When purchasing a new computer.

[nightshade]

As the Off Topic forum has closed I wish to ask anyone here what they would advise and recommend regarding brand, build, and processor when purchasing a new desktop computer, not a laptop!

All I really need it for is to surf, burn CD's, create MP3's etc
but I am not interested in the light scribe technology.

Not sure about Athlon or Intel, currently have Athlon.

Many thanks

[YoKenny]

nightshade ( not the deadly kind http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atropa_belladonna ) seeing you are in the UK how about having a look at:
http://www.pcw.co.uk/hardware/desktops

[.: Mac :.]

And while you are buying a new Computer, You need to consider the fact that since you are not going to be doing anything intensive try not to buy more power than you need.

[Chim]

And while you are buying a new Computer, You need to consider the fact that since you are not going to be doing anything intensive try not to buy more power than you need.

Nnnnggg, while in certain instances that approach can have its merits, in other instances, it can backfire ... like it did with me.     Back in February 2001, in my Pre-Internet Days, I was doing a lot of Procedure Creating in MS Publisher and drawing a lot of Illustrations in Windows Paint at work.  So, I wanted to buy a computer JUST for that.  At that time, I thought I had no need or use for E-mail and much less ... the Internet.  I had never used MS Access and didn't even know what PowerPoint did.  So, I opted to go with the Small Business Edition Office Suite, which has MS Publisher, but NOT MS Access or MS PowerPoint.  I even tried to get the Gateway Salesperson to NOT include AOL on my computer, but they said that could not be done.  It was part of the Standard Gateway package.  I was like, "FINE!  Whatever!"  I went with the Celeron-based cheapest computer they had there at Gateway because after all, I was ONLY going to be creating Procedures on MS Publisher and drawing Windows Paint Illustrations.  How much Power and extra Programs could I possibly need?   

Years later, I end up needing MS PowerPoint and even MS Access.  And of course, now I use the Internet, as much as I fought to try and have the FREE AOL NOT included in my computer back then because I would have ZERO need for this ... this Internet THING.  How things change.  Well, we don't have a Crystal Ball to see what we're going to need in the future.  We make our call based on what we THINK we need the computer for ............ now.

[bob3160]

Back in February 2001

With all of the computer development that's happened in the past few years,
2001 can be considered the dark ages.
It's good to keep up with modern technology even when you get to be my age    which means
every few years you should buy a new computer. 

[ardvark]

All I really need it for is to surf, burn CD's, create MP3's etc
but I am not interested in the light scribe technology.

Hi Nightshade...

Pretty much any computer out there for sale nowadays will do this for you, whether low, middle or high end. You didn't mention gaming or video work as part of your requirements, so you probably won't need anything too intensive graphics wise. Your concern here (with respect to price and your overall enjoyment of and the longevity of your computer,) will be quality. I would try to avoid going too cheap as this will affect the kind of components that will go into your system.

I would personally recommend having your system custom built (or building it yourself, if you have that kind of know how) with your choice of components. As far as brand, although they are small(ish) and are not well known, I've had excellent experience with AOpen motherboards/computers. My last desktop system had the AX6BC, built in 1998-99, and when I gave the system away a couple months ago after I received my laptop, it was still going strong (and still is.) This is after literally being used almost every single day since I received it in 2003, not counting how often it was used by the last owner. Plus a processor and BIOS upgrade/update. I've seen boards go out long before this.

However, if you're needing the OS (Windows XP or Vista) to come with it and not bought seperately, then probably something from a major (or local) manufacturer (Dell, HP, Compaq, eMachines, Gateway, etc. as an example) would be preferable. Just make sure to do some research on the system before you buy it to make sure quality is on par and there are no major defects or problems.

Hope this helps...

Best Regards...

[Chim]

One tip that a friend of mine gave me before I settled on the Gateway that I've always had, was to buy a computer that has Standard plain ole Flat-faced CD Drives.  This way if when it's out of warranty you have to replace one, it's easier to just get one at any Computer store.  If on the other hand you buy a computer with FANCY-faced / Special-door-ed CD Drives, you can't just go into any Computer store and buy a replacement, much less for a decent price.