New PC

[Ricesnaps]

After all of my laptop problems lately I have decided to buy a brand new desktop, wipe the laptop clean and re-install windows, using the laptop only for playout at gigs and making the new desktop the "family" PC.

So wondered if I could get some recomendations what to buy. Budget small, around the £400 mark ideally. Would want CD/DVD burn and wi-fi and if it came with microsoft office that would be a bonus. main use will be internet - music downloads generally, some photo editing and office stuff. I already have a printer and a scanner, so don't need package deals.

Would like some advice on:

1. manufacturers to look at
2. spec to look for
3. Great deals that I can't pass by!

Further to that, if I want to do the "wipe it clean and start again" thing with the laptop, based on the fact that I never had the original windows discs and if I have the original laptop discs that came with it they will be lost in a very deep box, how do I do this?

[Ricesnaps]

Lots of replies then! LOL!

Found this one which seems a good buy - any thoughts? Not sure about the processor though....?

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/852559

[DMX Will]

Rice,

I'd suggest something along these lines:
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/274718

I know it's PC World, but they are a mainstream company that home users can sort out any issues with relatively quickly and hassle free (compared with buying from companys such as ebuyer, who are designer for power pc users)

Another good company to go with is Dell, have a look at their home/entertainment PCs here (all of which are upgradable and swapable for different parts - click the customise button and see the options for the costs etc)
Dell Home PCs:
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/desktops_good?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

Hope this helps :)

[CRAZY K]

Hi Matt, have you considered another lappie?

Prices are pretty good now.

I just bought an Acer from Comet--no longer in stock though.

See this http://www.pricegrabber.co.uk/rating_getprodrev.php/masterid=26585713/id_type=masterid

Do read the review---:D :D :D He He He!

Im using it mainly for music but it seems pretty good to me.

I didnt get Office with mine,

regards

CRAZY K

[DMX Will]

Found this one which seems a good buy - any thoughts? Not sure about the processor though....?

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/852559

When comparing it the one I found on PC World:
Pros
- Made by HP (Good brand)
- 160GB instead of 80GB hard drive (not that I imagine you would use the 160GB)
- 256MB Graphics Card instead of 128MB (Won't make any difference to you unless you are playing games like Halo etc)
- 19" Widescreen Monitor instead of a 15" Normal shape

Cons
- Only 1.7GHZ CPU, when the model I found is a 3.20GHZ
- Doesn't contain a Windows Vista Upgrade (Vista is the new version of Windows which will be available soon. The HP machine probably couldn't hack running it)

I know there are more Pros than Cons, however most of the Pros probably won't affect you and your family in every day computing. I would recommend the system I found, the only thing I can see that might be an issue for you is the screen size, which I'm sure PC World would be able to do an upgrade deal for you (In Store) to increase the size of the monitor (I would recommend a 17" Flat panel)




Note: the CPU Speed (GHZ) and amount of Memory/Ram (1GB/1024MB in both cases) are the factors that make a computer faster or slower.

[sleah]

Lots of replies then! LOL!



Oi Riceboy! Be patient, some us work for a living don't have time to be posting in forums during the day. Flippin' eck, you wouldn't catch me skiving off posting on t'internet forums while I'm supposed to be working :D
NO! I'm too quick at closing the webpage or making up some excuse that I was doing some research on something we needed :D

Anyway, back OT!
You can do worse than HP. We use them at work (school) in the admin offices and also we have HP laptops.
Just make sure that whatever you buy has as much memory as you can possibly afford to have in it.
And if you plan on using Vista at some stage, and want it's full capabilities (windows Areo), you'll need a graphics card the size of a small country (256Mb bare minimum).

Just read Will's reply. Vista should a free upgrade from XP now regardless of where it came from, so it could be old stock. ( I may be talking through my backside about "should be").

We use HP business desktops and apart from needing ooodles of memory and a decent graphics card (512Mb?) the newest HP's will run Vista.
You can stick with the on board graphics but won't get Windows Areo (a 'look').

[DMX Will]

And if you plan on using Vista at some stage, and want it's full capabilities (windows Areo), you'll need a graphics card the size of a small country (256Mb bare minimum).

Correction, running Windows Vista Ultimate (right now) using a 128MB nVidia card, which runs Aero very nicely.

My AMD 64 2.2GHZ w/ 1.25GB Ram runs Vista very very well :)

[Ricesnaps]

OK,

I am quite happy with buying from PC world - at least it means I can go tonight and come home with a PC in the boot of the car. The important bit is making sure I am absolutely clear on what I need before I go so they can't talk me into something else!

