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Open University course - PC needed... I haven't a clue!

I can work a computer, but the suggestion for PC/Laptop spec may as well be written in ancient greek for all I understand of it:

The OU state:


We suggest buying a machine with, at least a 3.0GHz processor, 1GB RAM, a DVD-ROM or combi drive, 100+GB hard disk drive, 17" LCD screen and all the other common items, if your budget allows. This type of computer is commonly available and you should be able to buy one for £450 or less.

Any ideas would be very gratefully received.

I've copied this on the laptop thread as well. I hope that's OK?

Hip
«1

Comments

  • www.dmxdimension.com
    www.ebuyer.com

    you probably first need to decide if you want a laptop or a desktop. Any new PC/laptop would be ok, but suggest you get one with a DVD-writer to future proof it a bit.
    Ever get the feeling you are wasting your time? :rolleyes:
  • Hi

    Last year I bought my laptop for the OU from Currys, it cost £449 (i think) It is more than adequate, mine had a wireless modem inside it too.
    I don't really think you need over 60gb hard drive if you are only using it for uni, but obviously as big as your budget will allow is best

    Mel x
    Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
    Nothing is going to get better. It's not.
  • shown73
    shown73 Posts: 1,268 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Just a thought. A few years ago, OU material was not very AOL friendly. I'd just got rid of AOL, with a struggle, so wasn't worried, but I remember being glad that I had changed to another ISP. Don't know the reasons, but perhaps worth checking, as new pc's are often sold with bundled software.
  • What course will you be doing because that may effect the type of PC/Laptop you need? I did my degree with the OU and only really needed the PC to write assessments but other courses require alot more use for example language courses and Maths/computor courses.
    Competitions wins 2010

    LG Cookie Fresh Mobile with £50 credit, Kiss 100 on FB
    .:j
  • mum2one
    mum2one Posts: 16,279 Forumite
    Xmas Saver!
    Hi.
    if its any help I was in exactly the same permission 12 mths ago, what I did was went to Currys, PC World etc and took in the specifications that I had been quoted.
    have a budget in mind,I know the computer grant is £250.00, but if you get a study grant (upto £250), then you are expected to use both sets of money.

    The 1st decision is a laptop or a desktop, generally you have to pay more for laptop with the same specifications as a desktop.

    Im on my 4th OU course ( mad and did 120 points 1st yr), and have had no probs with the computer or AOL.

    i would personally avoid Packard Bell computers, had a very dodgy experience, 7 mths old, had to have nearly the whole unit replaced.

    I personally went to Currys, and had a good deal. If you want a laptop, there is a toshiba on offer for around £399.00, its a really good brand.

    Good luck with the courses. x
    xx rip dad... we had our ups and downs but we’re always be family xx
  • I am surprised and delighted that so many people have taken the time to respond to my request for support. I'm very grateful to you all. Thank you!

    I'm doing a Health and Social Care course so hardly hi-tech. I will take on board all your links, hints and suggestions. I'm not sure I need a lap top, but I live in a bedsit and I don't want a computer to take up the room. As this is an MSE site, the pennies will make the decision.

    I'll write back and let you know my decision!

    Many, many thanks again.
    Hip
  • I did K100 and chose the book option rather than the online course and did not need the PC at all but chose to type up the assignments although you can hand write them too. I also did the Dip Health and Social Care and again did not need the PC. Hope that helps
    Competitions wins 2010

    LG Cookie Fresh Mobile with £50 credit, Kiss 100 on FB
    .:j
  • mum2one
    mum2one Posts: 16,279 Forumite
    Xmas Saver!
    I am surprised and delighted that so many people have taken the time to respond to my request for support. I'm very grateful to you all. Thank you!

    I'm doing a Health and Social Care course so hardly hi-tech. I will take on board all your links, hints and suggestions. I'm not sure I need a lap top, but I live in a bedsit and I don't want a computer to take up the room. As this is an MSE site, the pennies will make the decision.

    I'll write back and let you know my decision!

    Many, many thanks again.
    Hip

    Hi.
    Just a thought carphone warehouse have got an offer on free laptop if you sign upto AOL broadband wireless. But if you want dual core, think you may need to upgrade to the £149.99 laptop.

    Also sorry to be nosey ( meant in the nicest of ways), have you got a BT line, in your room, if you havent then you would need a laptop, with a data card slot, the best offer around at the mo is "3", that starts at £10.00 month, you get hardly any down load, the next grade is £15.00 month, they work on the basis similar to a mobile phone,you can use them anywhere (obviously subject to recpetion), and you dont need a BT line.

    The Toshiba £399.00 @ currys should do the job.

    Good luck with the course, my friends doing that one, shes doing the paper version, me I had a bright idea!!!! to change from law to accountancy, not my best decesion.

    Good luck with it all.

    Cheryl


    Im not the most technical person sorry, so please excuse my termonology, and Im not on commission!
    xx rip dad... we had our ups and downs but we’re always be family xx
  • Hi, I have been given a PC grant for £135 and plus my course grant of £265 it makes £400. My problem is I would like to buy a HP laptop which costs £429.99 and I do not mind paying for the remaining £29.99 from my pocket but Am I allowed to do that? or do I have to buy a computer that is exactly £400 or less? I have tried to call the OU but they are on holiday until the 4th January.
    This is what it says in the OU pc grant information:
    "The PC grant offers students a conditional grant of £135 to add to their course grant, giving them up to £400 towards the purchase of a compouter."
    Please help me anyone as I need to purchase one asap to avoid paying a higher price after the increase of VAT next week.
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