New PC shopping list please Forums

mauramac

I need a new PC Sad

I need help Sad

These are my needs/preferences..............
Can anyone provide me with a list of tech spec I should look out for.

*Would prefer a robust laptop to replace existing PC so I have option to take on road with us if needed.

*I will probably buy from PC World

* I don't download videos but would like to download music to ipod (haven't done this yet but have a new Apple ipod classic still in box)

* I use Word, Excel, Outlook Express and Adobe Photoshop and normal Internet use.

*I am impatient - so something quick to load and ease of use etc.

* BT Yahoo is my ISP and I have Broadband connection with a Home Hub.

* Doesn't have to be 'cheap as chips' - am open to suggestions as to make etc.

* Home Hub is able to be Wi Fi (is that right expression?) so PC should be Wi-Fi as well.

All help appreciated.......will create a list from suggestions and this might be of help to any others on here who like me dread going to buy a new PC.

Thanks

Maura

reeventu

Just what I needed 2 / 3 months ago.

upon advice from Geeks !

Dell Vostro 1700 ( large screen)

There are a numbrer of options but mine is basically the standard package.

Delivered within 7 days , no C**p PC world / Currys ? dixons sales staff. They only want to sell what is on offer or on stock or with best return IMO

Ver pleaswed , its simple and it works from the box

geraldandannie · Moderator

Ooo, Maura, what a question! These usually generate buckets of replies, with varying opinions being expressed.

I'm presuming you'll be looking for a laptop / notebook, if you want to take it with you.

For me personally, I buy Mac. Initial price may be higher, spec-for-spec, but cost of use over a period of time might be less. You do need to learn a bit about the different operating system, which might make it a non-starter for you (no disrespect - just going from your own comments Wink

)

Yes, Dell are very good (although Pusser doesn't like them Rolling Eyes

)

In my work, I buy laptops for teachers, and I will always buy Toshiba. I've tried various others, but for me, they're reliable, and the components are well matched, so they operate quickly.

Sony are OK, but overpriced IMO. A good budget buy is Acer.

Don't forget to look at Tesco - they sometimes have good deals.

I wouldn't buy anything other than those mentioned (e.g. Packard Bell, E-machines, Advent, Medion, etc etc). They might be very good, but I personally wouldn't buy them.

If you're buying a PC laptop (as opposed to a Mac), you'll probably have to go for Windows Vista. This is OK, although there are some compatibility issues with older devices such as printers and scanners. If you do buy Vista, you'll need a laptop with at least 1GB of RAM, preferably 2GB, otherwise it's as slow as a very slow thing. You might need to buy new versions of MS Office (although Office 2003 can be made to work, apparently).

Nearly all laptops now come with WiFi capability as standard, but it's as well to check, just in case. Some older, cheaper lappies don't have the wireless hardware, although it can be added in the form of a USB stick thing, but that's not ideal.

Gerald

mauramac · Last edited by mauramac on Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:20 pm; edited 1 time in total

Gerald - this is just the sort of stuff I need to know.

So can I create my list here then?

2 PC's required - or 1 MAC
Budget up to £1,000

MAKE: Toshiba, Sony, or Mac Rolling Eyes

OS: Vista
RAM: 3GB
Hard Drive: 200GB
Software package: MS Office
WiFi
4 hours Battery Life
Modem type????????
USB Connections: 4
Screen size 15 or 16"
Graphics Memory????
Graphics Card type ?????
1.3MP integrated camera ??????

to be continued Very Happy

hilldweller

RichardnGill · Last edited by RichardnGill on Thu Jul 10, 2008 3:13 pm; edited 1 time in total

geraldandannie · Moderator

Here's a few to look at:

silverlocks

Try this link for a really robust laptop, very fast to start cos no hard disk, all memory card