Where to get a PC?

Glitterari

Please move if on wrong board.

I have just started uni doing a MA in social work. I need to get a computer. I am not looking for the cheapest I can get but I am looking for the best value for money.

Where is the best place to buy a computer from?

I've heard horror stories about the main retailers but is this nothing to worry about if you know what you're looking for? What is dell like?

I'll be looking for a pc with a decent processor, able to watch dvds/cds, decent memory (for essays, dissertation, music/video downloads), some game playing, etc.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

C x

bobbadog

I purchased a computer and 19 inch monitor from ebuyer a couple of weeks ago, which is brilliant and very fairly priced (whole lot came to £378 and they took Paypal as part payment). They did insist on me faxing over my passport for ID though, bit over zealous. It has a DVD Rw, 80gb (intending to buy another and pop in though) and it's quite speedy! I recommend 'em. Dell offered same thing but worked out at £444 for me.

Mrs_pbradley936

I really like Dell and have bought two desktops and two laptops over the years. They usually build to order but ff you are looking for a bargain they have a "seconds" dept where you might get a laptop with a broken clasp or something with a cosmetic problem but it will still be guaranteed.

Glitterari

Hmmm - bit wary about spending that amount of money over ebay....

would order over the net but probably go with a 'proper' company....

benjus

EBuyer is not the same as Ebay! It is a "proper" company, and I use it a lot to buy things both for the office and at home. Prices are usually very competitive. Dell is good as well in my experience - we use them at work and because of an employee discount scheme several people have them at home.

You can also look for a cheap local shop. Here in Nottingham we have http://www.web-systems.co.uk/ which is competitive and has the advantage of being easy to get to if you need to pick something up quickly or have a problem. Most cities or large towns will have similar places.

[Deleted User]

Personally I would never use ebuyer to buy a whole PC, as they have a terrible reputation if things go wrong. I like Dell a lot, in my old job i did a lot of PC purchasing and the Dells were great.You might want to look at this firm: http://www.morgancomputers.com/They have a few shops around the country and I've found them to be pretty good.

devizes18193

oersonal y i like dell. the pc's are well desgined and esy to work on . The motherbords are not standerd . .The standerds of service ar verry good , It is posaable to be dell acredited for example inpc serving which tells you some thing . The only thing i would say is stau clear of pc world . While yes they will hold you habd when selling the service is crap

Glitterari

benjus wrote:

EBuyer is not the same as Ebay! It is a "proper" company, and I use it a lot to buy things both for the office and at home. Prices are usually very competitive. Dell is good as well in my experience - we use them at work and because of an employee discount scheme several people have them at home.

You can also look for a cheap local shop. Here in Nottingham we have http://www.web-systems.co.uk/ which is competitive and has the advantage of being easy to get to if you need to pick something up quickly or have a problem. Most cities or large towns will have similar places.

Sorry didn't mean to offend you benjus! I just misread what you wrote.

Thanks for all the advice guys - I think I will take a look at dell then and see what they come up with. For me it's not about the money, it's about getting something that's decent and reliable.

Thanks again

C x

f1charlie

Check out all the current Dell deals here:

http://www.wizmarkcomputers.co.uk/alldellevaluecodedeals.htm

Then go through Quidco.

pchelpman

ringo_24601 wrote:

Personally I would never use ebuyer to buy a whole PC, as they have a terrible reputation if things go wrong.

My experience only here.

I have used Ebuyer on many occasions and found them to be fine on price, delivery AND if something goes wrong IN THE WARRANTY PERIOD.

Also they are good if you just change your mind and want a refund . I ordered a HDD but then changed my mind. Sent it back to them and got a full refund (ex. for postage).

ringo is right if you want help from them outside of strict Terms & Conditions. They will not budge. They won't go the "extra mile" to help out, I'm sorry to say.

I also have used Dell in the past but their machines are difficult to upgrade or change internally. Their cases are, as has been said, custom made for them (typical with major suppliers) and hardware changes are awkward to say the least. But they are good, cheap machines if you only want minimal support that's not available at weekends. Make sure you order exactly what you want if you opt for Dell and allow for extras. They will be hard to add afterwards if you find yourself saying ... "I should have asked for that".

Best of luck. Hope you get what you want, Glitterari;)


PCH