I need a new computer but don't know where to start

JasX

+1 vote for Bills dell link, will be reasonably good value, competent support and fairly free of compatibility issues.

PC world generally offers poor value and lower quality brands but compare specific offers.

Kestrel

Gosh, I'm so grateful for all this advice and all the suggestions, my brain is whirring like my computer now, it's a lot to think about/consider. I have to go out shortly but I will have a good ponder on it all tonight.

I did think about taking my current machine to an independent local guy who does all sorts of techie stuff to see if he could replace/improve anything but to be honest after paying for parts and labour it seemed to make more sense to bite the bullet and get something new.

I have just agreed to buy an Acer Aspire 513 netbook from a friend (£100) as I thought if my PC packs up completely at least when I get a wireless router I can access the internet, but obviously a netbook is not the answer longterm, it would be emergency use only and the ebayer in me thinks I could always sell it on.

BillScarab

Kestrel, if you look at the https://www.dmxdimension.co.uk link I posted earlier you can get the following from Dell

Dell Vostro 220MT
Intel Pentium Dual Core E6300 2.8 GHz
2 GB RAM
250 GB Hard Disk
Windows 7 Home Premium

for £263 whcih should do the job. It's not one of the latest processors but should be fine for what you want.

spud17

It's not one of the latest processors but should be fine for what you want.

Launched Q2/09, so not quite ready for the tip, .

I have one with 4GB memory and it's easily quick enough for using the internet.

akh43

I am also looking for a new desktop and saw this Acer X1300 on HUKD only thing I am not sure is that its got Vista, is this something I should be concerned about, should I upgrade to Windows 7? Also, can you still get the Windows 7 upgrade or is this offer no longer valid, its still showing on Tesco website as if its still ongoing.

Any comments appreciated.

Thanks

macman

akh43 wrote: »

I am also looking for a new desktop and saw this Acer X1300 on HUKD only thing I am not sure is that its got Vista, is this something I should be concerned about, should I upgrade to Windows 7? Also, can you still get the Windows 7 upgrade or is this offer no longer valid, its still showing on Tesco website as if its still ongoing.

Any comments appreciated.

Thanks

Don't even think about buying a 'new' PC with Vista installed, unless it offers a free upgrade to W7. And it clearly isn't new, but old stock.

ddoris

The 1st recommend is easily good enough from pc world , the dell vostro 220mt isn't bad - neither have monitors tho' .

Sexy_Em

I'm also looking for a new PC for my small business.
Personally I have found that the easiest website to use, and seemingly the cheapest basic PC, it to be bought from dell.co.uk

The Vostro 230 mini with Windows 7 seems to be a great deal with its full version of microsoft works, as long as you are clever enough to add accessories to make the price to £329. Seems to be a better deal than the acer on Tesco.com as that only has trial versions of microsoft works, and only Vista (which as far as I can tell you now how to pay £59.99 to upgrade to Windows 7)

If I'm being thick please tell me?!

For some reason my non-tech head can't work out the http://www.dmxdimension.com/ website.

Maybe I am being thick!

Garetha

Sexy_Em wrote: »

I'm also looking for a new PC for my small business.
Personally I have found that the easiest website to use, and seemingly the cheapest basic PC, it to be bought from dell.co.uk

The Vostro 230 mini with Windows 7 seems to be a great deal with its full version of microsoft works, as long as you are clever enough to add accessories to make the price to £329. Seems to be a better deal than the acer on Tesco.com as that only has trial versions of microsoft works, and only Vista (which as far as I can tell you now how to pay £59.99 to upgrade to Windows 7)

If I'm being thick please tell me?!

For some reason my non-tech head can't work out the http://www.dmxdimension.com/ website.

Maybe I am being thick!

if you click on https://www.dmxdimension.com and then on the link below Dell Inspiron Mini 10
it takes you to: http://www.dmxdimension.com/dell-uk/inspiron-mini-10-deals-coupons-evalue-codes/
where you can accept all of the basic values and get a decent 10" netbook including Works for £229 delivered

here's the full spec:
Description Inspiron Mini 10v (N00B1005) Date & Time: Saturday 27 February 2010 5:20 PM SYSTEM COMPONENTS Inspiron Mini 10v (N00B1005)
Qty 1 Intel® Atom™ Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz, 512K cache), Genuine Windows® 7 Starter for Small Notebook PCs, 32bit, English Unit Price Incl. VAT £249.00
Save £40 (Inc Vat) until 03/03/2010
Expires 04 March 2010
- £40.00 Catalog Number: 202 N00B1005 Module Description Show Details Base Intel® Atom™ Processor N270 (1.60GHz, 533MHz, 512K cache) Microsoft Operating System Genuine Windows® 7 Starter for Small Notebook PCs, 32bit, English Memory 1024MB 533MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM Keyboard Internal UK/Irish Qwerty Keyboard Video Card Integrated Intel® Graphic Media Accelerator 950 Hard Drive 160GB (5,400rpm) SATA Hard Drive Wireless Networking Dell Wireless 1397 Mini Card (802.11 b/g) Shipping Documents English Documentation Gedis Bundle Reference N03B1005 Standard Warranty 1 year of coverage included with your PC Services and Support 1 year of coverage included with your PC Wireless Wan Card No Mobile Broadband Selected Bluetooth No Bluetooth Upgrade Order Information Inspiron Mini 1011 Order - UK Primary Battery 3-cell Lithium-Ion Battery (24 WHr) Base Options Mini 1011 Base with WLAN Dell System Media Kit Inspiron Mini 1011 Diagnostics and Drivers Camera Integrated 1.3MP Camera Colour Choice Black back cover Accidental Damage Support No Accidental Damage Support Online Backup DataSafe Online Backup 2GB 1 year Call Dell Experts One free Dell Expert call to help with your PC queries within 60 days of purchase LCD 10.1" Widescreen WSVGA with Truelife (1024x600) Microsoft Application Software Microsoft® Works 9.0 / English - (Does not include Microsoft® Word) Protect your new PC No Security/Anti-Virus Protection - English Power Supply UK/Ireland 30W AC Adapter TOTAL Incl. VAT:£209.00
Total excl. VAT VAT Rate Total incl. VAT

£177.87 17.50 % £209.00
Total Delivery Charge £17.02 17.50 % £20.00
Total Price £194.89
£229.00

bat999

Sexy_Em wrote: »

The Vostro 230 mini with Windows 7 seems to be a great deal with its full version of microsoft works...

The Vostro may be a good deal, but I wouldn't let Microsoft Works affect my decision.
Many small businesses would use Microsoft Office or OpenOffice.
But that's just my opinion.
:cool: