Buying a PC in the UK

What are you going to use it for?

They will always ask so you had better decide this before you go shopping. You could want it for correspondence (word processing), for sums (spreadsheet), for surfing the Internet, for games, for graphics, for learning about computers, or for business (database and / or accounting).

Your local Dealer

Never bought a PC? Why not go and have a chat with your local dealer and see what he recommends. He may have some special offers, may be able to install it for you - not that it is very difficult - and must be the best source of help if it doesn't work.

And it is probably about the same price as the mail order companies.

Personally I would stay clear of the big chains of highstreet shops; they seem to be expensive, have such a wide range that you get confused, and sometimes the staff do not seem to be giving useful guidance.

PC Magazines

There are several magazines which have listings and recommendations. They tend to have rather a lot of pages, and you may find they confuse.

Buying on the Internet

Some well known companies are listed below. It seems quite difficult to cut through the sales pitch and get down to the bottom line on how much it is going to cost you. You can sometimes order on line.

Mail Order

If you have done it before, or have someone next door who can help you open the boxes and plug it in then mail order may be good. Normally they have good warranty, and if it does not work then there is normally a hot line so you can ring up, and if all else fails a repairman will call.

Who to contact

There are a lot of companies. Some have package offers, which you may be able to vary, or will let you specify exactly what you want and will then calculate the price. These companies have a good reputation, there are others about whom I have no experience:

Dell Computers - 0870-907-5865
http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/uk/enu/gen/

Evesham Micros Ltd - 0800-496-0800
http://www.evesham.com/

Gateway Computers - 0800-973-132
http://www.uk-gateway.com/