Desktop PC for parents

[vickster]

My parents are looking to replace their aging and recalcitrant laptop. They never move it around, so are thinking they'll get more bang for their buck with a desktop. Just used for Internet and email, solitaire, perhaps a bit of word processing! They have a tablet but are struggling a bit (need further lessons from the daughter), so want a computer too. It needs to have wireless Internet as the router is far away

I've identified these few within their £400 max budget, closer to £300 preferred

http://www.staples.co.uk/desktop-co...e=300300666&Effort_Code=WW&Find_Number=426300

http://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=G9B21EA&opt=ABU&sel=PCDT

http://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=L0V45EA&opt=ABU&sel=PCDT

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/comput...5-all-in-one-pc-white-10010961-pdt.html#cat-0

They don't need touch screen or any such nonsense. And frankly they'll never use 4gb of memory. They have Virgin fibre optic 20mb odd wifi

Any feedback appreciated

 

[midlife]

Do you have a Staples nearby? They often have end of line / managers specials in the shop going cheaper and it's easy to take it back if it goes wrong.

Or look on tiinternet at Dabs, Mesh and the like, again for end of line. There's also Dell Store which get rid of old stock / refurb stuff.

Shaun

 

[drummerbod]

If all they do is look at web and email then this will do if you can find a spare mouse\keyboard\monitor...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-DC7800...584?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27f2cbf208

 

[accountantpete]

Personally I would just get a relatively modern used system off ebay with a free pci port.

I have a Netgear pci Wifi card in my pc ( 15 meters from hub and through a wall) and it picks up the signal really well. They also sell USB wifi adapters which may or may not work equally as well.

 

[vickster]

I think they'll want something new from a recognised outlet. Mum has seen the swish look of the all in ones too

 

[swee'pea99]

If all they do is look at web and email then this will do if you can find a spare mouse\keyboard\monitor...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HP-DC7800...584?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27f2cbf208

Good choice. HP stuff is bulletproof, and that certainly has more grunt (and storage) than they'll ever need. They can get the peripherals off their existing computer, and they're good to go. No need to spend £300, let alone £400.

 

[vickster]

Do you have a Staples nearby? They often have end of line / managers specials in the shop going cheaper and it's easy to take it back if it goes wrong.

Or look on tiinternet at Dabs, Mesh and the like, again for end of line. There's also Dell Store which get rid of old stock / refurb stuff.

Shaun

Cheers Shaun, yes there are two Staples close by

 

[swee'pea99]

I think they'll want something new from a recognised outlet. Mum has seen the swish look of the all in ones too

The only desktop I ever had trouble with was the one I bought new. Second hand (from what's clearly a proper setup) is your best guarantee of a system that will work properly and not give them any grief.

 

[vickster]

None of us are really computer literate beyond basics, so I'd rather go with something from a decent retailer that's all loaded with the latest stuff. They'll need to get office I think. They have 7 on their laptop

 

[vickster]

The only desktop I ever had trouble with was the one I bought new. Second hand (from what's clearly a proper setup) is your best guarantee of a system that will work properly and not give them any grief.

See my last reply, I'm not confident dealing with used computer equipment I'm afraid

 

[Turbo Rider]

No, but it does amaze me how fast things move on...bought OH a new PC about 18 months ago and the numbers aren't anywhere near those - think you'll be fine whatever you go for...benefits of Currys / PC world are the add ons (Office, Norton, etc), which can usually be bartered for if you ask what deals they can do. They'll even barter over the insurance.

Love the use of 'recalcitrant' as well though...I should probably get out more....

 

[accountantpete]

If you are buying new then just look for something with a SSD hard drive (120GB or so) and 3.00 USB ports and it should be well future proofed.

 

[vickster]

They've now decided they want a laptop and had an email from Currys advertising this

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/comput...2sa-15-6-laptop-black-10011511-pdt.html#cat-0

Decent enough given their needs? Or better to stick with Intel over AMD (I have an older generation with AMD and it can be very noisy )

e.g. http://www.johnlewis.com/hp-15-laptop-intel-core-i3-8gb-ram-1tb-15-6-/p1855442?colour=Red (we like JL, extra year warranty too)

 

[accountantpete]

You don't need a 1TB HDD

 

[vickster]

You don't need a 1TB HDD

Well no, but they all seem to have them! Doesn't appear to be a lot cheaper so it's not like their paying extra for it