New System

[securespark]

Flippin 'eck pal, have you not bought a system yet, or are you going to ask for guidance everytime a different piece of kit appears?

Not guidance, simply your opinion of whether it is worth the money, that is all. If you don't want to comment, I'm not forcing you.

I have not yet bought a system, no. I am trying to get the best for my bucks, but I have vouchers I can only spend at Comet. Hence, trying to get the best system for the money by waiting for various special offers and price reductions.

As for going over old ground, I did say, "Without getting into a big discussion".

And, regarding OS's, I am currently running Ubuntu 10.10 on my eldest son's PC and it is as sweet as a nut. Sweeter actually because I paid not a bean for it.

Lee, I appreciate what you're saying about a minimum spec, but am I likely to find such a machine from Comet within my price range?

I'm not a complete dunce regarding computer specs, but I'm not up to speed (pun intended!) with the later processors' performances.

 

[LooPrEvil]

What you have to bear in mind SP is that the market is constantly changing, so by the time you have made your mind up, the system you have decided upon may no longer be available! You can make comparasions between the two machines yourself based on previous feedbacks. If I recall you only want a basic system, and Comet will be your supplier, I dont think from what you have said that you want a branded system so that further shortens your options (which ain't a bad thing!).

Did you load Ubunto onto your sons system or was it already on? Does it have security built into it, and updates? I keep hearing about Linux as being an alternative, but I do not know anybody who has used it, to allow me to get any guidance from.

 

[LooPrEvil]

By the way, dont be fooled by those '£200 off' claims. Unless you have actually seen at the higher price, the chances are it was not a true price charged (unless it was at that price in a 'certain store' for a 'few days' to allow the claim to be made!!).

 

[securespark]

Thanks.

Regarding the Ubuntu, I ordered the disc online and loaded it on myself. It took a while to arrive, though.

You can download Ubuntu and burn a disc, but I kept getting errors, hence the internet order.

You can get updates to Ubuntu 10.10 foc on-line. You can use Clam AV with Ubuntu and other Linux-based systems, but having researched it extensively on the interweb, Linux systems are rarely targets for virus attacks.

I stand to be corrected, though!

 

[EFCLee1]

If your not going to build yourself a PC then you have no alternative but to pay this kind of money for an entry level PC

If you are able to install Ubuntu then your obviously tech-savvy

Bare in mind, there are only 6 components that make up a PC, trust me its like square peg in a square hole as long as your gentle putting in the processor, only costly mistake would be to miss the brass risers of the motherboard plate, never done that myself but know quite a few who have

Motherobard
Processor
Memory
Hard drive
DVD Writer
Case

Recommend "Aria" for your parts if your interested, but then......what do you do with the Comet vouchers......hmm

 

[securespark]

Thanks guys.

Lots to think about re new PC for Mrs Secure.

Have rebuilt PC (that's the one with ubuntu 10.10 loaded) with much help from guys here. Still not confident to build new one from scratch yet.

Maybe I'll take an old one to pieces and reassemble to get some confidence.

 

[CoemtResponse]

Hi securesparks,

I’ve read through the thread above and the models you’ve highlighted are very good value. In fact, the Compaq SG3-320UK would definitely meet your requirements. However, if you’re looking for something with the best specs for your money, I’d personally recommend the Acer X3400.

It’s also been reduced by £200, includes a 640 GB hard drive (loads of space for photos), and has 3 GB of memory and a dual core processor, more than enough for everyday tasks.

I hope this helps.

 

[Mickymoody]

Me again folks...

Mrs Secure is wanting a new system.

Normally I don't touch Comet, but have some vouchers I can spend there.

How do you rate this system for the money?

http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Computer-Base-Units/buy-HP-G5208UK-Computer-Base-Unit/681695

If you don't, is there anything Comet sell for similar money that you do?

Hi securesparks,

I’ve read through the thread above and the models you’ve highlighted are very good value. In fact, the Compaq SG3-320UK would definitely meet your requirements. However, if you’re looking for something with the best specs for your money, I’d personally recommend the Acer X3400. It’s also been reduced by £200, includes a 640 GB hard drive (loads of space for photos), and has 3 GB of memory and a dual core processor, more than enough for everyday tasks.

http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Computer-Base-Units/buy-ACER-X3400-Computer-Base-Unit/695335

I hope this helps.

If you’d like any more advice, please e-mail me at the link below quoting reference 136289

Thanks
Kev
http://comet.custhelp.com/app/ask[/QUOTE]


Is selling allowed on the forum?

 

[LooPrEvil]

Dont take his response too seriously Micky. Note his user name is not spelt correctly (Coemt !!!). It is just another you and I giving an opinion, but attempting to get the credability of being attached to Comet

 

[ajrobb]

Be aware that a typical desktop will be noisier and use more juice than a laptop. My newest desktop uses 50W when idle but my laptops use about 15W with the screen blank. Laptops are usually good at going in and out of suspend; some desktop devices don't behave too well. For the record, my newest laptop uses less juice on suspend, 1W, than shut-down, 2W. None of my desktops uses less than 4W when shut down.

If you don't like laptop screens, they often support double-headed external screens.

Folding down a laptop screen stops the keyboard from getting dusty.

Laptop reliability is often questioned. I am writing this on a 10-year old laptop.

Finally, I generally hate OEM system installs as they are loaded with poor quality apps that mainly serve to slow the system down.

 

[EFCLee1]

Finally, I generally hate OEM system installs as they are loaded with poor quality apps that mainly serve to slow the system down.

Many times have I been given a laptop/PC brand new out the box and formatted the whole drive, the list of installed programs on an OEM is around 60, the list of installed programs on a clean install of windows 7 is ZREO!!