Looking at the options - the HP I found and the EI System from Will. How much of a difference will the Pentium 4 processor make over the Celeron in the HP? because on the surface, the HP has a much bigger hard drive (and my laptop has 60Gb and is full to bursting, so it is likely I will use it), it has the same RAM and the large widescreen monitor.

Is the problem here also that the Celeron won't run Vista as the HP actually has a larger graphics card....

What about software - the PC world site says nothing about word and all that stuff.

Also still need some advice on how to wipe the laptop clean please

[CRAZY K]

Forgot to mention Matt, the reason I went for Acer is my son bought one a couple of years ago and has travelled literally all over the world using it without problems---so seems reliable.

Also of course you could get in to the big hard drive scene in anticipation of going digital ( inevitable I think ) and use the new laptop as a back up for your music with hard drive etc.

I appreciate using it on the net may not be ideal for Dj ing use but might still be useful back up--

regards

CRAZY K

[Paul James Promotions]

Lots of replies then! LOL!


What do you expect in 41 minutes! :rolleyes::)

[DMX Will]

Looking at the options - the HP I found and the EI System from Will. How much of a difference will the Pentium 4 processor make over the Celeron in the HP? because on the surface, the HP has a much bigger hard drive (and my laptop has 60Gb and is full to bursting, so it is likely I will use it), it has the same RAM and the large widescreen monitor.

Is the problem here also that the Celeron won't run Vista as the HP actually has a larger graphics card....

What about software - the PC world site says nothing about word and all that stuff.

I would say the problem is the CPU on the HP machine is only 1.7ghz, where as the CPU is 3.2GHZ on the EI machine.

Regarding software, PC World seem to have stop packaging Office etc (probably got somnething to do with the price in PCs drop), however you can pick up a copy of MS Office Student/Teacher Eddition (you'll get away with it if you have kids in primary school or higher) for around £85 (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/product/seo/961787). That's about right for Office, so not alot of point looking around. You have the license to chuck Office on up to 3 computers with that package. BUT it does not contain Publisher (everything else is included).

Is there any other software you want?

[Ricesnaps]

Is there any other software you want?
Well....

I use a web design package by a company called "back to the beach", but I downloaded it, so might have to go back to them to get the key.

I already have a copy of Roxio and I like this software, so that should be ok

When i sort the laptop out, I currently use Mixmeister and not sure I want to pay the full price to buy that again, but maybe I should look at the likes of PCDJ or similar (can you autobeatmix with these). Also have CD trustee for cataloging, but again it was a download copy.

Otherwise the only other thing I need is wi-fi (and I think both of these PC's don't have it?) as I have a router downstairs and the new PC will go upstairs (I also have a work laptop which uses the wi-fi link so I can work from home). How do I add that to a desktop?

[DMX Will]

Well....

I use a web design package by a company called "back to the beach", but I downloaded it, so might have to go back to them to get the key.

I already have a copy of Roxio and I like this software, so that should be ok

When i sort the laptop out, I currently use Mixmeister and not sure I want to pay the full price to buy that again, but maybe I should look at the likes of PCDJ or similar (can you autobeatmix with these). Also have CD trustee for cataloging, but again it was a download copy.

Otherwise the only other thing I need is wi-fi (and I think both of these PC's don't have it?) as I have a router downstairs and the new PC will go upstairs (I also have a work laptop which uses the wi-fi link so I can work from home). How do I add that to a desktop?

If you pop along to PC World, they will probably have a range of "Wireless Cards" which they can (or you can) fit into your new PC. I have no idea what they will charge or when/how they will do it, but you won't know until you ask.

Regarding the DJ software....why do you want it on your family PC? If you have bought a software package before, contact them and they should re-send you the key and or installation file :)

[Ricesnaps]

Lets say, for sake of argument i increased my budget. What about this one:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1510433856.116895364 2@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdhaddjlmejhfhcflgceggdhhmdgom.0&page=Product&sku=189054&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null

[CRAZY K]

If you pop along to PC World, they will probably have a range of "Wireless Cards" which they can (or you can) fit into your new PC. I have no idea what they will charge or when/how they will do it, but you won't know until you ask.

Regarding the DJ software....why do you want it on your family PC? If you have bought a software package before, contact them and they should re-send you the key and or installation file :)

If PC WORLD they were charging £30 to transer data from one computer to another:bang:

Do it yourself--

To be fair I bought a very reasonably priced Memory stick from them recently on special offer--still not tempted by a laptop?

