Forum Topic

Computer advice please.

I need advice from IT techies, about what new computer I should buy. My present PC is old, scarred, dirty and well past it's "sell by" date(like myself).I would like to buy a computer system that would be able to receive(at the press of a button) the five terrestrial TV channels with high definition digital pictures and sound(I don’t want or need SkyTV  etc), also digital radio stations, be able to play all my DVDs, using one monitor and computer and without miles and miles of cables and other bits and pieces. Oh and a good b/w printer too. Is there such a computer/monitor available? And how much would a good system cost please? And what local computer retailer should I go to, who won't see me coming for miles and fleece me – not only supply but install as well. I am prepared to have a new aerial erected, which will be able to get the best quality HDTV and digital radio sound reception and whatever other things needed. Oh and I also need a feed for TV reception in our living room too.Being a complete IT ignoramus, I'd appreciate some good advice. Thanks.  ;-)

Gerry Tan ● 6885d11 Comments

You could try Guy Wilson at Bespoke Blue, he takes care of my computer system.  08452 263 646, e-mail guy@bespokeblue.co.uk.

Emma Renton ● 6885d

Is something like this what you wanthttp://tinyurl.com/2pabwlGiven it has the integral TV tuner and the ability to play blu-ray discs, implying High Definition maybe possible.Plus if you do go for this, and you link in via quidco.com, you can get 5% of the money you spend on this back

James Lockwood ● 6885d

Blimey Gerry, are you sure you wouldn't like it to bring you a cup of tea in bed in the morning as well?Actually I would like to know the bit about running a TV as a second screen, it would be great for iTunes.

Peter Wright ● 6885d

Gerry,how about an iMac - all-in-one 20-inch monitor and computer (very simple to set up), comes with easy to use software, no viruses to worry about. £799. [Macs can run Windows too, but I can't see why you'd want to....]For TV use, get an Elgato EyeTV for DTT (£60), which comes with nice video recording software, gets all the Freeview channels, and again is simple to set up - plug it into a USB port.If you want HDTV you will have to get a Sky+ HD subscription (or perhaps a cable subscription - but I don't think that Virgin does HD in this area yet) - Freeview is digital but not HD.If you really want HDTV, buy a good LCD HDTV set (Richer Sounds in West Ealing have some at lower prices than most or go to John Lewis - which gives a longer warranty than anyone else), and buy a Mac Mini (£399 - John Lewis or direct from Apple), and plug it into the HDTV - computer and TV in one.As for TV reception/aerial, we've used Lee Hamilton (07950 267074) a couple of times and he's not only good but inexpensive and will sort out the feeds to the different rooms.For printers, the Canon Pixma range are probably your best bet (the inks cost less than with most others and Which? rate them best buys), we've got a couple and they work well.

David Fox ● 6885d

David is right about the only HD programs only being available via satellite at the moment,the BBC/Ofcom are carrying out tests to try and squeeze four HD channels on the Freeview service,but it's probably a couple of years away yet.   I'm afraid computer screens aren't Hi-Def enough or the right shape for HD,this explains all,about halfway down the page.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDTV  The BBC and others are lauching their own satellite service (Freesat) early in 2008,this will have the capacity to carry more HD programs.http://www.ukfree.tv/fullstory.php?storyid=1107051231

Tony Wood ● 6885d

Tony wrote: >I'm afraid computer screens aren't Hi-Def enough or the right shape for HD

David Fox ● 6884d

Hi David  Yes you can get monitors that are "good for HD" if as you mention they have an HDMI (High Def Multi Media Input)and are fairly large,you mention 32 inch,unfortunately that renders them pretty useless for general desktop computing,if like most folk you want to sit with nose pressed against the screen when computing,Though I suppose I could get used to working with the keyboard/mouse a few  feet away from the screen "eventually".   Really I thought all I was doing was flagging up that there may be a problem,I doubt that you could go into one of the major electrical outlets and come out with a working system that fits Gerrys requirements. I totally agree about the Freeview situation,though I suspect they need the advertising revenue from the telesales companies and yes to view HD on it you would need an MP4 decoder,more expense for not very much gain,same 4 channels but in HD! It seems to me that it would be prudent to wait and see what the BBC lead consortium come up with on Freesat,it's only a few months away,I was talking recently to an ex colleague who's involved in the tests, he was adamant that Freesat is the way forward...I shall wait and see,interesting times.

Tony Wood ● 6884d

Coincidentally this from Ofcom just landed on my desktop.http://www.ofcom.org.uk/research/tv/reports/hdmystery/

Tony Wood ● 6884d

"Gerry,how about an iMac - all-in-one 20-inch monitor and computer (very simple to set up), comes with easy to use software, no viruses to worry about. £799. [Macs can run Windows too, but I can't see why you'd want to....]"I'd suggest this as well - on paper Mac's look expensive but if you spec up a similar Dell system they are often a similar price - albeit the Dell will be stuffed with crap trial software that will try and make you pay for upgrades every time you use it.I'd recommend a trip to the Apple store on Regent street so you can try one out - they have loads of test computers for people to explore / play with... something you can't do when you buy online or at PCworld..

Ed Yelland ● 6884d

Tony wrote: >I doubt that you could go into one of the major electrical outlets and come out with a working system that fits Gerrys requirements.more expense for not very much gain,same 4 channels but in HD

David Fox ● 6884d