Advice on buying new computer

codo

Hi All

I am finally replacing our home computer which we have had for 7 years. My 3 kids pay games on it and also do homework. We surf the net regularly and sometimes download music. We also use it for our digital photos.

I would like to think the new computer we buy will last for many years so am happy to go for a good spec to last us a while. I have been looking and saw this on pc world site. Can anyone advise if this is good value or recommend something similar. I am willing to spend to about £700.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/825057

Thanks

blisteringblue

You are paying well over the odds at PC World.

I just posted this on a laptop thread but basically

"Just sorted out a PC for some friends from Dell, which was a AMD 3400+, small footprint, 160gb Hard Disk, 512mb memory, 19" TFT monitor (free upgrade offer), Speakers and XP Media Centre £372 delivered "

Have a look at http://www.dell.co.uk and price up a similar spec as the packard bell, I bet it will be A LOT cheaper.

They also sell off some seconds "cosmetic damage" with warrany through their outlet store on ebay.

crispeater

i recently brought this one and i'm soo pleased with it. 1 problem though is that there are no speakers.

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?QuickLinx=4C8S

frogman_2

With 3 children, I imagine one of your problems is going to be access to the computer so I'd spend some of the budget on upgrading your old PC and buy a mid-range PC for around £500 (unless the games are very hi-res and need an expensive graphics video card) and a router.

PC World are not as expensive as they used to be, Dell is reasonable and I'd recommend AMD processors for more affordable desktop systems. Take your time, have a look at MS Vista and see if you need it and don't forget you may need to budget for software.

TheFlyingGerbil

Some things at PC World are really good value and you may be happier buying an expensive item at a bricks and mortar store. If you look out for their offers rather than there standard stock then there are definitely deals to be had - also you can often get them to throw in a printer/accesories for cheap/free (I've seen on here - not tried that myself!).

Joe

JohnR

I think you are paying well over the odds there. Not so much that you arn't getting good value for money, but more that you don't actually NEED that high a specification. There are a few things I would recommend you look out for:

Firstly, playing games is mainly down to the graphics card - consider buying a PC at around £400 and paying £100 for a good graphics card.

Secondly, now Vista has launched, there will be some good deals on PC's with XP in order to clear them out of the channel. You may be able to get a PC with a similar spec for less sometime over the next few weeks. Whilst Vista looks good, and has some interesting features which will make life a little easier, moneysaving ettiquette means that XP is good enough to do what you want to do.

Thirdly, shop around and ask the staff in the store what they would recommend, given your requirements - they may have something more suitable which is on offer. If you don't ask, you don't get.

codo

Thanks for all your advice. I will keep looking and have a pop around the shops to see whats out there. Will also look at upgrading old computer as we do intend to keep it as a second computer when needed by the kids.

Thanks again