Advice on new computer

leezuk1

Have self build computer - built 5 yrs ago and upgraded some parts.

Am just setting up a new business and want one that can cope with a bigger workload:

- several apps open at one time - powerpoint/excel/publisher etc
- speed - v important both on using packages and on internet
- internet usage will be high in new business/high usage of facebook/twitter/browsing so speed of browsing v important
- screen currently 15" - need bigger - would an integrated computer be suitable (like the look of these) or stick with traditional CPU and screen
- any guide on minimum spec I should look for or indeed any suitable deals out there at the moment
- reliable brand rather than cheap economy as can't afford for computer the keep crashing/losing data etc

Any advice would be welcomed.

closed

Anything should be able to do that, including your existing one.

Dell?

Avoid integrated, hard to repair/upgrade

Backup to avoid losing data

gonzo127

agreed with closed, all new systems should be able to deal with this.

duel or quad core CPU doesnt matter to much as most software can generally only make use of 2 cores at the moment, although having a quad can be adventages when using some programs which have been designed to utilise more than 2 - such as encoding software.

4gb of RAM will be enough.

just remember that you browsing will be limited by your internet connection and not your computer - although your antivirus will have an effect on this - currently Avast is the flavour of the month for the freebies.

reliable brand is a interesting turn of phrase - you would be better custom building (or getting a custom building company) as then you can specify which parts you want, this is because you can then pick the most reliable make for each part

losing data - well set yourself some budget aside to get a proper back up solution external hard drive and online storage as a minimum, auto back up everynight so at the most you only lose a days work

AirCooledHeaven

Hi, I don't think you need to over analyse your requirements as your needs are well within the capabilities of most new PCs. I would avoid an 'integrated' system as they use proprietary components and are difficult to upgrade/repair in the future. For my own clients I supply Fujitsu PCs, I've found them to be well built and reliable and good value for money. Importantly for me, most of them come with an on-site warranty which can be upgraded to 3 years for not too much money.

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/searchtools/products.asp?Recs=30&CatIds=54,3621,3110,3109,3112,3108,3620,64,3585,3584,2470,3114,3620&ci=1317&bc=FUS&Sort=1

benrsmith31077

If speed is a major requirement, and you have the money, I would recommend a quality SSD harddrive.

I installed one on my desktop recently. Was not cheap but it is without doubt the single most effective upgrade I have ever made! It has halfed my loadtimes across the board.

pledgeX

benrsmith31077 wrote: »

If speed is a major requirement, and you have the money, I would recommend a quality SSD harddrive.

I think he'd be better off saving the money and putting it towards and external hard drive for backups or a faster network connection.

Echo what others have said though, any new system will be more than adequate imo.

chunter

I don't see any value in any Dell desktop currently. Seem well overpriced to me.

an Acer from Argos: 508/3716 - £400
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500002701&langId=-1&searchTerms=5083716

a Packard Bell from PC World - £400
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/packard-bl-viseo-190w-19-widescreen-lcd-monitor-06077261-pdt.html

benrsmith31077

Yeah a large SSD is serious money! I just meant if money was no object. Maybe better to wait til the tech is not so new and pricey.

gonzo127

chunter wrote: »

I don't see any value in any Dell desktop currently. Seem well overpriced to me.

an Acer from Argos: 508/3716 - £400
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500002701&langId=-1&searchTerms=5083716

a Packard Bell from PC World - £400
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/packard-bl-viseo-190w-19-widescreen-lcd-monitor-06077261-pdt.html

really i dont want to be too rude

but Acer and Packard Bell in response to a thread for a reliable PC - just wondering when that happened, i have only been on holiday for a week and come back and find the world has been turned upside down

victor2

chunter wrote: »

a Packard Bell from PC World - £400
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/packard-bl-viseo-190w-19-widescreen-lcd-monitor-06077261-pdt.html

Packard Bell and PC World - now there's a combination!:rotfl:
Sentences containing the word bargepole spring to mind.

leezuk1

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - It did confirm my thoughts already - about all my issues - one last question: in order to get the best out of my isp - currently Virgin 10mb - anyone got experience of 30mb or 50mb package - is it noticeable faster/worth the money? Prob on wrong board now....