New Desk-Top PC - suggestions please

ERICS_MUM

Current one is 9 years old and I want a new one !

I don't need anything for gaming and I don't download films etc. I need it mainly for spreadsheets, docs, photos, music etc.


I have an iPad mini for use in my armchair in front of the telly (as you do !) so don't really want a laptop as my "main" computer.

SO, my question is what should I be looking for, how much/little do I need to spend and can anyone recommend a particular brand and/or model.

Similarly what should I avoid ?

Thanks for your help as always

EM

Cycrow

Pretty much any modern pc will do the tasks you want. So you could just go for a cheap pc. If the aim is to save as much money as possible, you could reuse your existing monitor/mouse/keyboard, and just buy a base unit.

It really depends how much you want to spend

grumpycrab

A couple of decisions to be made. Windows7 or Windows8? Do your require a CD/DVD drive built-in? For initial cheap and cheerful ideas start here
http://www.ebuyer.com/store/Computer/cat/Desktop-PC?44=Home

EDIT: good desktop here for £186 (Windows8 and CD/DVD drive and good processor; was £300 includes 12month warranty and keyboard)
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/medion-akoya-b-grade-i3-4160-1tb-hdd-4gb-ram-only-179-with-voucher-plus-6-95-p-p-2167849

[Deleted User]

How about a Mac Mini? £399 if use your current monitor/tv, keyboard and mouse. It will intergrate with your ipad too.

Fightsback

Deleted_User wrote: »

How about a Mac Mini? £399 if use your current monitor/tv, keyboard and mouse. It will intergrate with your ipad too.

IIRC another poster described those £400 mac mini's as slow and wanted to return his for a better model or a PC.

Edit:

Yep here's the thread.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5195160

SilverLiz

After owning 2 desktops sourced locally, both of which only lasted 2-3 years with lots of problems, I got a Dell desktop pc 4 years ago (online+phone help) and it is still going strong with no problems.
You can mix and match with various hard drive types and memory sizes and prices etc.


The best thing though is they give you a free telephone help call when you set your pc up. I used this and they remotely transferred all the stuff I needed from my old pc (I had made a backup) and got it all running as per the old one. I hadn't a clue what to do with this so it was great.


I didn't like the keyboard bundled with the PC so they let me choose another (big upgrade) and sent it free.
The sales team are also good to talk to and give you lots of help.


I will be getting another Dell when this one conks out.

Scott_T

Having built a significant number of pc's and mac's (from parts)
And REPAIRED many from ALL BRANDS
i can safley say its not what you buy its how its used and looked after

Any modern pc if looked after and a little care when choosing will fit the OP's needs

Not all computers are created equal but sone are well .....good others not so much

tavernman

ERICS_MUM wrote: »

Current one is 9 years old and I want a new one !

I don't need anything for gaming and I don't download films etc. I need it mainly for spreadsheets, docs, photos, music etc.


I have an iPad mini for use in my armchair in front of the telly (as you do !) so don't really want a laptop as my "main" computer.

SO, my question is what should I be looking for, how much/little do I need to spend and can anyone recommend a particular brand and/or model.

Similarly what should I avoid ?

Thanks for your help as always

EM

And I am not in a rush....:rotfl:
Not much feedback , grumpycrab posted some but op has gone away for 8 more years perhaps

ERICS_MUM

No, I'm here. Thank you for reminding me about my manners !

I have a 91 year old Mum who is diabetic. Her insulin wasn't delivered and I've spent the last 3 days sorting it. My apologies for letting my real life get in the way of the virtual.

Anyway thanks to all respondees, I appreciate your time and expertise especially yours tavernman. Oops, you didn't give me the benefit of your expertise, that will teach me.

EM xx

londonTiger

mac mini or a nettop would be perfect imo. theyre passively cooled and perfect fo basic computing.

all large fan cooled desktops get noisy after time

getmore4less

IMO you can't go far wrong with DELL.

off the shelf,
cheap,
work.
support manuals etc all avaialble online still even for old models.


My £180 outlet one from April 2008 still going fine, (insperon 530, dual core E4500 2.2ghz, 3gb ram 2x320g discs, DVD writer, media reader...)

Had the cover off, and a good clean of fans and heatsinks, silent again.


Depending on the PC the OP has there may be some life but probably not worth the bother, base units are so cheap.

last time I looked this place had all the ins/outs of the dell models
http://www.wizmarkcomputers.co.uk/
Not sure if they still do...

then I just loooked and waited for a decent spec on the outlet site, think it is harder now there are too many people looking and bots grabbing the good ones.
When the price is right with delivery/discounts you can get a bargain.