MK5 Golf GTI

General => Random Chat => Topic started by: vRS_Pagey on October 24, 2011, 11:37:14 am

Title: Computer purchased - MS Office info required.
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 24, 2011, 11:37:14 am
Need some advice from geekus maximus, below are the specs for a Dell desktop that I am looking at. It's not used for gaming, just everyday stuff internet, wordprocessing, etc. Any good for the price?

Processor - Intel® Pentium® G620 Processor (2.60GHz, 3MB)
Operating System - Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Memory3 - 4GB3 Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz
... Hard Drive - 1TB4 SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
Video Card - Graphics : Intel® HD
Optical Drive - DVD +/- RW Drive (read/write CD & DVD) with DVD Burn software
Keyboard - Dell™ USB Entry Keyboard - UK/Irish (QWERTY)
Wireless - ll Wireless 1502 (802.11n) WLAN Full-height Mini

£319 delivered, this doesn't include the monitor.

Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: stealthwolf on October 24, 2011, 11:44:30 am
For the price, it's very good. Closest I could get was almost £400. Question is: is it enough for your needs?
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 24, 2011, 12:01:45 pm
if i was you id be looking at anything with an i3 as minimum.

http://www.ebuyer.com/279903-acer-aspire-m1930-desktop-pt-sgce9-005

Needs an OS and wifi dongle but would work out cheaper + quicker than your spec.
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 24, 2011, 12:05:46 pm
For the price, it's very good. Closest I could get was almost £400. Question is: is it enough for your needs?

I currently have a Dell Dimension 5000, its approx' 6 years old running a pentium 4 with XP sp2, 3gb ram (upgraded), 160 GB HD (only 17 GB left).  I have just got a new 21.5" wide screen monitor so that will stay.

Besides wordprocessing and internet, we have an extensive iTunes library, and I do a bit of photo editing.  Tbh it does all that we need apart from its getting old and randomly freezes.

if i was you id be looking at anything with an i3 as minimum.

http://www.ebuyer.com/279903-acer-aspire-m1930-desktop-pt-sgce9-005

Needs an OS and wifi dongle but would work out cheaper + quicker than your spec.

Is't Acer bargain basement stuff?  How does a dual core compare to my ancient Pentium 4?
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 24, 2011, 12:11:36 pm
Just found this - http://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?rn=7716&SC=&c=uk&cs=ukdfh1&l=en&s=dfh

Although its refurbished and doesn't have a keyboard or mouse it ticks all the boxes with maybe a hard drive upgrade......
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 24, 2011, 01:16:40 pm
For the price, it's very good. Closest I could get was almost £400. Question is: is it enough for your needs?

I currently have a Dell Dimension 5000, its approx' 6 years old running a pentium 4 with XP sp2, 3gb ram (upgraded), 160 GB HD (only 17 GB left).  I have just got a new 21.5" wide screen monitor so that will stay.

Besides wordprocessing and internet, we have an extensive iTunes library, and I do a bit of photo editing.  Tbh it does all that we need apart from its getting old and randomly freezes.

if i was you id be looking at anything with an i3 as minimum.

http://www.ebuyer.com/279903-acer-aspire-m1930-desktop-pt-sgce9-005

Needs an OS and wifi dongle but would work out cheaper + quicker than your spec.

Is't Acer bargain basement stuff?  How does a dual core compare to my ancient Pentium 4?

Nah have plenty of acer kit that's still going strong 6+years on, they spend money where it counts. The i3 is the new sandybridge architecture, its dual core+ has hyperthreading meaning 4cores (only two physical) it will be alot better than your p4.

i cant see that dell outlet link...doesnt work
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 24, 2011, 01:29:30 pm
bigger hdd + £20

http://www.ebuyer.com/261513-acer-aspire-m3920-desktop-pt-sfde9-006


i5:

http://www.comet.co.uk/p/Computer-Base-Units/buy-ACER-X3690-I5-Computer-Base-Unit/735086?_$ja=tsid:8361|prd:47868&awc=157_1319458676_41cca9d7b9e1c1c4026fe8d356c75815

bargain.

The things you need to concentrate on when buy a machine is processor, things like ram + HDD can easily be upraded in the future, a processor is slightly more tricky for the less tech minded
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 24, 2011, 02:26:34 pm
Thanks for the info, dell link should be working now.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 24, 2011, 02:43:22 pm
Thanks for the info, dell link should be working now.  :happy2:

yeah i saw that, but with the 1gen i3 and a smaller hdd plus its a refurb i was skeptical as to if its really worth that money.
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 24, 2011, 02:45:40 pm
are there issues with the 2gen i3?
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 24, 2011, 02:48:24 pm
are there issues with the 2gen i3?

