cheap pc?

Cka

Hi there my son would like a pc for Xmas I have no idea where to start. Is there anywhere other than pc world?
He's happy to start of small and add to it as he goes along... anyone recommend anywhere?

Im_just_careful

I wouldn't buy at PC World but they are a good place to have a look.

How old is the son ?

Why does he want a PC ?

How much do you want to spend ?

macman

PCW is positively the last place to go.
Without knowing your budget and what your son wants to do with his PC, no way of helping.

Stooby2

If you buy a cheap one, in no time your son will be complaining that his games won't run or are very slow and, in a couple of years' time, you'll be looking to upgrade it.
If you spend around the £500 mark it will last longer and do everything he needs, for some time to come.

I offer this link as an example. I use Novatech a lot and have had no issues with them. But you may find a better deal out there.

http://www.novatech.co.uk/pc/range/novatechlifenti30.html

prowla

Why not buy from PC World?

I would:
(a) check the prices by looking around.
(b) if you do buy from PC World then do not accept any add-ons (especially extended warranties) that they try and push onto you.

(Note that PC World and Currys are the same shop.)

You can also shop online; Dell are well established.

Ynayesta

PC world offer materials for £1k that actually cost £500 to build yourself. Novatech is certainly reputable. I personally like computerplanet.

AMD machines are cheeper than intel (generally). If you want a future proof machine you will want to spend over £500. It will be worth it though.

Just, never buy from PCworld or Currys. The staff I'm sure mostly know about some of the stuff they're selling, but they have to push extras on you, it's the only way they make money, and stores have targets that they need to reach. You will get a midrange comp for the price of a top range beast.

You might have a bit of luck buying from a local store/second hand if all your son wants is something to check his social networks.

Something to check social networks/general browsing
No more than £500 - infact you could get something brand new for £200 easy.

Mid-range machine for casual gaming/general usage
£500-800

Top of the range (best graphics/PSU) for major gaming and power hungry programmes
£800-£1k

-TangleFoot-

Cka wrote: »

I have no idea where to start.

Here, perhaps?

Neil49

I sure plenty of people can recommend some good ones but to narrow things down a bit, aside from the price and purpose questions already raised, does he want -

a desktop or a laptop (or even a tablet)?

what size screen?

does he want/need to take it to school?

If you keep an eye on

www.hotukdeals.com

you will find many good deals spotted by eagle eyed shoppers. Some only last for a day but even yesterday I saw a deal for a very hi spec dell laptop for less than £500 in their Santa Specials.

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/secret-santa?&dgc=AF&cid=5212&lid=122756&acd=239752163117281

If you give us some idea of what you are looking for you will get plenty of advice on this site

macman

Pointless thread without some basic info fro the OP: budget?

Cka

Sorry for delay in replying. Son I'd looking to getting into playing with graffix and general use.. not so much gaming. .
As for budget depends Wat you guys recommend .. screen size etc not too much of an issue he would be happy regardless...
Thanx to others who have suggested places. I shall take a look...

macman

How can you not know your approximate budget? You can spend anything from £50 for an old Pentium 4, to £2,000+ for a high end Quad Core gaming PC.
You must have some idea.