Spec for New Desktop pc

[LIZS]

Our current 8 yo Dell (running Windows xp) is getting progressively slower so looking to replace it. Any suggestions as to the minimum spec to look for or even a recommendation preferably around £300-350 ish. We need it for Office applications, internet browsing, itunes, storing pictures, online shopping and banking, watching iplayer etc. tia

Following seen on www.ebuyer.com

Medion PC8276 at 349 quid (free delivery)

• Quick find code 342320
• Intel Core i5 2320 3.0GHz
• 4GB RAM + 500GB HDD
• DVD Writer
• Intel HD 2000
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64

Zoostorm Desktop PC 7873-0423 at 345 quid

• Quick find code 388940
• Intel Core i3 2130 3.4GHz
• 6GB RAM + 1TB HDD
• DVD Writer
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64

Zoostorm Desktop PC 7873-0421 at 300 quid

• Quick find code 388939
• Intel Pentium DC G850 2.9GHz
• 4GB RAM + 500GB HDD
• DVD Writer
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64

Medion PC8274 at 250 quid

• Quick find code 342318
• Intel Pentium Dual Core G630 2.7GHz
• 4GB RAM + 500GB HDD
• DVD Writer
• Intel HD
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64

While less well known, Medion (German firm) have been selling PCs in UK for over 10 years (I remember a client buying one at Aldi, before they took plastic, so had to take 700 quid in cash to the store).

Threw in the last one just so you can see that some costing 325+ don't have as much RAM, but maybe a slightly faster CPU. In the main, I'd suggest the extra RAM would improve multitasking, so you'd be able to flip from Office to web browser, to on-screen calculator without any software complaints about 'low on memory' or machine acting sluggish when switching.

Thanks will take a look. Never been sure about the lesser known brands but know sometimes they share common components

I have to admit to not having gone searching for horror stories about Zoostorm, but do see them mentioned on HUKD and without lots of 'they're ' follow up comments, so they just seem to be bargain basement (along with some other 'names' you can find on Ebay, not necessarily being given a 12 month warranty on Ebay though).

I'd be inclined to go for the Core i3 or i5 machine rather than the G class processor. Considering your demands (which are quite substantial), you will have to compromise on storage or processor to match your budget.

Nothing wrong with budget PCs, as you say they often share common components. Sony might like to charge £1,200 for their Vaios, but they're still produced by FoxConn, who make budget parts.

Thanks for the useful info on the Zoostorm PCs.