Need a new PC. Why get Vista? Why buy new? And more stupid questions.

[policywonk]

Good morning techy peoples

I kind of need a new PC, but would really like to keep the budget right down (don't need a new monitor or any add-ons). When I say 'down', I'm talking £300 or less. I only ever use Word and Explorer, because I am dull like that - no need to play games or anything.

I read a recent thread about this and someone was saying YOU MUST GET VISTA - why? Will I not be able to open Vista files in XP? What sort of processor should I get?

Is it OK to buy second-hand computers on eBay, or will I be cursing? What should I look for?

Please help me, I am stupid.

[lljkk]

You will not be able to run all sorts of software coming out now under XP, has to be Vista. I know nothing about hardware, though, sorry.

[DontlookatmeIamborrrring]

Get a base unit from Dell outlet - mine was £181 delivered a couple of years ago and it's great, I also have a laptop from Dell and it's fab. I paid £50 for 3 years service too as I do tend to break my laptops

[LazyLinePainterJane]

The price of new puters these days from places like Dell seems to mean that there really is no point buying brand new. You can spend less than £300 for a decent new machine, especially if you don't need a new monitor.

[ghosty]

I am stupid too.
I have Vista. It seems fine. I am able to log on and off the MN ... isn't that all that matters?
Is that relevant? Probably not

[policywonk]

lljkk - like what (software that won't run on XP)? Like, I said, I mostly use Word and Explorer. Are these likely to be affected?

Dontlookatme... how can I find a Dell outlet?

Sorry for follow-ups. I am totally clueless.

[policywonk]

LOL ghosty. No, I don't think it is relevant - but then I could be wrong

[Tech]

One thing to think about getting / not getting windows vista with new PC is that if you get it with a new computer, you are effectively getting it for the cheapest you'll ever get it. An upgrade xp -> vista bought after the computer will cost you about £150. So it might be worth getting it right away.

dell.co.uk is currently showing new desktops from 269 including vat and delivery. I wouldn't bother with second hand.... anything more thatn a year or so old you will end up cursing.

[policywonk]

LazyLine - any suggestions for where I could get a good one for under £300?

Everyone seeme to think thay PC World is to be avoided - is that right?

[rantinghousewife]

It depends whether you want it to last or not. I wouldn't go to dell, we got a state of the art comp from these people here, they do special deals on this page I've given you. We've had the same pc for about 7 years, although we've upgraded it ourselves, new hard drive etc during that time.
They give excellent service too.

[policywonk]

Oooooh, I got a response from Tech!

[ghosty]

I am so stupid that I only just worked out I can unplug my laptop and work somewhere other than the office.
DH said, "Didn't the word LAPTOP give you any clues?"

[VeniVidiVickiQV]

DONT GET VISTA YET - ITS CRAP!!!

They havent ironed out all the bugs yet. Until version 13.9 comes out, its not worth having. Honestly....I had vista on my laptop and got DP to change it back to XP.

Too many bugs/glitches etc.

[policywonk]

Thank you ranting, that looks great.

Anybody feel very strongly about dual core processors? Can I get away with just the one core? (What the freak is a core anyway?)

[LazyLinePainterJane]

Well, I don't have any personal experience of PC World, but like you, everything I have ever heard means avoiding them. I think that there are issues with repairs and what not.

My mum got a new home pc a while ago from dell (online) for less than £300. She didn't get a monitor with it, which reduced the price. This was before Vista though.

Don't agree that all new software will not work without Vista. It is normal for most stuff to be backwards compatible, with the exception of top of the range new games. Vista looks hideous.

[LazyLinePainterJane]

Although, you'll have a nightmare of a time finding a new pc in a proper shop without vista.

[policywonk]

Goddamyou VVVQV. Vista was the one thing I had decided on.

Anyone else hate Vista?

[LazyLinePainterJane]

Its a poorly hidden hideous rip-off of some other non-mentioned OS.

[VeniVidiVickiQV]

LOL! Dell good though. Their support lines have improved too.

Check out Maplins for good deals - sometimes cheaper to buy separate components and get someone techy to put together for you.

[MellowMa]

Message withdrawn

[SenoraPostrophe]

you don't need vista, although some of the features are pretty cool (and I'm NOT a gizmo fan).

also pc world are fine - just don't listen to their "advice" (which will be "buy whatever gets me the most comission). never had a problem with them, even when we had to claim under our extended guarantee.

but I think from your post I'd buy second hand. Just make sure the computer you buy has been completely reformatted and reinstalled so you don't get any inherited problems. ebay prob not the best place - are there not any second hand computer shops near you?

[rantinghousewife]

I don't have personal exp. of vista, although on a couple of sites I use, napster etc, there are always complaints about compatabitlity issues. ie; the software doesn't seem to work properly with vista.

[MellowMa]

Message withdrawn

[policywonk]

OK, ghosty, you win

I hate laptops, with their stupid little keys and the irritating buttony things and their shameful lack of meece.

[LazyLinePainterJane]

Here you go on Dell.

£269 no monitor. Includes delivery.

linky

[VeniVidiVickiQV]

Indeed ranting - all bugs not ironed out yet.

It will be good, but they realised it too soon (as usual).

DONT buy from argos, lol!