On Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:43:27 -0800 (PST), Jim K
wrote:

On Dec 17, 10:25*am, Mark
wrote:
On Sun, 16 Dec 2012 14:01:32 +0000, Bob H wrote:
On 16/12/2012 12:12, Jim K wrote:
used to subscribe to PcPro years ago, been on their website for a look
at their "A List" for a new lappy/desktop but disappointed as some of
the kit listed looks a bit dated??

Where;s a useful source of buying guidance these days?

Cheers
Jim K

Try this site as well:http://www.techradar.com/

You could post your specific requirements here or uk.comp.homebuilt.
I'm sure you'll get plenty of supplies.

My advice is to get a desktop unless you need portability. *Laptops
are still less reliable than desktops.

Requirements - basically just a "once every 5/6/7 years" catch up
purchase - nothing "mission critical", intensive, no gaming, just
boring old Office, photo editing, web, email etc

Current desktop is archaic, runs Win XP, struggles with web browsing,
rest is acceptable (just) using "period" versions of Excel, Word etc.

Probly after a new monitor too, current 15" flatscreen works fine but
feels somewhat small...
Will re-use keyboard, mouse etc, presume IDE CD/DVD burners etc are
now obsolete?

Budget £500 max??

A low end machine from a good maker would be suitable, I think. I've
just ordered a barebones PC from CCL. I'm sure they can supply
something suitable for you too. If you want Windows then it will be
Windows 7 (or 8) now - although you can always install Linux. :-)

Some PCs have legacy IDE connectors but you can buy adaptors if they
don't. Get plenty of RAM whatever you buy. Again some PCs don't have
legacy keyboard/mouse connectors so you might need adaptors or new
keyboard/mouse.

Most barebones don't come with monitors but they are easy to find.

If you want readymade PCs then HP still have some available although
they're not cheap.

Current lappy is ageing Asus EEE, starting to struggle too but bit
better than desktop. Running XP & mainly used for email, web browsing.

Budget? £300??

I don't know so much about budget laptops. I think Asus and Acer do
plenty. I'm sure others here will chip in.
--
(\__/) M.
(='.'=) If a man stands in a forest and no woman is around
(")_(") is he still wrong?