Need new computer. Recommendations?

[PedalCat]

I wanna spend less tha £300. I've had a desktop PC for 8 years. It was Dell's cheapest one with a thin screen at the time and it's dying now, i think. I have not been unhappy with it, but maybe a laptop makes more sense now.
The thing is, i like good stuff but i like value more (ie i'd like a VW Golf but a Skoda Fabia does the same job just as well for less money).
I don't know much at all about computer brands.
I presume Dell is better value than PC World, but can i be cuter/cleverer where price/value is concerned?
Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

 

[swee'pea99]

Decide whether you want a laptop or a desktop. If you've no strong preferences, and only want one, I'd go desktop - they're cheap as chips these days.

 

[welsh dragon]

I don't think Dell are what they used to be. The service over the phone is not that good. Toshiba are good. There are a lot of good laptops around in your price range. Lenovo, HP. there isn't much to choose between them I don't think.

 

[sazzaa]

If it's just for internet use then a chromebook is good value.

 

[rb58]

Wipe your existing PC back to factory state. You'll be surprised how well it'll work after that. Of course, you'll need to re-load your applications and data.

 

[midliferider]

What do you want to use the computer for? Use internet for surfing and word processing?
Do you really need a new computer, in the sense that there are some who needs new items and do not want old or refurbished items?

Would you be happy to learn to upgrade/ build your own PC? Believe me it is as easy as repairing a puncture or packing your bike in a bag.

 

[accountantpete]

I had a similar dated HP pc

I took the old internals (mobo and HDD) out ( the DVD player was ok) and inserted a new Mobo with Quad Core processor, suitable Memory and a nice HDD - £200.

Sourced a second hand monitor locally (ebay) and topped it off with Linux Mint.

 

[L14M]

Whats your budget? Chromebooks are good but ya want a windows pc too trust me I have a chromebook!

 

[fossyant]

Unless it's the ruddy kids wanting the latest game for the PC despite having a an Xbox, then give the thing a good strip back.

 

[fossyant]

My kids moan about two business laptops, they won't play the games. Erm it's a basic laptop, it's for homework and internet.

 

[Kies]

£300 won't get you a very good laptop, but will get you a decent desktop/tower. PC World/curries is good for a walk around and price comparison, then get online to dabs.com oe ebuyer.com for the purchase.
The big boys are no better in terms of quality compared to the generic brands online (big brand employee here)
Look for a machine with at least 4gb memory, and don't worry about hard disk size. You won't fill it up unless your big time into downloading movies.

 

[PedalCat]

Wipe your existing PC back to factory state. You'll be surprised how well it'll work after that. Of course, you'll need to re-load your applications and data.

What do you want to use the computer for? Use internet for surfing and word processing?
Do you really need a new computer, in the sense that there are some who needs new items and do not want old or refurbished items?

Would you be happy to learn to upgrade/ build your own PC? Believe me it is as easy as repairing a puncture or packing your bike in a bag.

Unless it's the ruddy kids wanting the latest game for the PC despite having a an Xbox, then give the thing a good strip back.

Your ideas are intriguing to me and i wish to subscribe to your newsletters.
I could wipe it. I have XP and that is gonna be a bit obsolete. When you have a wiped PC how do ya get an OS installed? How do ya start from nothing?

 

[swee'pea99]

Rereading your post and a couple of the responses makes me think...why exactly do you think your computer's dying? Eight years needn't be that old. Both my desktops are that and more, and they work fine. It could be just that you're clogged up with crap accumulated over the years. First thing I'd do is download and install (if you don't have them) Advanced SystemCare, Defraggler and Spybot Search & Destroy (all free), run them, then see if anything's changed. If not, as others have said, the best way to get a 'new' computer is to reinstall Windows from CD. That really will make a difference. If that doesn't work, then start thinking new.

 

[Kies]

A windows CD will be "bootable", stick the cd in, restart the pc and it will prompt you through a reapir or fresh installation.

Note: copy all your data/pictures/music/documents onto a usb drive BEFORE formatting the drive and laying down a fresh copy of windows


Edit: assumming you have a genuine windows CD with licence key

 

[fossyant]

Our main PC runs XP. Not an expert but you need your codes or a way to get it genuine. I have found once genuine installations going a bit fake.

Start getting rid of programmes you don't use, then also look at the programmes that boot on start. MSConfig can help you switch them off, but don't start doing it without reading up. Google is a good start. Speed up X P boot.