cheap computer

[eillek]

does anybody know where i can buy a cheapish computer dont want anything special just a basic desktop and monitor it wont be used for downloading music or anything just to go on the internet and play games i preferable want to purchase from a shop as opposed to online thanks

[Buenchico]

Hmm. I find a couple of difficulties in attempting to answer your question:

Firstly, with the exception of over-priced companies like PC World, there are very few national firms selling PCs. That means that, if you want to buy from a shop, you'll need to go to a local trader. Without knowing which part of the country you're in, it's going to be very difficult for anyone to point you in the right direction.

Secondly, you say that the PC won't be used for anything special and then you mention gaming. Things like downloading music don't require very much out of a computer (except possibly a broadband connection and a fairly large hard drive). Apart from a few specialist applications such as video-editing, nothing makes greater demands upon a computer than the latest video games. So, while the most basic of desktop computers may well be suitable for word processing, internet browsing and downloading music, it won't be much use for many modern games.

It's not my intention to be entirely negative in this post. I'm happy to recommend a firm which sells both new and reconditioned PCs (at really low prices), both online and from their showroom in Stockport. They give excellent customer service and, if you explain your needs, they'll make sure that you're supplied with a suitable PC (rather than just going for the greatest commission, like the sales staff in a certain national company I've mentioned):
http://www.accomputerwarehouse.com/
(Note that their website doesn't always show all of their offers. Either invest �1.99, at your newsagents, for a copy of Micro Mart and read their advert or, simpler, phone them up to discuss your requirements).

In order that other AB members can assist you further, may I suggest that you should post again, stating which part of the country you're in and giving examples of the types of games you

[Buenchico]

. . .want the PC to be able to handle.

Chris

(I hate it when AB cuts the last part of my posts off like that!)

[rojash]

As Chris says, if you want it for gaming, then you really need to be looking at a pretty highly spec'd machine, and especially you will want a decent video card (not an onboard video with shared memory - which is what you get with most economy models).

[RATTER15]

It sounds like you would be better off buying a high spec second user pc that is fully upgradable.

I have seen second user high spec PCs locally for around the �350 �400 mark

[vinrex7]

I know you don't want to buy online, but really to get a good deal you'll have to. i bought my pc off e bay, and it cost me �700, then when i went into a local computer shop the same spec pc was �1300. As mine was brand new i think i had a bargin, and i have never had a days trouble with it.

i suggest you look on ebay, and as lomg as the sellers feedback is good you should be ok.

[jordi2k]

As mentioned before, you'll be hard pressed to find a highstreet shop cheaper than online..

Depending on where you live, there may be a Computer Market close by.. check out http://www.computermarkets.co.uk for your nearest location.. These are a mixture of online/local dealers who set up stalls and sell things extremley cheap.

Failing that, check out http://www.bigpockets.co.uk where they have basic PC's starting from �39.99 including a monitor...