How much should this PC/Laptop cost?

Mortgage_&_debt_free

Hi guys

I'm after some advice.

I am in the market for a PC or laptop and I'm aware that for my needs there's the danger that I'll buy something far more powerful/expensive than I'll need for home use.

I wonder if any of you could recommend a spec/model/price range for my needs, which are;

Surfing the internet & online banking (not downloading videos/music, etc)
Storing digital photos (not 1000s, probably 100s)
Basic word processing/spreadsheets/databases, etc.

I currently have a 40GB laptop running MS Windows XP Home Edition, which works fine, and has 30GB free, but I have to return it next week, so am looking to replace it. Firstly I thought I wanted another laptop as I use it on the coffee table & store it on the sideboard, but these flat screen & keyboards don't seem to take up much more room (I can keep the CPU under the sideboard).

I have a PC at work if I need to do anything whizzy like write DVDs, so it's really the stuff outlined above I need it for.

Any advice you can offer will be much appreciated.

Thanks

nickmack

The usage you specify only requires a fairly low specification computer.

You haven't specified about games, so I assume you don't play them.

Firstly you need to decide whether it's a laptop or desktop you need. If you need to be able to take it with you when you go places or around the house/garden then consider a laptop. If you want more upgrade options and don't need to take your PC anywhere get a desktop.

Virtually any computer you buy now will have a network/USB connections for Broadband, a decent sized Hard Disk and some kind of optical writer (CD/DVD or both).

You should be able to get a desktop or laptop for less than £500 that suits your purpose.

Have a look at Dell and Dell Outlet for some of the cheapest deals.

ioscorpio

Why don't you get something of a similar spec to what you are using then. If you don't want to buy new look on ebay, ad-mag or local newspaper.
I just picked up a desktop AMD Athlon XP2100+ 1.7 Ghz 256Mb 60 Hdd for £50