I want to get a decent new computer on the cheap.

Jetfire · Post by **Jetfire** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 1:27 pm

Well guys. I've moving out of my mums in a couple of months. As my Old (and first ever) PC died at the start of the year I'll need to invest in a new one on the cheep.

I want a cheap desk top that will run a decent speed (512 MB RAM) and can support a decent internet connection (becasue thats pretty much all i use it for other than storing itunes and a few pics).

If anybody could give me some recomendations and links I'd be very happy.

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 1:34 pm

Dell do pretty cheap quick systems.

Jetfire · Post by **Jetfire** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 1:57 pm

Cheers mate:
I was looking at this package:

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstor ... men_3000_3

but comparing it with the cheapest one at PC world:

made link smaller

I can't believe just to get Word, excell and powerpoint it get cose to doubling the price

Post by **Denyer** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 2:06 pm

My suggestion is find a local firm that'll build to order. You're entitled to a Student/Teacher license for Office...

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products ... _uid=60747
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/education/h ... d-teacher/

If not games-playing, you're looking for a processor around the 2Ghz mark, motherboard with onboard sound + graphics + LAN, 512Mb RAM, DVD/CDRW combo drive, and I'd recommend a basic TFT monitor plus decent keyboard/mouse. The store should be able to sort out Windows OEM for you (it's ludicrously overpriced and expensive to buy it not bundled with hardware.)

Jetfire · Post by **Jetfire** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 2:54 pm

Thanks for all that.

The link to the vastly cheeper teacher edition of office brought me out in a grin that streatched form one ear to another. Thats brilliant

O.K, roughly how much should I be looking at paying for that sort of model?

Post by **Denyer** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 3:55 pm

Rough guess with rounded figures;

Box (£200) + monitor (£100) + OS (£55) + Office (£80) + speakers/keyboard/mouse + labour.

Looking at the spec, you might save some time (and even a bit of cash) with the PCWorld reconditioned EMachines 4250 (which has a DVD rewriter and a 17" CRT) and buying a Student/Teacher copy of Office. You can replace the input peripherals later if you want.

Personally I wouldn't go non-TFT for a monitor these days—and I'm fussy about keyboards/mice—but if you're used to CRTs and have no problems with working with them you'd be fine.

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 4:05 pm

those dell machines ae still better value then - as for Office i can give u that

Post by **Kaylee** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 4:09 pm

You're getting better specs on the eMachine tho- larger disk and more processor power for almost the same price.

Post by **Denyer** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 4:13 pm

Impactor returns 2.0 wrote:those dell machines ae still better value then - as for Office i can give u that

I believe Dan's actually aiming for legal.

Impactor returns 2.0 · Post by **Impactor returns 2.0** » Sun Sep 04, 2005 6:12 pm

Denyer wrote:
Impactor returns 2.0 wrote:those dell machines ae still better value then - as for Office i can give u that
I believe Dan's actually aiming for legal.

ah yes