desktop and tv

vtmil

hi, im looking for a computer but to say im a novice is an understatement.

i want to be able to write and store essays , store photos, use broadband and watch tv.

Im looking at dell inspiron 530 (£360) with 160 gb/1024 ram, dual core proccesor.

Will i be able to add a tv tuner on this spec?
thanks vtmil

Halloway

It's possible to buy USB Freeview adapters for a fairly low price (£20-30). Here's one I picked at random (I am not endorsing either the product or the supplier!) http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/94486

If you want to spend more money you can get integral cards with bells and whistles but I don't see the benefit if all you want to do is watch and record TV on your PC. Oh and you'll need a TV licence if you don't already have one!

wolfman

The Freecom one is good. There are BDA drivers for it. That probably sounds like geek talk. It basically means you don't have to use the software they supply (which often isn't the best). BDA drivers mean you can use any generically written software.

I'd recommend GbPvr, it's free too.