New PC question

[tigersaw]

Just been browsing PC world, looking for a replacement PC as mine is creaking a bit.

They have a nice looking little HP, the S3010, which thell will sell as base unit for £299. I like it because its small neat and quiet. However, I don't know my processor from my kettle, so is the following spec, erm, up to spec?

• Intel Celeron D Processor 360
• 1024MB RAM Memory
• Genuine Windows Vista (R) Home Premium
• 160GB Hard Drive
• Dual Layer DVD RW with Lightscribe
• Intel GMA 950 Graphics
• 15-In-1 Media Card Reader
• 5 USB Connections
• 1 PCI Slot

I dont play games on it, just download tv shows, surf the net etc. I would like to use my long lasting trial version of Phtoshop on it though. Not worried about 160Gb drive, got plenty of usb external Gb.

I wouldn't buy it for me.

It comes with Vista which needs a meg of ram minimum - which is what you've got - see if there's a better deal out there (i.e. 2 meg ram or with Windows XP instead).

It comes with a Celeron processor.....nowadays you'll be after a core-duo/dual core - think 2 processors to spread out the workload between them. Useful if you're watching movies & using photoshop.

Look at Dell's website - even Currys online, pc direct etc.....so you get a feel for budget/spec.

Nice size HD though.....does it have an internal internet connection?

[tigersaw]

Originally Posted by Kinvig

I wouldn't buy it for me.



Nice size HD though.....does it have an internal internet connection?

Umm pass. Its got a ethernet port so thats all I'd need.
What appeals is the size, like really tiny.

However, if its going to groan under the strain and has a dated processor I wont bother.

Thanks for reply

I'd back that - aim for a minimum of a Core 2 Duo around the 2Ghz mark (E6400 and above) and 2 Gb of RAM, and you should be sorted. It might come in a touch over the price, but the C2D is a far better processor even though it runs at a lower clock speed. Its a lot more efficient at moving bits (originally, it was a mobile processor), and some software is starting to take advantage of the dual core systems.

Dells small business section is pretty handy for this sort of thing, because you can opt for XP Professional instead of Vista Business there. Thats where I buy for work, although I'm a home-build addict for myself.

Never Buy Anything Celeron!!!!

Dell have a factory outlet site too which often has base only bargains.

Originally Posted by tigersaw

• Intel Celeron D Processor 360
• 1024MB RAM Memory
• Genuine Windows Vista (R) Home Premium
• 160GB Hard Drive
• Dual Layer DVD RW with Lightscribe
• Intel GMA 950 Graphics
• 15-In-1 Media Card Reader
• 5 USB Connections
• 1 PCI Slot

Personally i wouldn't.

Vista is a HOG. you'll need 2 gig of memory realistically.


The celerons aren't up to it. You really should be going for a core2duo of some description.

1 PCI is not really great for future upgrades.

On board GFX - not too bad if you REALLY don't want to do anything other than surf the net and word etc.....

I'd be making sure it had an AGP/PCI-e slot too.

I'd echo what ppl have said about the Celerons ... don't touch them and ESPECIALLY NOT when trying to run Vista.

As for the rest ... it's a trade-off ... if you want more PCI slots then you'll need to be looking at a bigger system (or a Shuttle system - which ups the expense). But if you don't want "future upgradeability" then maybe the "small footprint" of the system will suffice.

Looks like you already know your usage ... and what you need for that is a good CPU (number 1 priority IMHO for what you want to do). The posts above have all made good recommendations for CPU's. Next is Memory (RAM). The more the merrier ... but remember that RAM is something you can always add later (or replace). But the biggest factor is Operating System. If you get XP then you'll want a minimum of 512MB. Vista needs a minimum of 1GB. Then work the rest out from there.

HTH,
Pete

ditto previous comments..

all these cheap computers are a complete waste of time in my books - the software out nowadays far exceeds some of the spec's of these machines.

Have you considered taking your machine to the local tinkerer' and getting the parts off ebay and him installing it all ? I had a 'creaky' laptop and one visit to crucial memory and a few sticks of DDR RAM later, the laptop is loving his latest lease of life.

[yorkie_chris]

Wouldn't get anything with vista on it. Not for a year or 2 anyway, too much posh "user friendly" stuff that just complicates things.
XP Pro is the best one out there IMO, if you want posh get the 64 bit version if you have the hardware for it.