New PC - Options/Specs

Pshan

I need to purchase a home PC. To be used mainly for Internet browsing, email, photo storage and editing, word and excel, burn CDs. It will not be a gaming machine.

What PC should I go for?

Option 1 - Currys for E650
Compaq PC
AMD Anthlon 64 Processor 3500+
1024 MB DDR RAM
160GB HD
17" TFT Monitor
Dual Layer DVD Rewiter
MS Windows XP Media Centre

Option 2 - Currys for E900
Packard Bell
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6300
1024 MB DDR RAM
160 GB HD
17" TFT Monitor
Dual Layer DVD Rewiter
MS Windows XP Media Centre

Option 3 - Dell for E940
Dell Dimension
Intel Pentium D925 Dual Core Processor
2048MB Dual Channel DDR2
250GB HD
19" Flat Panel Monitor
16xDVD
MS Windows XP Media Centre
Option to Upgrade to Windows Vista (added cost)

Option 4 - Dell for E825
Dell Dimension
Intel Pentium D915 Dual Core Processor
1024MB Dual Channel DDR2
250GB HD
19" Flat Panel Monitor
16xDVD
MS Windows XP Media Centre
Option to Upgrade to Windows Vista (added cost)

My preferences are reliability, speed, ease of use/funtionality. All are within my budget but I don't want to spend on something I won't need. I'm not tied to these they are just something I picked up while "window shopping". What are your recommendations - also is there any of them I should avoid?
If going with Dell should I also purchase the upgrade option for Vista?

Thanks in advance.

woolymammoth

Pshan wrote:

Internet browsing, email, photo storage and editing, word and excel, burn CDs. It will not be a gaming machine.

not trying to be smart, but FYI, a 5 year old PC can still easily do all of those things, therefore your cheapest option will be more that good enough.

now, they all might be within your budget, but option 1 really can't be compared with the rest based on price alone almost! Option 2 is almost laughable when compared to option 3 (half the RAM, smaller HDD, smaller screen!) which is only €40 more!

You need to look at how much you're willing to spend, and how long you want this PC to last you. Option 4 ain't bad, just needs a DVD burner. Vista i wouldn't be concerned about at all. For the average home user, it's way overhyped, (its overhyped anyways), and you won't find it much more of a benefit than Windows XP, which will be around for some years yet!

Based on what you've said, i'd tell you to go for option 1, and spend your savings elsewhere!

Anti

Yep i agree, Ooption 1 will be the best for what you need. Plus if you do decide ot play games, Just add in a 150E grpahics card at a later date

Spend the rest on the family for xmas

Or go to the 'Dam with the lads for new years

petes

Pshan wrote:

If going with Dell should I also purchase the upgrade option for Vista?

Where are you seeing the additional cost for the upgrade to vista? Its a free upgrade. You just pay the shipping when the time comes which is €16. So yes you should go with it if you are getting a Dell.

If it was me and was well within budget I'd go option three.

Saying that Option one would suit you no problem too.

DublinEvents

I vote for option 1. It is quite overkill for the things you wish to do with it. But if longevity is a preference for you, then go with option 3. Don't even think about the other options. They are not worth the money.

Pshan

Thanks for all your replies so far.

I suppose my main concern is the processor, is Option 1 ok for a bit of multi-tasking? Afterall the difference between 1 and 3 is E300 - only E60 a year if the PC last 5 years.

If I had put up option one only what would your views of it have been, is it an ok PC?

thanks again.

Bluefoam

Get a laptop, the only people who should still be using desktop PC's are High end users (designers, scientists, gamers) & office staff.

You will get an acceptable quality laptop for €500 & something good for a little bit more...

petes

Bluefoam wrote:

Get a laptop, the only people who should still be using desktop PC's are High end users (designers, scientists, gamers) & office staff.

So what will the laptop do that designers, scientists, gamers and office staff do that a desktop won't apart from portability? OP will get a better spec desktop for the money.

Bluefoam

petes wrote:

So what will the laptop do that designers, scientists, gamers and office staff do that a desktop won't apart from portability? OP will get a better spec desktop for the money.

I don't understand your question, but designers, scientists and gamers need high spec machines due to the intensive tasks they are regularly computing. Some businesses want certain members of staff to be loaction based and would not be sensible to provide them with laptops.

In the modern era, where people travel extensively & where free wifi is widley available & where immediate communication and information are so desired it makes sense to be able to use your pc wherever you like.

It doesn't make sense to me to be bound to one corner of you house for computing. I often have to send a couple of emails, write a word doc or order something on google & prefer to do it from the couch or kitchen table.

It also make sense not to have a desktop computer occupying a large space in a room of the house, considering how valuable living space is to us.

People don't buy desktop PC's anymore (thats why they are so cheap) and laptop's accounted for 70% of sales over the from Septemebr to October.

+ Judging by the initial post he doesn't require a more powerful machine.................

Capt'n Midnight

check the small business section on the DELL website, you might find a cheaper machine there, if you don't need all the bells and whistles.

Pshan

Folks it's the OP here - I was actually thinking of a laptop from the portability and the space point of view and maybe "bluefoam" has convinced me.

If you don't mind a few more but similar queries: - Keep in mind I want to store and edit photos and then basic use of the PC for Internet and filing:

- Which processor should I go for or what should I avoid?
- Is 80 GB (laptop) big enough
- What manufacturer should I keep clear of.
- What DVD burner should I purchase
Generally, what specs should I go for, I have a budget for E1,000 but if I don't need to spend this kind of money it will allow me put money towards a camera lens.

One more thing, how do I check what processor I'm currently using?

Thanks again for your help.

Bluefoam

Pshan wrote:

Folks it's the OP here - I was actually thinking of a laptop from the portability and the space point of view and maybe "bluefoam" has convinced me.

If you don't mind a few more but similar queries: - Keep in mind I want to store and edit photos and then basic use of the PC for Internet and filing:

- Which processor should I go for or what should I avoid?
- Is 80 GB (laptop) big enough
- What manufacturer should I keep clear of.
- What DVD burner should I purchase
Generally, what specs should I go for, I have a budget for E1,000 but if I don't need to spend this kind of money it will allow me put money towards a camera lens.

One more thing, how do I check what processor I'm currently using?

Thanks again for your help.

There are lots of good deals on www.laptopsdirect.ie
-intel core 2 duo processors are very good, but you should be fine with a core duo
-80GB should be fine(its above average), if you are using much more than this in the future it would probably be best to invest in a external hard drive anyway.
-Plenty of good manufacurers: Sony, Asus, Toshiba, Fujitsu Siemens are all good, but you will get more for your money if you get an Acer, they have a good rep.
-a lot of laptops will have a dual layer dvd burner (8.5GB) but a standard dvd burner(4.7gb) should be fine.