New computer help

[dave]

Ok, I know this should be in the Tech forum, but I haven't got much access to a computer at the moment, so the more people that see this quicker the better.

I'm trying to find a decent, cheap computer (ie max £600, but the lower the better, as long as it's not a pile of shite), but I haven't got a fcuking clue what I'm looking for, so I'd appreciate it if you guys could point me in the direction of some good deals on the internet

[oddsfellow]

Dave

Go to www.dell.co.uk small business section. Shop by e-value code. enter 101-D03302b. Might get techincal difficulty come up just go back and enter again eventually it gets through. Then reduce the warranty down to one year and you have a system with XP 17" flat screen and P4 chip for £279+vat!! Free delivery over easter as well.

Don't worry about the small business thing they still take your order.

[oddsfellow]

Forgot to say i would then add a DVD writer to it, but not from dell get that from elsewhere for under 40 notes.

[DeepBlueDevilFish]

Yeh I would recommend Dell as well Dave. Extremely good value their PC systems are for under £300.

[dave]

Is Microsoft Works any good? Because that's what it comes with instead of MS Office.

Oh, and stupid question maybe, but I assume there's somewhere to plug in my wireless card?

[PAULM03]

works is rubbish, but i can't see it being much of a problem getting hold of office. Does anyone actually know anyone with a legit copy of office on their home pc?

What do you mean by wireless card? If it's a PCI one there should be a slot. If not your best bet is probably a USB wireless adapter.

[oddsfellow]

Works is pants Dave but see Paulm03's post. If you want a legit copy of Office you are talking near on 300 notes for that alone!!

[dave]

I don't know what PCI is, but it plugs into the side of my old laptop.

[PAULM03]

then no.
You'll need a new one, something like this:

usb wi-fi thingy

[Bruise Pristene]

Originally Posted by PAULM03

works is rubbish, but i can't see it being much of a problem getting hold of office. Does anyone actually know anyone with a legit copy of office on their home pc?

.

yes, me

[Jezza]

Dell used to be extremely good with reasonably priced computers and great after sales customer support. However my last computer from them has left a lot to be desired....

(For those who dont know a while back they made a managerial decision to cut down on certain aspects of their company as well)

Anyway I ordered this computer from them last jan - it was bad from the start with problems sending to this address (ho hum) anyway I got my computer and although the install of windows seemed a bit slow it all worked ok and I went down to business playing poker on it (and looking at porn of course ).

A year later literally one week after the warranty expired the main HD died a total death having to be replaced, the monitor has lost colouring in the top left of the screen and the volume control of the speakers has knackered itself. Despite numerous phonecalls to Dell about how harsh it was this happened literally a week after warranty and that the main HD was obv faulty when shipped it just hadnt shown itself until now I was told like it or lump it - they aint doing anything. So I have had to fix it out of my own pocket.

I am a careful computer user with 20 years of experience, it aint anything to do with me it is just a shoddy computer with bollox customer service - needless to say they have had the last of my custom. This is a shame because under the old system where everthing was in ireland they were a joy to deal with. I think they made watchdog not so long ago for something as well

Jez

[MickeyPaul]

I had some probs too with Dell recently when my monitor completely died after a month of pretty alarming behaviour (I thought it was going to blow up at one point). When I tried to explain it all to a chap in their Indian office, he suggested I try moving my mouse or pressing a key. Apart from that, all has been well.

There's also this place: http://www.viglen.co.uk/

Slick had recommended them to me. I was able to get a similar spec system to what Dell were offering for around £300 less if I recall. Dell eventually offered to match them and even through in a couple of nice extras for me. That was Dell's Irish office mind.

[dave]

Ok, trying to buy this one that oddsfellow suggested, just need one thing clearing uop, with regard to wireless internet access.

Wireless Acess Point and Base Routers

What do I get here if I buy this? Do I get the thing that PAULMO3 was talking about or do I still need to buy this separately?

[oddsfellow]

Dave to me that looks like just a router which you already have. The thing we are looking to replace is your wireless network card thats on your lappy. You need something like this

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=75646

Also why you are there as i said before i would add something like this

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=83151

Which because it is OEM means no software so add these (£1.59 and £3.52)

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63324

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=74823

All in with delivery for that little lot £68.40.

[dave]

Thanks oddsfellow

[dave]

Btw, what is IEEE 1394?

[oddsfellow]

Its a way of transferring data at high speed. Ideal if you do a lot of things like video editing where you have to transfer the recording onto the pc.

Its more commonly known as firewire.

[mr onemore]

Just to add that a load of us here bought about 10 Dell laptops 18 months ago. Great prices, about £300 for basic - a little more for extras.

Mine is still fine - but one of the ten broke in the first month and had to be sent back. No problem replacing it though.