or laptop?

then which from these....

http://www.homeaccesscomputers.com/homeaccess/index.php/computers-internet/computer-only.html

or

http://www.misco.co.uk/content/homeaccess/homeaccesspackages.htm

or

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/advice/902/Home-Secure

cheers and many thanks!

helen x

[Deleted User]

The desktops on offer are not really any better than the laptops (or worse in one case), so I would get a laptop.

The Comet one doesn't look bad, but they don't provide a detailed specification as far as I can see.

The HomeAccessComputers ones don't seem very good. They don't even come with Microsoft Office.

The Misco Samsung R519 laptop is probably the best. I can't compare it directly to the Comet Acer without a full specification, but I can't see anything that is worse from the information available.

helenamy123

hi again,

which of the 2 desktops is the better one then?

I think may be better for daughter to sit at proper desk to use pc (can keep better eye on her too) and also a bit nervous of having laptop and it being dropped etc! lol

Great scheme but the choice is hardly overwhelming really. you know what kids are - doesnt mind so long as its pink lol

thanks

helen x

closed

Laptops are far more useful as they can be used anywhere.

[Deleted User]

The HomeAccessComputers all-in-one computer is particularly slow, so I would get the ZooStorm computer if you really want a desktop. The laptops that I mentioned before are definitely faster though. When I say faster, they are far from top of the range, but those desktops could be frustratingly slow.

Incidentally, there isn't much point in getting mobile internet with a desktop - does this scheme allow you to get landline internet as an alternative?

Inactive

To be honest, I am surprised that the government agency dealing with this, has not struck a deal with a supplier and purchased in bulk, then distributed the computer to the end user.

It would have saved us a small fortune.;)

John_Gray

Inactive wrote: »

To be honest, I am surprised that the government agency dealing with this, has not struck a deal with a supplier and purchased in bulk, then distributed the computer to the end user. It would have saved us a small fortune.;)

I would say that you were not familiar with the workings of government agencies? It comes as no surprise to me...

helenamy123

hi,
we have broadband already (wiv my old borrowed pc) so opted for no broadband package - didnt realise was mobile tho till all docs came.

thanks

helen

helenamy123

hi, can also choose from these too...

http://www.cihomeaccess.co.uk/device-only/

Any thoughts anyone?

thanks

helen x

[Deleted User]

2GB RAM in those laptops is better, but they do not appear to have Microsoft Office (well, they say Office, but that quite likely only refers to the free Open Office or else they would probably advertise it in a bigger way). The Misco Samsung is probably the best choice - you can always upgrade the RAM on that later for about 15 pounds anyway.

gaming_guy

tentonine wrote: »

2GB RAM in those laptops is better, but they do not appear to have Microsoft Office (well, they say Office, but that quite likely only refers to the free Open Office or else they would probably advertise it in a bigger way). The Misco Samsung is probably the best choice - you can always upgrade the RAM on that later for about 15 pounds anyway.

straight from the comet link:

a computer with in-built Microsoft Office Home and Student to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations, plus graphics programs

however, it could be a 60 day trial of office



edit: what a fail from comet :rotfl::rotfl:

the package also contains Microsoft Security Essentials including anti-virus software that’s been pre-paid for three years.

so you get a 3 year paid subscription for a program that MS provides for free?