I dont think Ill be buying another desktop, unless they are substantially cheaper than laptops

CRAZY K

[Ricesnaps]

If PC WORLD they were charging £30 to transer data from one computer to another:bang:

Do it yourself--

To be fair I bought a very reasonably priced Memory stick from them recently on special offer--still not tempted by a laptop?

I dont think Ill be buying another desktop, unless they are substantially cheaper than laptops

CRAZY K
I have an external DVD recorder, so transfer of files is absolutely no issue - if a little time consuming.

As for laptops - planning to keep the Tosh for DJing if I can get it back to full health, but going to try to limit it to just that. Also have a Dell Latitude D410 work laptop which I can use on the net at home with my wi-fi hub, so don't really see the huge need for a laptop.

The benefit with a desktop is a huge screen (compared to a laptop), bigger HD and memory (generally) and they tend to be much much easier to upgrade and add to than a lappy. I also then won't be tempted to take a brand new machine out to a gig and trash it like have with the tosh!

[Corabar Steve]

Lots of replies then! LOL!
Ahem :D :D :D :D


14 ) 5 minutes after your initial post you reply to your own post writing something like "Why is nobody helping me? I'm sure you know the answer". Once somebody replies to your thread but doesn't give you exactly the answer you've been expecting you insult them.

15 ) Do not ask "what's best" because this question cannot be answered objectively. Each and everyone has their own view about what's best in a certain area. The best is what works best for you! :D :D

[Ricesnaps]

Ahem :D :D :D :D

:D :D

:ner:

[Corabar Steve]

http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/sarge/Blurp_anim.gif

[Ricesnaps]

http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/sarge/Blurp_anim.gif
Stop it now, I'm at work......:p
back on topic?

[DMX Will]

Lets say, for sake of argument i increased my budget. What about this one:

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1510433856.116895364 2@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdhaddjlmejhfhcflgceggdhhmdgom.0&page=Product&sku=189054&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null

Waste of money. The CPU is still worse than the one I found, and the only extras you get is an increased graphics card (which as we said won't benefit you because of what you will use it for), some more disk space (which you could just upgrade the other one for a lot less money) and a 19" monitor.

oh and Packard Bell = ****!!

[Harrison's Discos]

oh and Packard Bell = ****!!

I use a packard bell! its a great pc :(

:p

[DMX Will]

I use a packard bell! its a great pc :(

:p

Just a matter of time :)

[Harrison's Discos]

Just a matter of time :)

:eek: nooooooooo!
well for now its fine so.. hehehe :D :p

P.S. that would be my mums problem! LOL!

[Ricesnaps]

Waste of money. The CPU is still worse than the one I found, and the only extras you get is an increased graphics card (which as we said won't benefit you because of what you will use it for), some more disk space (which you could just upgrade the other one for a lot less money) and a 19" monitor.

oh and Packard Bell = ****!!
You see, the problem really is that I've never heard of "EI System" and therefore have no idea whether they are reliable. I have used HP, Dell and Packard Bell in the past and been quite happy with there reliability.

Not sure if increased performance is worth decreased or unknown reliability?

[Harrison's Discos]

HP, Dell and :D Packard Bell:D in the past and been quite happy with there reliability.? :D :D :D :D :D


Not sure if increased performance is worth decreased or unknown reliability?

Im sure it would be fine :) my packard bell has powerful performance and it works very well. The [I]only[I]thing i would say though is sometimes there can be a bit of irresponsiveness (if that is even a word :confused: lol) if you have so many songs on i-tunes as i do and try to do a lot of clicking!:bang:

[DMX Will]

You see, the problem really is that I've never heard of "EI System" and therefore have no idea whether they are reliable. I have used HP, Dell and Packard Bell in the past and been quite happy with there reliability.

Not sure if increased performance is worth decreased or unknown reliability?

I hear where your coming from Matt. The EI brand is only a brand they put on the machine, the bits inside your computer won't be made by them. All the computers in my house (3 PCs, and one Server + Laptops) are all built by me, so you could regard them being a brand of me!

When I speak for Packard Bell etc, I'm mainly talking in regard to the junk they send their PC out with (ie the extra software you're never sure if you can get rid of etc). I'm plugging the EI system because it's the best value for money in terms of physical hardware, and with regard to the software, it may be good, it may be bad, but I know for sure Packard Bell will send you out with every application you don't want under the sun. HP arn't quite so bad, but still do it.

End of the day, you could pop into PC World and see what they suggest.

