Buying a PC as cheaply as possible

willing2learn_3

Hi there

If this subject is already covered i apologise, i'm on the computer late tonight and i really need some advice.

I want to buy a new computer as i've moved house and away from the computer i was using. I have about 250 pounds to spare (maybe more if necessary). Someone has suggested Novatech to me and i will go visit that site when i have a bit more time.

For now though i just need some information. I've no idea what to look for. I've seen computers for the amount i can pay. One store was really helpful. They said there are some problems with Windows Vista but for my purposes there probably won't be any. I only want a computer to go online to websites like this one, to maybe access iTunes, watch some DVD's and watch videos that are accessible online. Also to do basic photo editing and basic letter writing.

So, i want the best computer for that money, but understand there will be limitations at that price.

What to go for in terms of:

the processor?
Windows application?
how much RAM?

Suddenly i've become really interested in computers and i'm sure i'll find all this information out eventually for myself, but right now i am really in need of a computer for my new home as quick as possible - before i spend the money! lol!

Anyone out there able to suggest anything?

thanks for your time!

W2L

GoofyGAT

willing2learn wrote: »

I have about 250 pounds to spare (maybe more if necessary).

May I suggest to configure this Dell Vostro 200 MT for £282 (includes VAT & delivery) / changes/additions in red

- Processor: Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core E2140 [Worth paying the £23-24 premium over the Celeron]
- Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Basic
- Base Warranty: 1 Year Business Hardware Support
- Monitor: Dell™ 19" Value Flat Panel (E198FP) [The widescreen one may be more suitable for DVDs, etc but will add £18 to the price]
- Memory: 1024MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2x512) [Vista runs best on 1Gb or more]
- Hard Drive: 160GB (7200rpm) Serial ATA Hard Drive
- Video Card: Integrated Intel® Graphic Media Accelerator X3100 [Fine if you're not going to play games, except Windows' ones]
- Optical Devices: 48x CDRW/DVD Combo Drive [Fine if you only need to burn CDs (not DVDs)]
- Keyboard: Dell™ Entry Quietkey USB Keyboard
- Mouse: Dell™ 2 Button USB Scroll Optical Mouse
- Sound Card: Integrated 7.1 Channel High Definition Audio
- Dell A225 Speakers [+£12 for the speaker set with subwoofer instead]
- Microsoft Application Software: Microsoft® Works 8.0 [Use the much better free OpenOffice.org instead]

Note that there's no dial-up modem, as I'm assuming you'll be using broadband.

For only £18 more (£300 in total) you can configure this Vostro 200 MT with the same spec as above but a bigger hard drive (250Gb), a DVD burner & the better Vista Business. G

willing2learn_3

Just got back and found your replies - thanks! All looks a bit technical!:D I will settle back later and digest and i'll let you know!

thanks again!

GoofyGAT

If you have any questions about my suggestions, or the PC you require in general, just ask .

There are many knowledgeable folk here who'll be happy to help/suggest alternatives too. G

willing2learn_3

Thankyou GoofyCat

You have given me an idea of what i should be looking for. I could just about go up to 300 pounds, however, i don't use any credit or debit cards at the moment and am unlikely to be able to enter into a payment plan with Dell. I'd have to pay outright...so i might have to shop around.

I have numerous questions about computers! I can't believe i don't know this stuff already - i'm not from this century perhaps I'll post my (probably very daft) questions here and you or others might be able to explain a few things. lol!

Ok...

* Why Intel Pentium over Celeron?
* Is Windows Vista really ok for me - so many people are advising not to have it?
* Open Office is good then? Good enough not to have to get Word installed?
* What's the story on anti virus packages? Curry's are doing Norton Anti virus for 29.99 when you buy a computer, what is the reputation for Norton?

Thanks to all who respond :-)

richyrichuk

nuts to them lads... these are some good prices!!!

Option 1
computer
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=0&action=YnVuZGxlX292ZXJ2aWV3&easycode=EWGFE3GK3

monitor
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/104838

total £294.01

Option 2
Computer
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Systems/AriaNet/AriaNet+AMD+2800%2B+PC+System+?productId=26796

monitor
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Displays/Monitors/TFT+17"/17"+Hanns-G+HW173A+Widescreen+8ms+?productId=27032

Total £233.71

Option 3
Computer
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Systems/AriaNet/AriaNet+AMD+X2+4200%2B+PC+System+?productId=27779

monitor
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Displays/Monitors/TFT+17"/17"+Hanns-G+HW173A+Widescreen+8ms+?productId=27032

total £316.68

they should do u. just depends what u r doing etc...and how much u wanna spend.

thebroker1980

If you are a P.C newbie in terms of knowledge, I would suggest going somewhere that you will be given a good support package, I recently purchased a P.C from A & D Computers they are great with support pricing and overall knowledge (Unlike P.C World) below are their details.

www.a-dcomputers.com
tel:0115 9522781

Hope this helps

Steve
______________________________________________________________

Road rage is a sin.....

richyrichuk

well there not that cheap, and yeah got ur graphics, but depends if u need that sort of power out the PC, and not sure if they'll help u with a software problem. hardware maybe.

but if u cant get ur antivirus to run for e.g. u sure they'll help u?

Russ66

willing2learn wrote: »

i don't use any credit or debit cards at the moment and am unlikely to be able to enter into a payment plan with Dell. I'd have to pay outright...

Nearly all of the best deals are only available online, so you would really need a card of some sort to pay for them. Is there anyone who could pay by card if you gave them the cash?

GoofyGAT

willing2learn wrote: »

* Why Intel Pentium over Celeron?
* Is Windows Vista really ok for me - so many people are advising not to have it?
* Open Office is good then? Good enough not to have to get Word installed?
* What's the story on anti virus packages? Curry's are doing Norton Anti virus for 29.99 when you buy a computer, what is the reputation for Norton?

* Intel Pentium because Celeron (like AMD's Sempron) is rubbish in comparison. There used to be a big difference in price too between the two, but the gap has narrowed recently. Also, the former has gone dual core now (basically, two processors in one), so it makes more sense going for one of these if it fits in your budget (the Dell I linked to has a dual core CPU). Having said all of the above, a Celeron/Sempron will suit your needs adequately. I'm trying to suggest to you the best value+performance.

* Vista is absolutely fine - there are probably millions using it as we speak with no problems (including my 84-year old neighbour who knows next to nothing about computers). However, if you're an XP user & really like it, then stick with XP if you can (Dell's can be configured with both btw). XP or Vista is a personal thing though - some XP lovers like Vista, some don't (I'm the latter - will only ever move to Vista if I had no choice).

* Yes, OpenOffice (OO) is very good & you don't need an expensive Office suite (I find the cut-down MS Works diabolical to use compared to OO & MS Office). There are a few other free 'commercial' alternatives as well, like Sun StarOffice 7 (based on OO).

* Norton Antivirus (NAV) will only slow your computer down (as an example see Norton - I didn't believe it). There are very good free alternatives like AVG & Avast that don't have this effect.

G

willing2learn_3

Thnaks so much everyone - i will read and respond in more depth soon.

Meanwhile i wonder if anyone might like to check out this spec for me - i'm thinking of buying:

EI System EI 314, intel pentium 4 640 processor, 3.20 GHz, 800 MHz FSB 2 MB cache, MS Windows XP media centre, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard disk drive, multi layer DVD RW drive, 128 MB ATi Radeon x200 graphics, 6 USB,

It's 209 pounds.

and i was thinking of just using AVG and zone alarm with it.

interested in your thoughts

W2L