I Need a new computer

['Tricia]

Not just your son. Think everyone's son is pretty much like that re computers, whatever their age

Tricia

[Biker]

Hi

I think someone mentioned www.evesham.com - my current pc was bought from Evesham about 5 years ago (and I've upgraded it myself with compoentnts over the years) - been great and their service policy is excellent if there is any problem.  They were very competitive price-wise then, but I have noticed lately that they are getting rather expensive comparatively.

I've recently bought on behalf of my brother and a friend (neither of them very computer literate and wanting something that works 'right out of the box') from Dell after doing some research for them and their current pricing is very competitive, especially their Xmas specials - decent rig with a 15" TFT monitor for about £500.  If you are ordering online you can customise the basic model for yourself.  These have recently been purchased and have no problems installing and getting them up and running, however, no long term experience to report I'm afraid.

There are lots of others too obviously, but those are my two main experiences with bought out of the box as I generally build my own.

Hope that helps and Merry Xmas.  Let us know how you get on!

p.s. if you are buying (especially online) read ALL the small print re warranty, return policy etc etc.

Biker 

[Zeb]

I wouldn't recommend buying anything from Dell.  A lot of people I know who have bought machines from them have not always had good things to say about them and after speaking to our IT guy I found out why.

One reason they're cheap is because they don't have any high street stores.  The other reason is because they skimp on parts and often cut corners with their hardware.

I build computers myself and the best advice I can give is first to have a good think of what you want to use it for as this will give you an idea of how powerful and big you want it.  For example, if you're not going to be playing games much you woin't want one with a really expensive graphics card.  If you're not going to be doing anything like making movies then you won't need an expensive processor (CPU).  If you're only using it for surfing the net and collecting emails then you can go for something less beefy.

Whenever I build a computer for someone I sit down with them and gather as much information from them as possible to make sure the computer they get is just what they need and nothing more.

You already say you want a flat screen (TFT) as opposed to a normal monitor (CRT) and I wouldn't recommend going any smaller than 17".  My girlfriend's machine at the moment as a 15" and some websites use very small text and on that size monitor if you don't have 20:20 vision then it can be hard to read or missed completely.

Have a shop around.  Check also how much after sales costs are.  You might find somewhere that can do a great deal but they make their money when you come back with problems.  Ask friends where they got theirs from.  See if you can find a local small business that specialise in new builds and see how much they would charge.

Hope this is of any help and best of luck hunting...

[meles]

We have two Dells - both excellent. The PC has gone for 7 years without a hitch (must be old technology by now!) and a laptop which has been trouble free for a year.

Do you need a PC - a laptop is almost as good and takes up so much less space? All my family tree software and records are on ours (backed up on the other PC, in case...) and it runs rather better than the ancient PC

regards

meles

[Sylviaann]

Zeb

Thank you for your good advice.  I had thought of using a local shop which builds computers.  I will be buing magazines to read over the Christmas Holidays.  Oh and yes I need a large screen,  I have one now.

Meles

Thanks but I don't want a laptop.  I'm a bit old fashioned myself and as above I do need a large screen and would need a mouse.  I do like going to my "office" in my spare bedroom where I can surround myself with the paper work necessary for my family history.  Thanks anyway.

Sylviaann

[Sylviaann]

Just bought a magazine which contains "Best of 2005" feature.

I thought you'd like to know H.P. was best but highly recommended guess what DELL

Back to the reading

Sylviaann

[1000xlch]

Hi Sylviaann

For your computer needs, you do not need a cutting edge computer.  Basically a CdRom for loading programs, built in sound, a newish board which takes the newer type of memory called DDR, probably an Athlon chip as they are cheaper than Intel, Flat screen monitor (TFT), mouse keyboard, big hard drive for storing all the ancestors and pictures!  Windows XP home.  I use XP and win 98 on a home network, I build them as a hobby for friends and troubleshoot when asked.  Problem is now when they upgrade they give me the old ones.  I now have 5 spare computers that I do not want!  They are fully working.  ANy more adn I will need to buy a pallet and borrow a van and deliver somewhere in the UK!

Cheers

John Rowley