any PC makes to avoid

Cisco001

BTW, if you think it is hardware fault on your usb port, you can get a plug in card to sort that out
http://www.amazon.co.uk/eLifeStore%C2%AE-Express-Extension-SuperSpeed-Microsoft/dp/B008XFAQ58/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1429264609&sr=8-3&keywords=pci+express+usb+3+card

soolin

Cisco001 wrote: »

BTW, if you think it is hardware fault on your usb port, you can get a plug in card to sort that out
http://www.amazon.co.uk/eLifeStore%C2%AE-Express-Extension-SuperSpeed-Microsoft/dp/B008XFAQ58/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1429264609&sr=8-3&keywords=pci+express+usb+3+card

The USB ports are one of only a few issues. My CD Drive hasn't worked properly for ages and I just haven't bothered with it as I rarely ever need to use a disc.

Kernel_Sanders

soolin wrote: »

am dreading replacing the one I have as it takes me all day to 'plug and play' a new one.
.....it needs to be wi fi enabled (my current one uses a plug in which I'm beginning to have problems with as my USB ports seem to have stopped working all the time)

Why replace the whole system when you may only need a new wi-fi card (easily installable on a desktop). Can you not test it on another PC (maybe at the library?) If it's OK then follow Cisco's suggestion (order something else over 2p to get free delivery). This one is even cheaper at £7.99 delivered (if you don't need the cable), and is also supported by Windows 8 should you upgrade your OS. Might even get one myself for my 13-y-o Medion!
What is it that you use the CD drive for that can't be done with a USB stick?

robmar0se wrote: »

- some guys on the Dells

I speed-read that as 'Guys 'n Dolls'

soolin

I would actually prefer to replace the system entirely as this is vital for my work - and being non techie the stress in adding or subtracting bits to my box outweighs the cost of replacing.

bod1467

If things are slowly breaking down then it suggests the motherboard may be on the way out. So getting a new system (for a non-techie) is probably the right approach.

Obviously you'll be able to reuse your monitor, keyboard and mouse with a new desktop machine. But you might want to look at upgrading these too while you're on.

SailorSam

mum2one wrote: »

- my laptop just died - having to hire Dds (£5 a week) -

That's terrible that, you should remind her about all the things you've done for her, and she's cost you a lot more than £5 a week.

Fightsback

enfield_freddy wrote: »

I disagree, soolin take the above info at face value , the truth will come out very shortly after the warranty finishes , and you find you have a box , built with substandard parts , that are not "easily" interchangeable with standard ones"


the one thing that cannot be over spec , is a good PSU , a small or cheap/nasty PSU will come back to bite you.


as per my recommendation's , contact a local PC shop (non franchised) , explain what you NEED , not what the box sellers are telling you you need , and buy from them .

It's not 1999 anymore where you need a 10gw psu to run minesweeper:

getmore4less

£200 will get you what you need.

For simple use there is little point in paying for loads of upgrade potential.

Probably some value in the old one even as a give away to a tech learner/student or charity.

getmore4less

Forgot did not answer the question.

Dell served me well got 2 desktops and a laptop. The laptop battery died a bit early

Also some old ones from work running xp that are still going.

My old Packard is very old in a corner waiting to be dismantled

A._Badger

If you're looking for value for money and reliability, I can recommend Novatech. It's worth looking at their site and comparing prices with the offerings the high st. brands.