Computer what would you recommend ?

[richart]

Looking for some help with recommendation for a new desktop computer. I need a new one, as my current Dell which is 7 years old, has slowed to a snails pace.

I need it to run my small business, as well as my wife's swim school. Nothing too powerful,say 3-4Gb ? and around the £500-£800 mark. Need full package to include screen and keyboard.

I know nothing about computers, and can just about cope with the internet and e-mails.

Have been looking at an HP at PC World, but not sure if they are any good.

Any recommendations, or warnings of ones to avoid gratefully received.

Thanks, Rich

 

[Aztecs27]

Re: Compute,r what would you recommend ?

HP are OK, as are Dell and Acer.

Avoid Packard Bell - All PC's come with the manufacturers pre-loaded software which bloats the computer with stuff you don't need, but Packard Bell's is particularly intrusive and the computers themselves, from my experience, are far from reliable.

Of course, the right thing to do would be to by an Apple Macbook or iMac.

 

[GB72]

Re: Compute,r what would you recommend ?

Get a Mac. If the price is too expensive I would still rather have an older second hand Mac than a new PC

 

[Aztecs27]

Re: Compute,r what would you recommend ?

Get a Mac. If the price is too expensive I would still rather have an older second hand Mac than a new PC

Yes. This is what I meant as well.

 

[coolhand]

Re: Compute,r what would you recommend ?

Without wanting to ignite the usual “religious” war between the worshipers of Gates and Jobs, I would say for your needs you're better of sticking with Windows. There’s much more chance of any software/files you already have being compatible and the hardware’s a lot cheaper. The Dell/ACER/HP recommendations already received are sound. You’ll get more power than you’ll ever need for your budget.

 

[bobmac]

Took a while (you owe me) but found it at last and at a brilliant price as well

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110619280215

 

[richart]

Took a while (you owe me) but found it at last and at a brilliant price as well

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110619280215

How much should i bid up to ?

 

[brendy]

Dell Vostro pc with a screen will come in under 450 knicker. Bought plenty and not a return yet.

 

[bobmac]

How about a laptop?

 

[Smiffy]

I had an HP computer Rich and found it very good. The back up service from Hewlett Packard was terrific as well.
If you are looking to purchase from PC World, don't dismiss their own make "Advent".
I am using one at the moment and it is terrific. A lot of PC for the money and has given me no problems whatsover.
The fan is a bit noisier than my old HP but it's got a dual core processor and I've been told they need more cooling. It's not overly noisy though.

 

[Aztecs27]

The only issue with Dell is their terrible Customer service. You might pay a bit more for a HP, but the customer service (as has been pointed out) is second to none.

 

[bobmac]

It's not overly noisy though.

Pardon?

 

[Smiffy]

The only issue with Dell is their terrible Customer service.

I hope it's not too bad.
I've just bought the Missus a Dell laptop for Christmas. When I placed the order I asked the guy 3 or 4 times if I could have it delivered to work as I didn't want the wife getting suspicious if a card was put through the door whilst we were out.
I got home early one night and found the card put through the door whilst we were out

 

[Aztecs27]

The only issue with Dell is their terrible Customer service.

I hope it's not too bad.
I've just bought the Missus a Dell laptop for Christmas. When I placed the order I asked the guy 3 or 4 times if I could have it delivered to work as I didn't want the wife getting suspicious if a card was put through the door whilst we were out.
I got home early one night and found the card put through the door whilst we were out

Sounds like typical Dell!

 

[Smiffy]

Sounds like typical Dell!

Cushty!
Wasn't a bad deal though.
Buy now, pay by November next year on 0% finance.
First time her Christmas present has cost me nothing. Which is handy, 'cos I have.....nothing.

 

[RGDave]

If it was me, I'd buy a windows desktop from ebuyer without an operating system OR one with pre-installed windows 7 pro (to run XP software)
The best PC I've ever owned came with nothing on it and a collection of driver disks.
Less is more i.m.o.

 

[Smiffy]

The best PC I've ever owned came with nothing on it

I wouldn't even contemplate purchasing a computer that couldn't log into You Porn straight out of the box.
That's like buying a coffee maker and no coffee pods

 

[bobmac]

This seems a good deal

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/acer-x3910...amp;xtor=ES-115

 

[Smiffy]

This seems a good deal

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/acer-x3910...amp;xtor=ES-115

The boys have an Acer in the bedroom and it is very good. Very quick.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Interesting stuff as my Dell is at least the same age as the OP and dead slow. I bought Advanced System Care on a Smiffy or MWJ recommendation on here and it has helped hugely but it's still dog slow.