what do I buy?

coolagarry

Look in the magazine rack in one of the newsagents. There are lots of computer mags there and they are always comparing systems. This time of year many of them are now looking at 'Students' systems, which is probably about the 'spec' you need. You quite often get better value for money with one of the systems in these comparisons because the companies regard it as a form of free advertising.

Joe_Bloggs

This is the worst time to buy. You will pick up some good deals once those PCs  that students and schools were supposed to buy and did not, come to the market.
It's only my opinion.
J_B.

coolagarry

Ironically it's never a good time to buy a computer. Almost any computer will be cheaper in a few months time.

Odyssy

This is very true.
Definition of obsolete - Anything you've just bought.
Definition of cutting edge - Anything you can't afford!

terrierlady

because Im taking too long to decide :-/ my husband thinks we should buy direct from Tiny, they have an offer for a machine at £799this was in yesterdays Dailyexpress, ;int p 4 so that should be ok. 1024mb, 400 gb 256 ram dvd re this seems expensive to me plus i know nothing about tiny are they a good place to buy etc?

LincsLad_3

Based on several years experience in the IT industry: NEVER buy a PC from Tiny.

Poor quality, abyssmal after-sales service, MANY dis-satisfied customers.

I would look at Dell, mesh, or Evesham PCs, though as someone suggests above, look at comparisons in a magazine such as PC Plus at the newsagents.

Joe_Bloggs

August is when Schools/Colleges buy PCs,September is when Universities buy them. October is ideal as it is before the Christmas rush.
Give hubby a copy of PC Shopper. Its so thick that it will keep him quiet for a month. Dont buy a P4 as they run hot and need a lot of case and heatsink fan activity to keep them cool. This makes them noisy.
J_B.

sicker

I'll second that LincsLad, Tiny is a no go area in my experience. They seem to have NO after sales adequate help.

BigAl94

look here
http://www.employeesales.co.uk/html/mainset2.htm
they have great bargains and I k now people who highly recommend them.