No issues with either, and tbh there no reason not to buy that if your happy with the smaller hdd + refurb status.

They are doing free delivery on outlet stock too.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/143?vs=289&i=2.5.3.4.6.25.26.27.28.29.30.31.32.33.34.35.36.37.38.39.40.41.42.43.45.46.53.54.55.60.61.62.63.64.57.56.50.49.48.47.52.51

Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 25, 2011, 10:21:28 am
Taking a completely different direction, I have thought about leaving the desktop in place and getting a more up to date laptop, while looking I came across this which looks pretty good -

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/dell-inspiron-q15r-switch-15-6-laptop-black-10562071-pdt.html
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 25, 2011, 10:40:13 am
Taking a completely different direction, I have thought about leaving the desktop in place and getting a more up to date laptop, while looking I came across this which looks pretty good -

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/dell-inspiron-q15r-switch-15-6-laptop-black-10562071-pdt.html

if your deffo interested in a laptop i can get a dell rep (who gave me good discount) to contact you.

i bought a £2300 alienware and a £1000 xps and paid £2k

Whats the max you would spend? ill spec you a laptop on dell site you should be able to get for that budget
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 25, 2011, 11:08:38 am
Still weighing up the pros and cons between laptop/desktop.  Going for the laptop I s'pose I could reinstall the OS on the desktop and use it for back up storage, word processing and a bit of browsing, plus it would be available to my boys for school work etc.  I would also be in the postion to get a VCDS cable (unless there is one available that's 10 miles long  :laugh:).

£400 is about the max I want to spend on either, preferably less.  

I think this is similar to the one you found in Comet, but with the keyboard and mouse included -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Desktop-i5-2300-Processor-Keyboard/dp/B005HSS516/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319535880&sr=8-2

EDIT: Just noticed this doesn't have a graphics card so a no, no!


 
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 25, 2011, 11:29:25 am
Still weighing up the pros and cons between laptop/desktop.  Going for the laptop I s'pose I could reinstall the OS on the desktop and use it for back up storage, word processing and a bit of browsing, plus it would be available to my boys for school work etc.  I would also be in the postion to get a VCDS cable (unless there is one available that's 10 miles long  :laugh:).

£400 is about the max I want to spend on either, preferably less.  

I think this is similar to the one you found in Comet, but with the keyboard and mouse included -

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Desktop-i5-2300-Processor-Keyboard/dp/B005HSS516/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1319535880&sr=8-2

EDIT: Just noticed this doesn't have a graphics card so a no, no!


 


the gpu is built into the processor so it will have a intel 3000hd
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: stealthwolf on October 25, 2011, 12:20:18 pm
As above, it'll be on-board graphics.
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 25, 2011, 12:56:30 pm
Absolutely no clue what you are both talking about  :stupid: but I guess you are saying that the amazon one is cool?  :jumpmove:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 26, 2011, 04:58:59 pm
Definitely decided to go for a laptop now, looking at the Dell outlet and I found this refurbished one -

http://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?rn=6575&SC=&c=uk&cs=ukdfh1&l=en&s=dfh

Question, are all laptops wifi?
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 26, 2011, 05:22:34 pm
Definitely decided to go for a laptop now, looking at the Dell outlet and I found this refurbished one -

http://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?rn=6575&SC=&c=uk&cs=ukdfh1&l=en&s=dfh

Question, are all laptops wifi?

99.9% are so take it as a yes, how much is that lappy (link doesnt work) i was looking before
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 26, 2011, 06:49:24 pm
B0ll0x!!!! The link doesn't work because it's sold, jeepers they don't hang around on there......

This is a similar one I just found -

Inspiron 15R - N5010
LCD Back Cover : Mars Black
Intel i5-480M(2.66GHz) Mobile CPU
320 GB SATA Hard Drive (5400 RPM)
4 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz (2 DIMMs)
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (64 BIT)
Display 15.6in HD (1366X768) WLED with TrueLife

£323 inc VAT and delivery.

EDIT:  Decided to go for this one, tried to add it to my basket and its bloody sold........ :fighting:

EDIT 2:  Looks like I am going to have to be quick on this one, just to confirm if I find one spec'd as above for the same sort of price is this a good deal?
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 26, 2011, 06:54:32 pm
yeah pretty much if you see it buy it on outlet, people check every hour for updates.

as long as its i3 minimum(preferable 2gen i.e i3 2120 not i3 380)
3gb ram minimum

If your lucky you will get a dedicated gpu i.e nvidia gt555 or something like that
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 26, 2011, 08:00:53 pm
I think all the i3 processors I have seen on there have been 370 or 380.
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: Hedge on October 26, 2011, 08:28:59 pm
If you are definitely after a Dell Outlet laptop you need to be on there from early in the day.
By the end on the day there is nowt worth having. XPS ftw.