[colinm345]

After all of my laptop problems lately I have decided to buy a brand new desktop, wipe the laptop clean and re-install windows, using the laptop only for playout at gigs and making the new desktop the "family" PC.

So wondered if I could get some recomendations what to buy. Budget small, around the £400 mark ideally. Would want CD/DVD burn and wi-fi and if it came with microsoft office that would be a bonus. main use will be internet - music downloads generally, some photo editing and office stuff. I already have a printer and a scanner, so don't need package deals.

Would like some advice on:

1. manufacturers to look at
2. spec to look for
3. Great deals that I can't pass by!

Further to that, if I want to do the "wipe it clean and start again" thing with the laptop, based on the fact that I never had the original windows discs and if I have the original laptop discs that came with it they will be lost in a very deep box, how do I do this?

Ive just pm,d you hope it helps:)
http://www.starmaker2000.co.uk/computing/

[Corabar Entertainment]

Isn't that just a Dell gateway?

[DMX Will]

Isn't that just a Dell gateway?

It would look that way!!

[colinm345]

Isn't that just a Dell gateway?

Yes but in my pm to Rice there is plenty of choice from other companies too and if he cares to ring me I can also help with the software as well:)

Well....

I use a web design package by a company called "back to the beach", but I downloaded it, so might have to go back to them to get the key.

I already have a copy of Roxio and I like this software, so that should be ok

When i sort the laptop out, I currently use Mixmeister and not sure I want to pay the full price to buy that again, but maybe I should look at the likes of PCDJ or similar (can you autobeatmix with these). Also have CD trustee for cataloging, but again it was a download copy.

Otherwise the only other thing I need is wi-fi (and I think both of these PC's don't have it?) as I have a router downstairs and the new PC will go upstairs (I also have a work laptop which uses the wi-fi link so I can work from home). How do I add that to a desktop?

You will find Mixmeister will re-send your seial keys

As far as wireless is concerned just go and buy a belkin Router

[DMX Will]

Yes but in my pm to Rice there is plenty of choice from other companies too and if he cares to ring me I can also help with the software as well:)


You will find Mixmeister will re-send your seial keys

As far as wireless is concerned just go and buy a belkin Router

He's got a router, he needs a wireless card for the new desktop.

[Digitalsounds]

Rice,

If i were you and your looking at another pc then stay well away from the likes of PC WORLD there ok if you want some cheap piece of tat. ie Advent, Emachines, packard Bell ( Which is NEC) personally if you have a chance of using it for Dj Work then go for a named laptop you may pay a little more but at least the warranty is there and as for Acer dont even go there ithe company i work for do some warranty work for them they are built very cheap and nasty.


look if you got any sense go look at either an HP or a tosh laptop they are doing some nice piecesof kit and are quite reliable i personally use Hp/Compaq laptops for all my work and they have been very good to me. and right now there have been some good deals to be had.

Best thing to do is go look at them in person not on the Web have a touch and feel look at the specs then decide for your self as only you know if it dos what you want. We all have our own ideas on what good and whats not as i have just said above.

Also if it has Windows Vista check compatibility of the versons ofthe s/w you are using currently as they may not work correctly.

[A1DL]

I would highly recommend Dell, there products are built to last, we have a seven year old PowerEdge 2400 Back Office NT Server and a five year old Poweredge 2500 W2K Terminal Server still going strong, plus quite a few Optiplex desktops, and apart from a couple of hard disk swapouts they've been 100% Not bad going for kit that stays on literally 24/7/365

also the support from Dell is excellent, when one of the Raid disks failed on the W2K box, Unisys were out and had it changed within a couple of hours

Highly recommended

[CRAZY K]

Rice,

If i were you and your looking at another pc then stay well away from the likes of PC WORLD there ok if you want some cheap piece of tat. ie Advent, Emachines, packard Bell ( Which is NEC) personally if you have a chance of using it for Dj Work then go for a named laptop you may pay a little more but at least the warranty is there and as for Acer dont even go there ithe company i work for do some warranty work for them they are built very cheap and nasty.


look if you got any sense go look at either an HP or a tosh laptop they are doing some nice piecesof kit and are quite reliable i personally use Hp/Compaq laptops for all my work and they have been very good to me. and right now there have been some good deals to be had.

Best thing to do is go look at them in person not on the Web have a touch and feel look at the specs then decide for your self as only you know if it dos what you want. We all have our own ideas on what good and whats not as i have just said above.

Also if it has Windows Vista check compatibility of the versons ofthe s/w you are using currently as they may not work correctly.

