Help I need a desktop computer!

creamtee

Hi,

I have used Dell computers for about 8 years and the one I have is on its last legs:(

I am so behind the times and now lots of stores are selling desktops without the monitor. Anyway, I have around £500 to spend.

I just use it for emails, surfing the websites (like this one:p)
Word docs, excel, powerpoint and for storing pdfs etc. No real gaming.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a 1 stop shop like Currys/PC world for me?

I think I need about 4-6mb, i3 processing or above, a matching monitor, keyboard etc. I dont know alot about computers, just that this one is slow and I need to get with the program!:)

TIA

TakeThis

Inspiron 620 £266.48

BenQ G2420HDBL 24-inch Widescreen LED Back-Light Monitor £131.89

There are also IPS panels(for greater colour accuracy) available at that price point.

Buying online gets you better protection. If you don't like the look of it, you can send it back for a full refund. They won't entertain that in your 'one stop shop'.

CoolHotCold

Do you have Office Software already? If so what version. Are you thinking of purchasing the software if you don't have it?

I disagree with the TakeThis offer of buying online, as you need to read the DSR carefully from where you buy it from as the T&C vary from each retailer and you may be liable for the cost of returning the item to the retailer, while a "One Stop Shop" with a physical store you can view and see which one you like.

Also you will not get a IPS 24" screen at £130.

TakeThis

CoolHotCold wrote: »

Do you have Office Software already? If so what version. Are you thinking of purchasing the software if you don't have it?

I disagree with the TakeThis offer of buying online, as you need to read the DSR carefully from where you buy it from as the T&C vary from each retailer and you may be liable for the cost of returning the item to the retailer, while a "One Stop Shop" with a physical store you can view and see which one you like.

Also you will not get a IPS 24" screen at £130.

Sorry, but your post is nonsense. The retailer has no power to change the DSR.
At worst, they can request that you bear the cost of the return. But they cannot refuse the return, unlike the 'one stop shop'.

If you have a better idea, where are your recommendations?

There are also IPS panels(for greater colour accuracy) available at that price point.

Did you see me mention a 24" IPS panel?

LG IPS235V Monitor
23" IPS Monitor £129.99 from eBuyer.

Does your 'one stop shop' have comparable value?

Specifications

gonzo127

Takethis suggestion will be more than good enough for your stated usage, and i would personally recommend a IPS screen over a slightly bigger non IPS one

although he has missout out on keyboard and mouse (speakers needed?) anyways for tidyness sake something like this might be good http://www.ebuyer.com/226938-xenta-black-2-4ghz-wireless-keyboard-and-optical-mouse-nano-usb-receiver-hk-3518b-hm-3301 just remember that both mouse and keyboard will require batteries, but this option means no wires so less to get jumbled

speakers unfortunatly can be quiet a personal choice due to peoples idea of acceptable sound but for cheap speakers http://www.ebuyer.com/118487-logitech-x-140-black-2-0-speakers-5w-rms-970264-0120 are pretty good

TakeThis

gonzo127 wrote: »

Takethis suggestion will be more than good enough for your stated usage, and i would personally recommend a IPS screen over a slightly bigger non IPS one

although he has missout out on keyboard and mouse (speakers needed?) anyways for tidyness sake something like this might be good http://www.ebuyer.com/226938-xenta-black-2-4ghz-wireless-keyboard-and-optical-mouse-nano-usb-receiver-hk-3518b-hm-3301 just remember that both mouse and keyboard will require batteries, but this option means no wires so less to get jumbled

speakers unfortunatly can be quiet a personal choice due to peoples idea of acceptable sound but for cheap speakers http://www.ebuyer.com/118487-logitech-x-140-black-2-0-speakers-5w-rms-970264-0120 are pretty good

The Argos computer comes with a keyboard and mouse.

Neil49

TakeThis wrote: »

The Argos computer comes with a keyboard and mouse.

Are you sure?

It looked like a good deal so I had a look at the specs (which are also good) but there is no mention of keyboard or mouse.

Given the overall budget mentioned in the original post I would try and find a quality brand wireless keyboard/mouse combo as this is what you are handling when using the pc and makes all the difference.

TakeThis

Neil49 wrote: »

Are you sure?

It looked like a good deal so I had a look at the specs (which are also good) but there is no mention of keyboard or mouse.

Given the overall budget mentioned in the original post I would try and find a quality brand wireless keyboard/mouse combo as this is what you are handling when using the pc and makes all the difference.

I am sure, but don't expect the best quality keyboard and mouse.

But at least you can run the thing and decide if you are happy with it before splashing out on a wireless combo.

CoolHotCold

TakeThis wrote: »

Sorry, but your post is nonsense. The retailer has no power to change the DSR.
At worst, they can request that you bear the cost of the return. But they cannot refuse the return, unlike the 'one stop shop'.

Actually, read the DSR again and you can see that a shop can indeed change the DSR (in a few places) and one of those places is return costs. Hence why I said read the T&C carefully as returning a Desktop and Monitor under your own expense will add up.


I disagreed with your post, you called my post nonsense. I'm sorry if I asked why the OP was going to use it for and if he already had the software he was mostly going to use the PC for. I prefer to gather the whole idea than just picking a system, hence why I asked the question and didn't give a suggestion. I never even suggested he should purchase a PC from a One Shop Stop, but it's a good idea to use the resources available in the form of PcWorld to view desktops and monitor sizes and go online and purchase or purchase in store.

Besides, if you read the Consumer Rights forum (where I spend most of the time) you'll see some companies won't take back Computers as they classify it as software license thats been agreed and installed and you have to go down small claims court route.

TakeThis

CoolHotCold wrote: »

Actually, read the DSR again and you can see that a shop can indeed change the DSR (in a few places) and one of those places is return costs. Hence why I said read the T&C carefully as returning a Desktop and Monitor under your own expense will add up.


I disagreed with your post, you called my post nonsense. I'm sorry if I asked why the OP was going to use it for and if he already had the software he was mostly going to use the PC for. I prefer to gather the whole idea than just picking a system, hence why I asked the question and didn't give a suggestion. I never even suggested he should purchase a PC from a One Shop Stop, but it's a good idea to use the resources available in the form of PcWorld to view desktops and monitor sizes and go online and purchase or purchase in store.

Besides, if you read the Consumer Rights forum (where I spend most of the time) you'll see some companies won't take back Computers as they classify it as software license thats been agreed and installed and you have to go down small claims court route.

We have both already pointed out the possibility of some retailers asking you to cover the cost of the return if you are returning an item that is not faulty, within seven working days of delivery.

If the item is not of satisfactory quality, Argos Outlet will not ask you to pay for the return.

Either way, when it comes to Desktops, I can't imagine that looks are going to be important.
What exactly will the OP need to see when in-store? It is not like buying a laptop.

I still fail to see why you disagreed with my suggestion to buy online and now you suggest to buy online anyway.

reallyAnnoyed_2

If you are not inTo gaming or use software needing more computing power than why not go for an AMD processor?

Intel is expensive and you can save some money from processor and spend it on memory or bigger harddisk.

Also, have you considered building your own desktop? You can easily build a higher specs AMD machine (do it only if you have technical know-how) within that budget.