Computers

I am regularly asked by friends and family as to "what computer should I buy" - this is a hard question for me, because I use an Apple Mac as my main computer, but I also have a Dell PC for running Microsoft Windows stuff on - there are just too many Windows only programs (such as games etc) to be able to not have a Windows computer for your home, so I can't recommend that you have only a Mac.

I've been recommending and using Dell systems for a while now, in fact, in the last year i've been responsible for about 30 desktops and laptops being purchased - all Dell. Why Dell? Well, they work - the only problems i've had is one dead mouse on delivery, and one dead PSU after 18 months - they are very well priced, and their technical support is very good (which saves you calling me).

Dell have a huge range of computers, and deciding which is best, is always difficult. The two questions to ask is "how much can I spend" and "what kind of screen do you want". I tend to suggest (a) spend as much as you can, the system will last longer, and "get the biggest flat screen you can fit on your desk" - if you spend hours looking at the screen, bigger screens are easier to read.

If you are going to use your system mainly for fast-action games, then it could be worth considering a high end CRT monitor (not flat screen), as they are better for fast moving images - but in reality, a flatscreen works for most people, is neat, uses less electricity and generates less heat.

Assuming you will use your system for some word processing, web browsing, emailing, and a few games, If you have about £800 (or £625 if you only want 1 year warranty), you can purchase an excellent system - the Dimension 5150 - click the Dell advert (left), and click on "shop by evalue code" at the top right hand corner - enter UKDHSONL D02513 in the e-value code boxes. That has a 19" flat screen, lots of memory, and a very fast processor - think about whether you need the standard 3 year warranty, or want to do with less - the default 3 year warranty costs about £150 - but guarantees you no hastle for 3 years. Dell will phone you and see if you want to extend the warranty if you opt to save money now.

For under £725 (or about £600 with 1 year warranty), you can buy a similar system but with a 17" flat screen - enter UKDHSONL D12512 in the e-value code boxes, and again select the 1 year warranty option.

You can buy a basic system for around £350 (Dimension 3100), although I recommend at least a 2.8Ghz processor and 512Mb of memory if you can - it will last longer before you need to replace it in a few years time. Around £390 will buy you one with a flat-screen - e-value code is UKDHSONL D02312, again i've selected the 1 year warranty, although you can have even less - but I dont recommend that.

Shall I buy now, or next month? - surely it will be cheaper? - well, that is possibly true, but in fact some prices to go up (after December for instance) - and, of course, you are buying a new computer because your old one is old and slow, so you may as-well enjoy it now! The only caveat to that, is sometimes Dell have a few discounts offered in the 2nd or 3rd week of a month.

NB. If the e-value codes dont work, change the 1st 2 numbers in the code to the current month (i.e 02 for February), or the next month if in the last week of the month (i.e use 03 for the last week for February).