where to buy a new pc?

Tamster150

Dell Inspiron 530
Service tag - DPQX23J

Tamster150

bsod wrote: »

you're gonna lose it if you replace the machine anyway, but this should find the serial no

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html

Yep too true!
I will give that a try later when I get home

bsod

http://www.dell.com/support/home/UK/En/UKbsdt1/product-support/servicetag/DPQX23J/configuration

Have you moved on from the bundled mcafee?

A re-install of vista, office, and your data will make it faster, don't rely on flash drives for storage. Sourcing a downloadable office disc may not be too difficult, but there are different versions

It could be upgraded in terms of hardware and operating system, but right now windows 10 is being released -- there's going to be a lot of stock clearances around.

Tamster150

macafee went years ago!

Ok, I will give it go and hold back on a replacement for now.

NiftyDigits

Tamster150 wrote: »

macafee went years ago!

Ok, I will give it go and hold back on a replacement for now.

Have you backed up your old data?

You can increase the RAM to 4GB and install Windows 7 64 bit for probably around £15.

2 GB DDR2 PC2-5300 DDR2-667 MHZ RAM £6.97

I'll put a guide together once I've finished my supper.

Tamster150

niftydigits - thanks for all your help, I have tried to reply to your PM but your inbox is full and my message wont send.

Kernow666

also consider ebay/argos outlet they have ex-catalogue stuff both new & refurb pretty cheap
i recently bouught tower & monitor for half the original price with 12mth warranty

NiftyDigits

Once you get more confident after fitting the extra RAM and a graphics card, you can even think about upgrading the CPU.

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E7400 £3.80

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E8200 £4.50

Hopefully someone here will have an idea for an inexpensive graphics card for your video and photo editing needs.

jenniewb

Not sure if it's of any help but when I got a new computer a few years ago I did a bit of research as I didn't want to waste my money the second time around (Dell sold me what turned out to be by their description a faulty machine, it was a Dimension C521 and I am led to believe they were not a good line in general. By the time the service center admitted it, it was out of warranty and I was stuck with an expensive waste of money). I could never buy a Dell again.


Customer service and reliability were the biggest issues for me but it does depend what is important to you. I went to the local library and had a look at the Which guides.


I don't remember all the brands they listed but I do remember Apple scored highest (though IMO too expensive to ever consider what they charge), Sony was next on the list (again too expensive) and Novatech I think was 3rd.


I have a purpose built Novatech computer. They sell pre-built models too. I just didn't want to pay for extras I wouldn't use. I selected the internals and so on and they put it together. They are a UK based company and offer life-long technical support for their computers (IME not free to diagnose in a service center fix but free to advise on how to work out what the problem is by phone). I've found them very helpful when I had a problem now years after purchasing.


They probably are not the cheapest, but customer service and a UK help center were big issues I was happy to foot the extra for and it wasn't as hugely high as Sony or Apple. Make sure you know what you're looking for and what is important to you as it may differ from me but if you want a suggestion for a PC I'd recommend Novatech and buy from them again if I needed to.

ClintonStewart

As per your requirements you have not to buy the laptop which is able to perform the basic function. According to me intel hd graphic card is enough to you, according to your usage. You can get these laptops at very cheap price but if you need better hardware and better design than you have to pay extra for that. For e.g better keyboard, sleek design, touch screen, face detection feature etc.