[CrazyDaizy]

Hia folks

We are getting a Replacement Tower for our computer.

We hoped for Pentium, but our local computer shop advises AMD Anthlon 64.

I havent a clue what any of this means, but is AMD Anthlon better than Pentium?

[philthomas]

I would seriously comsider finding a new supplier, as their advice is not correct.

Tell us your budget and what the machine is going to be used for and we can give you more detailed advice.

[Hybr!d]

Get them to quote you properly with a full system spec and post it here so we can pick it to pieces. :)

[CrazyDaizy]

Ok Guys... well I have phoned two local computer shops, local = personal, rather than pick my way through the big stores.

First shop has an offer of £372.00 and will "custom build" a Replacement Tower for us....
AMD Anthlon 4600 64
4600 x 2 CPU
2GB Ram, 250 GB HDD
Windows XP Home
Dual Core Processor
Windows XP (Apparently Vista not ideal)
Charging an extra £30 for Norton Anti Virus

Second shop, again will "custom build" a Replacement Tower for us for £339.00
Core 2 Duo HZ
1 GB Ram
250 GB Hard drive
DVD Rewriters
Windows XP (again they advise this rather than Vista)
Will include Anti virus software "Kasperski" which apparently is the second best anti virus software.

All these numbers are confusing to me. Do they automatically come with Microsoft Word/Office?

It's for home use. We use spreadsheets on it, typing letters, the kids use it for media, making videos for YouTube, photos, internet. Not interested in a TV but video would be useful. Our current PC has 250GB but this is probably too much for us anyway. Budget..... around £350-500.... though havent a clue what's ideal.

I just want something that works!!!

[Hybr!d]

Some points; The second spec is missing the CPU model number, which is important to tell the speed. Office software is not normally included and is very expensive. Do not pay £30 for Norton anti-virus, it is crap and anti-virus is available free online.

[philthomas]

Also ..... the first spec is very out of date .... this is the type of machine that would have been current around 2 years ago.

Tell us what the machine is to be used for and your maximum budget and we can find something suitable.

[Hybr!d]

Originally Posted by philthomas

Also ..... the first spec is very out of date .... this is the type of machine that would have been current around 2 years ago.

Tell us what the machine is to be used for and your maximum budget and we can find something suitable.

..........................

It's for home use. We use spreadsheets on it, typing letters, the kids use it for media, making videos for YouTube, photos, internet. Not interested in a TV but video would be useful. Our current PC has 250GB but this is probably too much for us anyway. Budget..... around £350-500.... though havent a clue what's ideal.

[CrazyDaizy]

The second spec (I have just phoned the guy) is CPU E4600

+ thanx for the info on Anti Virus!

Why is office software expensive? Surely most people need this?

It's all very confusing, but I have to say, by visiting this wonderful website this past week, I have learnt a lot

[philthomas]

Thanks Dave ..... I missed that

[Hybr!d]

Well as a guide this Acer is available at ebuyer.com and is not only a better spec than the machines you posted but is much cheaper as well. It also has Vista and there is no reason not to run Vista these days. http://www.ebuyer.com/product/143130