oli_w

im in need of some helpful newbie start up help. i have about 500 available to spend and am looking for a good starter computer, plus programs.
was wondering if there were any good bargains to be had this weekend in pc world or currys, can anyone recommend the ideal start up package?

The Chief

What about Dell?

oli_w

i havent a clue about pcs, i posted a thread a few weeks back in the comp section and a couple guys said dell, just had a look through the pc world site and there are a few dells but i dont know which to go for, they really need to advertise computers for thickies like me haha

The Chief

Ok i'd say buy online from Dell and get one with the Operating system (windows) and maybe MS Office installed.

One think i'll say just get one with a decent amount of memory and a duel core processor, but depending what you use it for, say just general stuff and home finances and surfing the web you dont really need to spend a lot.

look at these mate...


Dell Desktop Computers for Home=

i'm no expert but these seem well within budget

mykp

Dell machines are not what they used to be and as such I have stopped re-selling them. If it breaks down during the warranty then if you have decent cover it will be fixed quickly. If its basic then you'll have to go without for weeks.

If it breaks down after the warranty has finished then you might as well chuck it away as dell dont want to sell parts. I have a dell laptop and the only part in it which was originally supplied is the motherboard. I have sourced parts from the US to fix all the bits which broke. Dell could/would not supply parts for it.

Having said that I have 4 machines which are dells, one is 10 year old and they're all still working! Over 100 customer machines which are 2+ years old, now problems.

I've started selling HP's recently and havent had a single problem with them in 22 months.

If you can spend a bit more then they had a dual core processor machine, with 2 gbytes ram, XP Pro, 22 inch monitor and 500gb hard drive for £650 inc vat.

Software wise, There are loads of free software out there. For office try Open Office, for webdesign get a copy of Notepad++ and graphics download GIMP.

HankScorpio

If you want to buy a PC, why are you looking for a web designer...?

oli_w

thanks guys, hank im wanting a pc specificly to use for web design and graphics , i have a laptop for daily use but have the opportunity to get a desktop just for graphic n web design.
thakns also mykp, i have heard about the downsides of dell from mates but its good to hear from a seller
the only software i know i want is photoshop so far, so need to do some research on other stuff

SiDHEaD

Photoshop... thats most of your budget gone then

oli_w

i know!!! i thought ahhh this can only be around £30 for a program but oooh how wrong am i

HankScorpio

Aaah, gotcha...!

mykp

There are a number of programs on the market which although not having all the features of photoshop will be more than adequate for web design. I would download Gimp and give it a go. Its different to use but cost nowt.

oli_w

thanks again mate, will put off buying photoshop at the moment and have a look around havin a look and found this on pc world HP Pavilion A6504 with 19" TFT for 400, would this be any good? have looked into custom build ones but im looking to buy it tomorrow

mykp

I know i'll get flamed for saying this.

But personally I wouldnt touch AMD processors with a barge pole! I just dont sell them. Maybe the new ones are better but the AMDs of old ran hot!

Never had an intel processor go on me in 6 years of business, but have had several AMD based machines (bought from elsewhere) overheat and die, usually because the fan is substandard!

Flame suit on!

oli_w

ahhh thanks for that tip, again i havent a clue really, just looking, there are a few dell ones among that price bracket with dual core intel. had a look again but there is nothing much coming up apart from dells, may have to opt for one of those in the end hmmm

mykp

if you have to buy tommorow from PC world then this might be your best bet.

Dell Inspiron 530/2583 Desktop PC. Cheap Dell home and office computers from PC World.

comet also have a few machines in stock.

Accessories for HP HP/S3422 & HP w1907v 19 inch WIDESCREEN TFT Package | Comet
Accessories for HP HP/S3422 & HP w2007v 20 inch WIDESCREEN TFT Package | Comet


otherwise this dell looks good value, but you;d have to wait

http://clkgb.tradedoubler.com/click?...%257Eck%253Dmn

or try ebuyer as they have some deals on and delivery is usually next day.

oli_w

great help! i was looking at that dell in pc world but now the last hp looks to be a great buy n think i can stretch to 450

HankScorpio

Here's a bargain for you for the graphics.

(although try gimp and paint.net as well)

WHSmith.co.uk | Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI

oli_w

i managed to visit comet today , and pc world, and currys but they had no hp computers in store!! all three had about 10 desktops each, but i did find one in pc world, just wonderin which of these would be best for my needs..
Packard Bell iMedia 2415 with 20" TFT
Packard Bell iMax 3414 with 19" TFT

HankScorpio

Packard Bell

SlimJ_2005

Seriously, if you are a Graphic or Web Designer, get yourself a DECENT monitor, nothing worse than designing with 'off' colours! A Dell 24" for around £400 will do you very nicely. I have one of these for home use (web design/photography) and a cheapo 20" Dell at work and the difference is incredible to the point where I'm trying to get a new 24" for the workplace...

oli_w

im guessing hank ur a big fan of packard bell then there are a few good packages to do with acer but i havent a clue what they are like. and thanks slim! im just playing around with the whole graphic, web stuff at the moment and think once i get it off the ground i will get onto buying a bigger screen and upgrading, its just the starting thats a prob, everyone rates dell until it comes to faults then its a pain in the a**!

WRX_Dazza

why do you need to spend £400 on a monitor??

surely that can come in time?

if someone is just starting out then there are lots of other things to worry about then getting colours 1000000% spot on.

keep clear of PB mate, ok during warranty period, but afterwards.....

HP would be best bang for bucks... (i've supplied 100's of these over the years and they are always reliable and most importantly, supportable!!!)

I have also supplied dells and IBM's with little / no grief.. !!

try and get a 3 yr warranty with teh HP's if not too expensive, for peace of mind.

oli_w

thanks dazza! i would only ever spend that much if it was a career but its a spare time sorta thing. i will take ur advice about the pb, just annoying that there are so little desktops available in the shops and the help instore is rubbish! i think i will order online, just finding out if the father can get discount too

oli_w

maybe this beast HP Pavilion S3514 with 19" TFT and HP Printer, Scanner & Copier

mykp

Are you surprised with this? PC's go out of date so fast nobody carries stock anymore.

As for help from staff you'd get more help from a monkey than the staff at the superstores. they work there for a reason you know

mykp

btw, have a couple of acers on test at the moment. one mini desktop and one laptop.

The laptop has been brilliant, the desktop was fine once we stuck 4gb of RAM in it as it came with Vista Ultimate and 1 Gbyte RAM

oli_w

i thought staff are supposed to know what they sell thanks so much for the help
finally settled on a HP Pavilion S3514 plus got a printer/scanner thrown in on top ordered online this time!

WRX_Dazza

nice work Oli,
just be careful plugging in/out the usb devices at the back of the pc, as i have known a few to short out.

this is easily remedied by buying a usb hub and permanantly connecting it, so you can use it on top of the desk and save rummaging around the back of the pc.

thats all i can advise

good luck with your web designing!!