Topic: New desktop needed

[sandersj89]

Any one have any views on new desk top computers, my old, 8 years old, pc at home is slowly dying a death thanks to the high number of digital photos I am storing, no CD burner, only one USB, the amount of educational software loaded for the kids, old windows 98, etc, etc.

Therefore I think it is time for a change, the old machine can be used as a spare in my son’s room. There are loads of makes out there to choose from but it all gets a bit baffling. Probably to get worse this evening when I nip into PCworld for a browse.

I want something that will see us in good stead for a few years, reliable, robust, decent storage capacity and speed. I don’t play games so masses of RAM not an issue. A flat screen will also be nice to free up some desk space.

I have spent a fair bit of time on HP and Dell’s websites and prefer the Dell stuff in looks and prices I think. Any others I should look out for? Budget up to about £800.

I know this is a bit of an un answerable question but all views appreciated….

Thanks

Jerry

[Jill]

My personal preference is for Dell.  Found them to be good value for money and very reliable.  I know some people have had probs with delivery from them but I've not.

Also Aqui's point about the benefit of having lots of RAM for browsing very valid.   HTH

[sandersj89]

I know some people have had probs with delivery from them but I've not.

That is interesting, pne thing I have not managed to fathom from their web site is delivery times. How long does it take from placing an order to deliver???

Jerry

[derbex]

Jerry,

most of the big boys use JTL (Just Too Late) manufacturing, i.e. you order it and we'll think about building it. I'd bank on at least a couple of weeks. If you want one quicker you need a shop or somewhere like DABS.

I've had computers from all over -the latest is a Dell and it's fine- the one before is a cheapo, no-name, over-the-shop job, and it's still serving websites 8 years on.

Just one thing if you're going to go from 98 to XP you may find that half your software stops working.

Jeremy.

[ACE]

Since I had to have a laptop for work I have not looked at my old desk top. It does not take up the space and does more than my old one, So get a laptop from Acer, you cannot go wrong, at about £700

[sandersj89]

Just one thing if you're going to go from 98 to XP you may find that half your software stops working.

Jeremy.

That is one of the reasons for looking at a new machine, some of the educational s/w struggles to run on 98 and I am trying to upgrade to avoid that problem for a few years.

Thanks

Jerry

[sandersj89]

Since I had to have a laptop for work I have not looked at my old desk top. It does not take up the space and does more than my old one, So get a laptop from Acer, you cannot go wrong, at about £700

Ahhh, I have a nice IBM Thinkpad from work to use as my main computer, soon to be upgraded again.  ;D ;D

I can't load software onto it however as it is locked down, and it won't work with my broadband.  :(

Jerry

[Columbus]

I`d install a cd writer and buy a usb card or a usb hub. After the stuff you want to keep on the hard drive is rescued onto cdrom you could format the hard drive and reinstall windows 98. Then your pc would be back to where you started but better. You then might consider buying a replacement hard drive in a few months. This is the much cheaper option for nerdy pepes like me or pepes with nerdy friends.

But.. some of the offerings from Dell recently are very nice on the surface. However I would check where the hidden savings are being made to achieve low prices. After that, if they meet your needs I`m sure you`ll enjoy owning one.

Col

[Jill]

Jerry re delivery time for Dell, sorry I can't remember off hand.  What I did do tho' because I wanted a non standard spec was to get all the info from the website and then ring them to place the order.  They were very helpful and gave a timescale which they stuck to.  Hope you find what you want.

[kenkew]

Know what's in it!!
No computer seller makes the innards! They buy almost all the bits from outside, assemble and sell. HD prices are cheap, Ram is cheap, drives don't cost that much and who needs surround sound speaker systems? Two chips dominate, Intel 4 and Athlon 64. The Athlon is a step ahead in preparing for 64 bit games which are due out next year. This says that it's processing power is the best around at this time. Sound cards don't cost the earth, graphics cards do! If graphics are your thing, expect to pay more for a better one. Additional bits you pay for are connections, firewire, usb and spare slots. Don't bother with extended guarantee's they're just not worth it. If you get something like MS Office thrown in you save €500. Windows EX is a must these days. For the money you quote you will get a machine with about 80gig, a decent sound card, at least 2 usb slots and a fair graphics. Shop around. Dab's is good, check the price on their HP systems. Tiny do OK but don't expect much software or free back-up.

[sandersj89]

Columbus,

Thanks for the idea, I work with about 800 nerdy types being the Financial Controller for an IT department in a big firm, some of them have suggested similar ideas. I am a little worried about the stability of the system but think I may use this machine for my son. They are suggesting a wireless network so he can have the old machine in his room and share the broadband connection and my printer. Might be an option.

On checking last night my machine only has an 8gig hard drive and that is pushing 80% filled...eeek.


Ken,

I am not into gaming, unless you count freecell and solitair so big processing power is not a must. Son has an X-Box so plays his games on that.

You make an interesting point about graphics cards. One of the big uses of my machine is processing digital pictures, I will look into this in more detail. Thanks for the tip.

I went to PC World last night, came away even more baffled but with the feeling that Dell work out better value, the pressure selling attempts did not help especially when they could not really answer my questions.

Hmmmmmm, decisions decisions!!!!

Many thanks

Jerry

[derbex]

Jerry,

I think the graphics card is less important for manipulating photos, lots of RAM and disc are what you need there. It's the 2 & 3D rendering that needs a specialist card.

Jeremy

[kenkew]

My first stop in contemplating spending a wad on something like a 'puter to last .... (well, as long as possible) would be WH Smith's and the like. Read what the experts say about desktops. Go on line and check out the innards. Tomorrow you might want to add video as well as your pics. Don't skimpt on graphics, ram, USB ports, processor or HD size. The two which will cost are the processor and graphics card. Make sure you also have EMPTY slots to add to later.

[sandersj89]

Ken

Many thanks again. I have taken the plunge, delivery expected just before Christmas I hope. I wil let you know the results of my choice then.

Jerry