New PC problems

Computer_Beginner

Thanks very much for all the replies.

It's definitely not a slow internet connection, because I've checked that using my laptop (both WiFi and Ethernet connection are fast).

I'll definitley consider taking it back before the warrenty expires.
I'm quite surprised that a new PC (even a cheap one) can perform so poorly at even the most basic tasks. It's struggling more than my cheap laptop bought 10 years ago did when new.

Maybe it takes more processing power to view internet pages now, due to increased advertising etc?

I'll look at taking off some of the 'bloatware' on the PC - because half of the 'apps' just look like gimmicks that I don't want.

Interesting that a few people have mentioned refurbished computers being better value for money than new. I'll look into that.

that

Computer_Beginner wrote: »

I'll definitley consider taking it back before the warrenty expires.

I just hope you do not mean in 11 months time. It could be updates, so leave it on tonight and reboot it tomorrow.

My laptop is 7 years old, and is a bit sluggish while doing updates, yet i never had had the problems you described except with a slow connection, or a fault. It could also be spyware, but is so new and such a poor spec

Johnmcl7

Computer_Beginner wrote: »

Thanks very much for all the replies.

It's definitely not a slow internet connection, because I've checked that using my laptop (both WiFi and Ethernet connection are fast).

I'll definitley consider taking it back before the warrenty expires.
I'm quite surprised that a new PC (even a cheap one) can perform so poorly at even the most basic tasks. It's struggling more than my cheap laptop bought 10 years ago did when new.

Maybe it takes more processing power to view internet pages now, due to increased advertising etc?

I'll look at taking off some of the 'bloatware' on the PC - because half of the 'apps' just look like gimmicks that I don't want.

Interesting that a few people have mentioned refurbished computers being better value for money than new. I'll look into that.

If the PC World page is correct and the PC has an Intel Celeron J3355 processor then unfortunately it is badly underpowered. It's designed for a budget laptops where the very low power usage means at least you get good batterylife as a tradeoff for the slow performance but it doesn't make much sense for a desktop PC where the power usage doesn't matter.

The refurbished business class desktops people are referring to would originally be much more expensive PC's however large businesses will often get them cheap for buying in very large numbers. Rather than replace the PC's when they fail, large businesses will often regularly replace PC's at three to four years old even though the new desktops are often no faster than the old ones.

This means the retired desktop PC's can be picked up cheap and are usually good hardware with parts designed for performance and longevity in a chassis that is designed to be easily maintained. Laptops are more of a gamble as the batteries will likely have lost a lot of their life, the chassis may be scratched, the keyboard/touchpad well worn and if anything goes wrong it's expensive to repair. However desktops are usually fine and since it's mostly standard parts they're easy to repair and upgrade in the longer term.

grumpycrab

Computer_Beginner wrote: »

I'm quite surprised that a new PC (even a cheap one) can perform so poorly at even the most basic tasks.

Just been looking at a new Acer laptop (2 months) which is running really slowy; has disk errors; advised owner to return to Argos but he is insisting that it can be fixed...doing a chkdsk/f/r followed by a factory reset. We'll see.

Frozen_up_north

grumpycrab wrote: »

Just been looking at a new Acer laptop (2 months) which is running really slowy; has disk errors; advised owner to return to Argos but he is insisting that it can be fixed...doing a chkdsk/f/r followed by a factory reset. We'll see.

I've come across a couple of these (one new Acer, the other 3 or 4 years old), they seem to spend half their time dealing with Windows updates, as well as taking 2 or 3 minutes to settle on power up.

I guess they infrequent use is the main problem, although not sure about the slow boot, I've tried all sorts and given up...

giraffe69

Seems worth checking whether it is updates. You can do this via settings, updates and security. If there are some waiting then as suggested let it run overnight to catch up and see if this makes a difference.

that

Acer, I like the visual qualities of their screens, but the most motherboard problems I've had in laptops were acer. Personally I would not buy an acer laptop. I'm sure someone somewhere has a working one over a year old, but dealing with this brand has made me jaded.

Robisere

I agree with "that": you will be making a big mistake by not returning the PC immediately. Don't try to remove anything, as that will give the seller an excuse, just leave it as it came and return it for a refund and buy something better, as posted here a refurbished machine would be an improvement, giving you much more for your money.

EveryWhere

that wrote: »

Acer, I like the visual qualities of their screens, but the most motherboard problems I've had in laptops were acer. Personally I would not buy an acer laptop. I'm sure someone somewhere has a working one over a year old, but dealing with this brand has made me jaded.

True to form, I'm posting from a ten year old ACER Netbook. Also have an eleven year old ACER laptop that still works.
I would rather avoid HP consumer stuff.

EveryWhere

Robisere wrote: »

I agree with "that": you will be making a big mistake by not returning the PC immediately. Don't try to remove anything, as that will give the seller an excuse, just leave it as it came and return it for a refund and buy something better, as posted here a refurbished machine would be an improvement, giving you much more for your money.

Unless they bought it online, I can't see PC World/Currys issuing a refund as easily at that.
I have no idea how these posters only find this forum after they've purchased this kind of nonsense.
It would perhaps be ok with a solid state drive. But it doesn't have one, so the Windows Updates will cripple it.