Written on my Dell Outlet XPS-15.  :wink:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 26, 2011, 08:48:54 pm
Thanks for the tip Ian, am I right in thinking they renew the stock daily?

XPS, maybe a bit more than need......... :scared:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: Hedge on October 26, 2011, 09:57:18 pm
When I was looking I watched it for a while and it seems that's the way it works.

You can't really pick and choose as what you see is what you get.
Mine: XPS-15, Core i7, 4GB Ram, 500GB HDD, GT540 2GB Graphics. For £550.

It's pretty slick but spat it's dummy out with a SATA 3 SSD which I eventually sent back.

Obviously there is money to be saved and with a few compromises I reckon you could do an XPS-15.  :wink:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 27, 2011, 07:55:05 am
The XPS 15 sounds good, but if I spend out that much on a laptop stage 2 will have to wait!  And that isn't happening....... :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 27, 2011, 09:28:49 am
@EDD666999

How does this look? - http://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?rn=6424&SC=&c=uk&cs=ukdfh1&l=en&s=dfh
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 27, 2011, 11:25:21 am
@EDD666999

How does this look? - http://outlet.euro.dell.com/Online/SecondaryInventorySearch.aspx?rn=6424&SC=&c=uk&cs=ukdfh1&l=en&s=dfh

looks like the link doesnt work!

If you see it buy it! i3 and above 3gb ram and above.
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: Hedge on October 27, 2011, 01:07:49 pm
You need to be quick and early in the Dell Outlet store.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 27, 2011, 02:09:59 pm
The link probably doesn't work as it's no longer available........................................because I bought it!!  :laugh:

Here's the spec -

Inspiron 15R - N5110
 
Display: 15.6in High Definition (720p) LED Display with TrueLife
Processor: Intel Core i3-2310M (3M Cache, 2.10 GHz)
Hard Drive : 500GB Serial ATA (5400RPM)
8X DVD+/- RW Drive
English Genuine Windows 7 SP1 Home Premium (64Bit OS)
6 Cell Primary Battery, 48W
Wireless: Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1030 (1x2 b/g/n+ Bluetooth Combo Card)
Back Up Media Not Included
Black
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz (1 DIMMs)
Power Supply: 130W AC Adapter
Intel HD Graphics 3000 with up to 1.6GB Dynamic Video Memory

My only concern was that it has 1 DIMM, but looking on Google I think this meas the 4gb of memory is in one slot, which leaves a second one empty to upgrade?
 
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: Hedge on October 27, 2011, 03:26:09 pm
Without knowing what was in the other slot I would probably by a 2x4GB as a kit.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=77EDD683A5CA7304

 :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 27, 2011, 05:17:59 pm
Without knowing what was in the other slot I would probably by a 2x4GB as a kit.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=77EDD683A5CA7304

 :evilgrin:

Considering my prehistoric set up is running 3gb (which I upgraded) the 4gb in the laptop will be enough..............for now!!
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: Hedge on October 27, 2011, 05:21:49 pm
Never enough.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 27, 2011, 05:42:54 pm
Never enough.  :smiley:

You sound like my wife...... :ashamed:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: edd666999 on October 27, 2011, 07:09:10 pm
chances of it being in 1 slot is quite low but you never know!

good buy! enjoy  :happy2:
Title: Re: Computer purchasing advice
Post by: vRS_Pagey on October 28, 2011, 10:13:50 am
Cheers fella and thanks for the advice.  However, now I've got the new computer coming, I am going to need a copy of Microsoft Office 2010...............if you know what I mean.................... :evilgrin:
Title: Re: Computer purchased - MS Office info required.
Post by: m4t_lee on October 28, 2011, 09:35:18 pm
Just download OpenOffice, does the same and it's free :)
Title: Re: Computer purchased - MS Office info required.
Post by: Hedge on October 28, 2011, 09:57:00 pm
^^^  :happy2:

Or sometimes if you use it at work you can purchase a Home Use Program for naff all monies.  :wink: :happy2:
Title: Re: Computer purchased - MS Office info required.
Post by: m4t_lee on October 29, 2011, 02:18:13 pm
Just thought actually, go to software4students.co.uk and you can buy office for under £40 if the primary user is a student :o)
Title: Re: Computer purchased - MS Office info required.
Post by: m4t_lee on November 04, 2011, 10:28:02 pm
Very randomly, my wife won one in a raffle last week so it's up for sale if you or anyone wants a copy. Original still sealed in packet office 2010 pro plus