Just to give a different view--in my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE years ago my Company Compaq Laptop was a nightmare and my son has been using an Acer for 2 yrs without problems all over the world.

CRAZY K


I would highly recommend Dell, there products are built to last, we have a seven year old PowerEdge 2400 Back Office NT Server and a five year old Poweredge 2500 W2K Terminal Server still going strong, plus quite a few Optiplex desktops, and apart from a couple of hard disk swapouts they've been 100% Not bad going for kit that stays on literally 24/7/365

also the support from Dell is excellent, when one of the Raid disks failed on the W2K box, Unisys were out and had it changed within a couple of hours

Highly recommended

Your the lucky one ! MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

When I tried to get in contact with Dell to complain about their useless website that wouldnt allow me to buy a computer because it didnt recognise my address despite the world and his wife apparently recognising it---I got a conducted tour half way round the world by telephone---after talking to about 4 different Countries I gave up and went to Tesco!


CRAZY K

[DMX Will]

Your the lucky one ! MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

When I tried to get in contact with Dell to complain about their useless website that wouldnt allow me to buy a computer because it didnt recognise my address despite the world and his wife apparently recognising it---I got a conducted tour half way round the world by telephone---after talking to about 4 different Countries I gave up and went to Tesco!


CRAZY K

You might find that Tony has a bussiness account with Dell, meaning he recieves better technical assistance. How many home desktop machines have Raids in them!?

[wensleydale]

i just bought a compaq laptop from pixmania- £429, 1024 RaM, 80GB hard drive, all the other stuff- worth a look

[colinm345]

He's got a router, he needs a wireless card for the new desktop.

Belkin supply a wireless adaptor with thier wireless modems ,so thats all he will need

[CRAZY K]

So come on Matt--what did you buy on the way home last night?:D :D :D

CRAZY K

[colinm345]

You will also find the new Dells to be Vista compatable:)

[colinm345]

This may also be useful but why oh why is it nearly always in Reading does Daz have a special deal with them:D :D :D :D
There are only a few days left before the online launch of Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system.
This is the most exciting Developer launch event this year, packed with key presentations and assignments specifically designed to allow developers to fully understand these new development platforms.
To ensure that, as developers, you are able to start using both Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Office system, we are making 1000 copies of each available from 5:30 p.m. on 19 January 2007 in return for correctly answering a simple question, the answer to which is contained within the presentations throughout the day. (The first 1000 valid entries received with the correct answer are eligible, terms and conditions apply).
Day One is designed to give you a thorough introduction to the developer features of both products via a keynote session and two technical tracks.
Day Two is devoted to practical sessions, where you get a chance to put our new platforms through their paces with the help of Microsoft's own experts.
With feedback from Microsoft experts via forums, you won't miss a thing as a virtual attendee. From the opening keynote speech to the actual experience of using the new applications, it will be as good as being there.
There is no need to pre-register for the online event. Just visit the link below on 19 January 2007 for full instructions.
Visit the developer launch site for more information
Sincerely,
The Microsoft Team


PS: Microsoft hosts regular technical events around the UK aimed at developers.

Find out more about other developer events
Find out about the Technical Roadshow
Sign up to the MSDN Flash newsletter

[DMX Will]

Belkin supply a wireless adaptor with thier wireless modems ,so thats all he will need

But thats more money, and more effort to configure.

[colinm345]

But thats more money, and more effort to configure.

No it is simple to configure as it is plug and play and at £18 or so it could be cheaper than an onboard wireless card?

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=204037

[CRAZY K]

So come on Matt--what did you buy on the way home last night?:D :D :D

CRAZY K

One two--one two--testing testing testing

Are you there Matt? :D


CRAZY K

[Corabar Entertainment]

Are you there Matt? :D No - he can't get his new computer to work! :lol: :D :D

[DMX Will]

No it is simple to configure as it is plug and play and at £18 or so it could be cheaper than an onboard wireless card?

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=204037

Your telling me you've got a wireless router (Wireless Access Point plus DHCP and ADSL) with a wireless card/USB wireless dongle for £18?

If it costs that....I wouldn't want it!

[colinm345]

Your telling me you've got a wireless router (Wireless Access Point plus DHCP and ADSL) with a wireless card/USB wireless dongle for £18?

If it costs that....I wouldn't want it!

No I am not saying that I am saying the adaptor is some £18

[DMX Will]

No I am not saying that I am saying the adaptor is some £18

So you were just suggesting the USB dongle all along :P. Oh well.