Buying a new computer

[The Camel]

Right.. I am totally crap with computers.

This one is on its last legs so I'm going to get a new one.

Basically all I use it for is playing music and playing poker. And the occasional piece of writing too...

Anyone got any suggestions as to what I should be looking for? Or some recommendations for the best models? I am prepared to spend about a grand.

Also, is it possible to move my player notes from this computer to a new one?

[dik9]

If you are prepared to spend a grand, I would recommend, you goto your local computer shop and ask them to build one for you. It's a lot cheaper than high street prices and you can have what you want on it. With the added advantage that someone local to you will know all about it and fix any probs straight off. A personalised spec usually works out better and more modern than those in high st shops as well.

[Newmanseye]

Keith, how much are you willing to spend, and do you want a lap top or desk top?

[The Camel]

Keith, how much are you willing to spend, and do you want a lap top or desk top?

I don't know what I want!

I'm prepared to pay about about a grand.. All the jargon means nothing...

I want a good system to play poker on and a good music system.

I guess the ldea of going to a computer shop and getting them to build a system seems a good idea...

[Newmanseye]

the main challange with having a system built is it would cost more than a generic pc or laptop, you dont require a fancy computer for online gaming, ( video games, or for graphic design ).

I'll pm you with a few systems that might be suitable for you. all available on next day delivery.

[Ironside]

i always buy from a local specialist that way i can spend the money on what i want rather than what they think i want like faster processor and extra ram instead of an expensive graphic card etc etc

personally i would goto a couple of store tell them what you are going to use it for and ask them to price a pc for you then comapre and choose the best one

for a grand you should get everything you need and change

[Royal Flush]

Keith i use my computer for the same needs. To be honest the most important thing is the monitor. I would select that then work from there. You don't need much power for the task, but the monitor is crucial.

[Bongo]

A grand would be overkill (unless you were spending a far old chunk on a really nice monitor and speakers).

Avoid the high street like the plague. Local comp shops can be a good bet, if you can find a good one (see if you can find one that is recommended).

First major step would be deciding whether you want a laptop or a desktop. If you don't intend to use it on the go or need it when travelling then i'd say get a desktop. If space is an issue you can just get a smaller desktop...

edit: (I really feel dirty saying this) I agree with flushy - Monitor is vital, you'll spend all the time looking at it (i'd also get a nice mouse and keyboard for the same reason).

[byronkincaid]

If you're getting a new mouse I thoroughly recommend this one


http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=3,CONTENTID=9043

[Liam]

i got mine from ginger6.co.uk and im happy with it - £380 for a decent spec have a look

[The Camel]

Thanks for the info guys!

This time I promise Iwill not open any attatchments to emails entitled "Kylie Minogue Nude" and hopefully the new machine will last longer than two years!!!

[Bongo]

This time I promise Iwill not open any attatchments to emails entitled "Kylie Minogue Nude" and hopefully the new machine will last longer than two years!!!

 

On a more serious note they reckon the spam/email virus will only get worse. In the future it's predicted that the malware will scan all the emails on your PC and then send to others from those names/email addresses (nothing new there) but will compose the email in the style of that person (found from the emails). Bastards.

I spotted a dell for < £150 delivered the other day. Let me see if i can dig out the link (and if they have any left!)

[Peter Costa]

Keithm

Buy one from the States - laptops are almost half price.

[Raindogs]

Dell are the best value.

This configuration below includes a 20 inch flat panel high resoultion monitor which allows easy multi tabling for poker.  Total price is £955

http://configure.euro.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&kc=305&l=en&oc=D065C5&s=dhs&sbc=dimen_5150c

I'm not sure if the exact configuration will be replicated in the link but make sure the monitor selected is the 20" Ultrasharp (2007FP).  You should also check the Dell support is selected to "No service upgrade" as this saves £153. 

[M3boy]

Keith, check your PM's