Help required with New Computer Specs

[Autumn]

I have started a new thread instead of following on with Ian's old one, as it may be getting confusing.

I have decided that I do want a desk top and not another laptop.

In the passed I have had 2 Medion computers from Aldi and although people said the components would not be as good as other computers, I have found them very reliable. However, Aldi don't seem to be having so many offers these days, but Medion computers are still available.

I also looked at Dell, but I have been able to speak to Medion people, when necessary, which goes a long way for me.

Here are a couple of Specifications of computers I am thinking about and I would be pleased if someone would look at the them and let me know which is the better. The more expensive one has 1.5Tb HD capacity and 8 Gb RAM, whilst the less expensive one has 2Tb capacity and 6Gb RAM.

Here they are:

http://www.medion.com/gb/prod/MEDION%C2%AE+AKOYA%C2%AE+P5363+E+%28MD8318%29/310016298

http://www.medion.com/gb/prod/MEDION%C2%AE+AKOYA%C2%AE+P5708+E+%28MD8322%29/310016352

If you click on the tabs the various specs are there.

Thanks.

[Ian]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

Hi Audrey - I think these are quite expensive for the specification. I paid less for my laptop and have a more powerful CPU; and it's a latop! (Laptops are more expensive than an equivalent spec. desktop PC box).

How about this for a a couple of hundred less?

http://www.acerdirect.co.uk/Refurbished_Grade_A1_Acer_Aspire_X3990_Core_i7_Windows_7_Gaming_Desktop_PC__A1-PT.SGKE2.446/version.asp

Ian

[escallonia]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

I have bought my computers from this company for over 12 years now also my wife has bought a desk top and now has a Asus lap top.

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?PAGE=PRODCATEGORYVIEWPAGE&USG=APPLICATION&ENT=APPLICATION&KEY=957476

[Pol]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

Audrey,

I realise I'm not exactly the most clued up techie type and I usually rely on our eldest son to help and advise me when I'm after a new desktop or lappy. Anyway, I'm gonna dive in here and make a couple of suggestions for you to consider, or for any of the more geeky blokes to knock on the head if they feel so inclined.

Did you know Dell uk still has a few clearance offers on Windows 7 machines, assuming you'd rather tick along with Win7 rather than go for Windows 8 yet (maybe youwanna wait for a couple od service packs to iron out any Win8 glitches)?

The only desktop in Win 7 clearance is HERE so you might want to see if it would be ok for now. It's also customisable so see what you think.

The other option, which is something I'm considering myself, would be to wait a while longer, maybe another year or 18 months, see how things go with Windows 8 maybe and treat yourself to an All in One desktop. Something like the ones shown HERE


Pol

[Ian]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

OK, I think a methodical approach is required.

So let's recap - the computer will be used for managing a large archive of photos and for editing photos as well as browsing the Internet, email and watching TV.

I guess it won't be used for demanding 3D games or simulations, so a high-end graphics card won't be necessary.

From what I know the requirement is for a medium speed processor, a generous amount of memory (8GB or more), and a large hard disk (2TB).

So using the Mesh PC builder page I came up with this:

[Pol]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

The other option, which is something I'm considering myself, would be to wait a while longer, maybe another year or 18 months, see how things go with Windows 8 maybe and treat yourself to an All in One desktop. Something like the ones shown HERE


Pol

Audrey,

If you're not familiar with the idea of an All in One desktop, Lenovo have a nice 'take a tour' video of one of their All-in Ones HERE

basically - th 'tower' is a small box that just sits behind the monitor on your desk .. like wot my router is doing now. I think they also set themselves up straight from the box, rather like a lappy would - though I can't be 100% sure about that.

I should add I'm not familiar with Lenovo desktops, though I recently grabbed one of their laptops to tide me over until I'm satisfied Windows 8 is glitch free with a couple of service packs under it's belt.

Hope all those links help and maybe give you something to mull over.

So c'mon fellas - discuss, or are we all 'condemned 'to laptops forever more? Whad'ya gonna do when yer current desktop croaks?

Pol

[Pol]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

I have bought my computers from this company for over 12 years now also my wife has bought a desk top and now has a Asus lap top.

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default...ION&KEY=957476

I also had a good experience with Mesh for many years, though I eventually changed to Dell maybe 6-7 years ago when my son found me a special offer that suited my needs.

Pol

[Autumn]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

Once again, thanks everyone for your time.

I did look at the refurbished one Ian, but they were out of stock and I see they were only offering 3 months warranty.

The Mesh one that you show is similar to one I had already looked at and was at the point of asking what everyone thought when you showed it. I think it looks about what I am looking for and you know what I need more than I do.

I thought it only had 2 USB ports. Is this normal? I have about 6 on my current one and most of them are in use.

Has it got an in built memory card reader?

Are you able to send me a link to the page where you designed it?

Finally, what would you go for? Win8 or Win7?



Thanks Pol and Escallonia for your inputs. All good stuff. I like the look of the all in ones, but to get the spec I need, it would be beyond my budge.

[Ian]

http://www.meshcomputers.com/Default.aspx?PAGE=PRODUCTCONFIGPAGE&USG=PRODUCT&ENT=PRODUCT&KEY=1065418

I think it will show minimum spec. But if you follow the bulleted list I posted earlier you should be able to change the spec. for the build. Just shout if you need any help

Ian

[Autumn]

[Ian]

Re: Help required with New Computer Specs

Hi Audrey, the SSD will make the operating system very responsive. You should see a lot less of the busy symbol. Everything should be much more snappy.

You will install your programs as usual on the same drive as Windows (normally the C: drive) but you will need to configure your documents and photo folders to be on the 2TB drive.

We can help you to migrate your date to the new PC

Ian