Aldi computer offer

Mumstheword

Hi,

I'm on the lookout for a new computer, but know almost nothing.
This offer has come thru on my email today - http://www.aldi.co.uk:80/uk/html/offers/special_buys3_17502.htm?WT.mc_id=2011-02-04-11-16

I have a pc which runs very slowly. My monitor is fine tho, so I dont need one.

I suppose my questions are (if you can help!)-

- Does this look good value?
- Does this look reasonable spec?
- Do you have any advice where I could get something better/cheaper?

I dont feel confident having a machine built as I dont know enough about spec. The 3 yr guarantee looks comforting (if its worth the paper its written on!). My machine reports to be 2.5g processor, but it is a home made machine (I no longer have contact with the maker). It's always seemed sluggish to me, as if there's maybe a conflict with some of the parts, so would prefer a machine which is premade with compatible parts.

I struggle to use the net as I have to wait for pages to change. I know facebook is a drain on machines, but it really slows mine down.

I use my pc for work from home as well as for browsing, so often have multiple web pages open at the same time as excel and/or word.

Maybe I'm asking too much of a 'home' computer??

I realise that on this one on offer I'd need to have the office package added on. Is there anything else obvious I have missed, which isnt included in this?

HUGE thanks for any advice and help you can give. I really dont know what I'm talking about. I've looked around pc world, and have to say I quite like those touchscreen pcs which have the computer bit of it stuck to the behind of the monitor, rather than a tower (cue lots of people telling me the correct terminology for that system lol!) - but I think I'd be paying for the quirkiness of the system rather than for the spec of the machine.

I've waffled. Help. Thanks!!

liam8282

A simple and cheap way to speed up your computer is to add memory.

There are plenty of guides available online, but basically all you need to do is buy the correct ram for your machine, open your computer, take out the old ram if you need to, plug in the new ram.

I am no expert in this, but no doubt someone will be able to offer you more advice on this.

Ebay will have what you need, but not sure if it will be the cheapest.

Chimpofdoom

For the tasks you've listed the PC would be more than enough.

However, it also sounds like your current PC may just need a spring clean and possibly a ram upgrade.

I'll assume your running windows xp? If so, go to control panel and click system. On the general tab it'll have a bit saying:

Computer
<processor name>
<processor model @ xxGHz>
<memory speed, amount of RAM>

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/
If you go to crucials website and run the System scanner tool, it'll tell you how much ram you have and how much your motherboard can support. Upgrading will make your PC faster and is relatively cheap to do!

Follow the steps here
http://lifehacker.com/5413223/how-to-fix-your-relatives-terrible-computer

Scroll down to "Tuning and bomb proofing" and if it helps, then . If not by all means buy a new PC.

Hope that helps

Mumstheword

It's only showing 1.48g of RAM so that's an option thanks Liam.

Another recent issue is that my 2 youngests' laptops have died, so if I do see a reasonable pc at a reasonable price, then the one I currently use would do fine as a replacement for their lappys. So I could consider updating this aswell.

Mumstheword

Thanks Chimp. The scan says I have a 1g and a 512 stick of ram (altho my pc claims 1.48g?!)
It says I could go to 2g max, by replacing the 512 with a 1.

I'll have a look at your next sentence...!

flossy_splodge

mumstheword, this is a superb offerand if you can afford it, go for it.
Medion are highly reliable and the spec on offer is excellent.
I speak from experience, I am currently on a Medion laptop which is the best computer I have ever owned.
Just be aware that Aldi get queues for these computers so go early.
Best of luck.

Chimpofdoom

Mumstheword wrote: »

Thanks Chimp. The scan says I have a 1g and a 512 stick of ram (altho my pc claims 1.48g?!)
It says I could go to 2g max, by replacing the 512 with a 1.

I'll have a look at your next sentence...!

If you can post what memory you can get eg PC3200 etc I might be able to suggest a 2GB replacement for you .

512MB won't be a significant gain.. but for the tasks mentioned... it'll be sufficient!

Mumstheword

I'm just waiting for that page to clear from 'not responding', which I get regularly! so that I can look at tuning and bombproofing ta.

Just to add - another gripe with this machine is that it often starts up incorrectly. What ever buttons you use on the keyboard, it only types out vowels, in caps, with an accent above. And in outlook, if I select a message, all those above are highlighted too. It's as if there's a control and shift or some such combination loacked on. The only way i've been able to cure it is to switch off and reboot. (altho I have to crash as the turn off process wont go past a certain stage). Most aggravating

That lifehacker site is back moving again (or rather my pc is!). It looks very straightforward and I shall read it in more detail later. Even if I get a new one, I'll tidy this up to get it running as well as poss. Thanks!

BackOnTrack

To be honest the PC you have linked looks a tidy little computer at the price. If anything it is overspecced for what you need but if your kids might want to play some games it should be capable of running them. You might be able to get something cheaper by sacrificing the discrete graphics card and getting a lower spec processor but in terms of value for money that machine looks like you are getting a good deal.

closed

spend an hour following this, to get your pc running like new

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2436849

upgrading ram would be a complete waste of money, the spec of your machine is fine, it's probably software running at startup dragging the performance down.

what happened to the laptops?

Mumstheword

Thanks Flossy and Backontrack. If I'd gone over to PC world or such like I'd have probably ended up spending more than this Aldi one. So I really will consider getting there early and getting this, safe in the knowledge it's too good for what I need so possibly future proof!

Chimp, thank you for your offer re RAM, I've had a look on my system specs in the control panel and cant see a 'type'. Would I need to open up the machine?

If I get a new one, and the lil ones have this machine, it will probs be fine for their use as it is - I currently have 6 internet pages open (3 to do with this issue alone) and outlook (ok! I've listened to that website and will switch everything over to my gmail account lol!!), but the lil ones would be doing one thing at a time - games are on the wii and xbox.